WickedReview: Ariana Grande Steals the Show in an Oz-some Adaptation of the Hit Broadway Musical

Mar. 15, 2025

Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba in ‘Wicked.'.Photo:Giles Keyte/Universal Pictures

Giles Keyte/Universal Pictures

Wickedis the cinematic equivalent of the tornado fromThe Wizard of Oz: A massive and impressive force that transports anyone in its path to a magical place filled with singing, dancing and — a certain green-skinned character.

InOz, she was the Wicked Witch of the West, a cackling villain determined to destroy Kansan interloper Dorothy.

In director Jon M. Chu’s prequel and origin story — based on the long-running Broadway musical which debuted in 2003 — she’s Elphaba Thropp (Cynthia Erivo), a shy, misunderstood young woman born with special powers and a viridescent tone.

An outcast, she carries a quiet pain that the excellent, affecting Erivo can convey with just a simple look.

Ariana Grande as Glinda in ‘Wicked.'.Giles Keyte/Universal Pictures

At Shiz University, she meets an opposingly iridescent aspiring sorceress (and future Good Witch) Glinda (pop starAriana Grande, whose voice has never sounded better while belting songs like “Popular”).

As any theater nerd can attest, the success ofWickedrelies on the chemistry between its two leads, and Grande and Erivo go together like the film’s pink and green color scheme.

But Grande, in the showier role as the perky, plucky Glinda, owns the moviewith her hair flipsand humorous hubris. Imagine ifElle Woods fromLegally Blondeaspired to sorcery instead of law school (and had a four-octave range to boot).

Erivo’s shining moment comes in the film’s finale, when she soars (literally and figuratively) while delivering a powerful rendition of the inspirational “Defying Gravity.”

Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard of Oz and Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible in ‘Wicked.'.Giles Keyte/Universal Pictures

The star-studded supporting cast includes a very funnyBowen Yangas Glinda’s not-so-nice BFF, a deliciously oilyJeff Goldblumas the smooth-talking Wizard of Oz andMichelle Yeohas Elphaba’s mysterious mentor Madame Morrible, the headmistress of Shiz University.

Oscar winner Yeoh brings a regal presence to the role but, unfortunately, not enough vocal prowess — which is all the more evident when she sings with Erivo.

Though the events of the movie cover only the play’s first act (Part 2 hits theaters on Nov. 21, 2025), the running time is still around 2 hours and 40 minutes (which is about the length of the entire Broadway show).

So be sure to hit the loo before venturing down this yellow brick road.

Wickedis in theaters nationwide on Friday, Nov. 22.

source: people.com