Wicked Part 1 Runtime and Release Format
The first installment of the two-part film adaptation of the Broadway musical Wicked has a confirmed theatrical runtime of approximately 148 minutes, or 2 hours and 28 minutes, making it one of the longest musical films in recent release. The decision to split the story into two movies was announced by Universal Pictures and producer Marc Platt in 2022, with the first part focusing on the early friendship between Elphaba and Glinda and their divergent paths into the worlds of Oz. The film was directed by Jon M. Chu and adapted by Winnie Holzman and Stephen Schwartz, who also wrote the original stage score and book. The runtime was finalized after test screenings and studio reviews, and the film was released in theaters worldwide in November 2024 in standard, IMAX, and select premium large formats. For more on the production timeline and casting, see the official Universal Pictures announcement and coverage on Forbes.
Compared with other recent musical adaptations, the Wicked Part 1 runtime places it among the longer entries in the genre, exceeding the runtime of the 2012 Les Misérables film and approaching the length of the 2021 West Side Story remake. The extended runtime reflects the inclusion of multiple new songs and expanded scenes not present in the stage version, particularly in the first act. The film was shot using large-format cameras for IMAX sequences, and the runtime was structured to allow a natural intermission point in many screenings. The two-part strategy was partly driven by the complexity of the Oz mythology and the desire to preserve the full narrative arc without compressing key character moments. Additional details on the production and box office performance are tracked by industry sources such as Box Office Mojo.
Cast, Music, and Production Details
The principal cast of Wicked Part 1 includes Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, Ariana Grande as Glinda, Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard of Oz, and Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, with supporting roles filled by Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Bridges, and Peter Dinklage. The film features an expanded score by Stephen Schwartz that includes classic songs from the stage show such as "Defying Gravity," "Popular," and "The Wizard and I," along with new compositions written for the screen adaptation. The production design, costumes, and practical effects were overseen by a large creative team, with the film shot on location and in studio to recreate the colorful world of Oz. The music was recorded with a full orchestra and choir, and the soundtrack was released alongside the film by Republic Records. For more on the cast and creative team, see the official Universal Pictures site.
The production budget for Wicked Part 1 has been widely reported to be in the range of 150 to 200 million dollars, placing it among the most expensive musical films ever produced. The budget reflects the extensive visual effects, prosthetic makeup, and large-scale set pieces required to bring the Oz sequences to life. The film was produced by Marc Platt Productions and distributed by Universal Pictures, with financing and international sales handled through Universal's global distribution network. The soundtrack and associated merchandise have generated significant pre-release revenue, and the film's marketing campaign emphasized the star power of Erivo and Grande alongside the legacy of the Broadway show. Industry analysis of the film's financial structure and revenue streams is available on Reuters.
Box Office and Audience Reception
Wicked Part 1 opened to strong box office results in its first weekend, debuting at the top of the domestic box office and performing well in international markets, particularly in the United Kingdom, Germany, and Japan. The film received a