Wicked Director Explains What Makes the Musical Sing on the Big Screen

Wicked Director Explains What Makes the Musical Sing on the Big Screen

As a seasoned cinephile who has seen his fair share of musical adaptations, I must say that Jon M. Chu’s approach to “Wicked” is nothing short of revolutionary. His keen understanding of the medium and its capabilities, combined with a deep respect for the source material, promises an immersive experience that will undoubtedly set a new standard for cinematic musicals.


As a dedicated movie reviewer, I’ve been eagerly anticipating the cinematic adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical “Wicked.” However, when I embarked on the journey to bring this magical tale to life under the guidance of director Jon M. Chu, it quickly became apparent that adapting “Wicked” for the big screen wouldn’t be a straightforward task.

In the original version, Chu explained that in the stage production, the audience is considered part of Oz because the green character (Erivo’s Elphaba) seems like an outsider and thus becomes a source of humor. However, in the film adaptation, the audience is distinct as they must embrace the fantastical world presented to them, complete with musical numbers and dance sequences. Here, the green girl (again, Erivo’s Elphaba) initially appears alienated, but soon becomes relatable, making us empathize with her confusion and sense of belonging nowhere – like a spectator in a musical herself. Chu finds it intriguing that the joke is turned on us, as understanding this perspective change fundamentally alters our viewing experience of the movie.

The filmmaker behind “Crazy Rich Asians” and “In the Heights” noted that his unique cinematic style significantly enhances a particular moment in “Wicked.” During “The Wizard and I,” Elphaba softly sings, “Did that really just happen?” This is when viewers first realize, “She can sing! She can sing better than everyone else here!” Chu pointed out. He believes this method of storytelling through cinema is unparalleled to what can be achieved on stage.

Why Wicked‘s Story Became a Two-Part Movie

Fans can look forward to seeing “Wicked” in cinemas this November, but they’ll only be introduced to half of the musical’s narrative. The second part, titled “Wicked: Part Two,” has already been filmed and is scheduled for release in November 2025. This might surprise some viewers because “Wicked” hasn’t been heavily promoted as a two-part film, and the upcoming movie clocks in at a lengthy 160 minutes – longer than the entire Broadway performance, which usually runs about 2 hours and 30 minutes (excluding its 15-minute intermission).

During an interview with ComicBook, Chu shared his reasoning behind expanding the story of Wicked. “The characters that were originally developed for the stage seemed to require more space,” the director disclosed. “On stage, we often fill in gaps with our imagination. I envisioned Elphaba flying around us, so when I returned, I realized she doesn’t actually fly among us.

He went on to say, “I wanted to bring those moments to life, and emotionally, there are many such moments, like when [Elphaba and Glinda] first move into their dorm room, which aren’t expressed through songs. … For me, those were enjoyable aspects to add depth, and I believe as a movie audience, you need that detail.

The musical “Wicked” premieres in theaters this coming Friday, specifically on November 22nd. The second part of the series, titled “Wicked: Part Two,” is scheduled for release five years later on November 21st, 2025.

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2024-11-18 23:39