Wicked, explained

Wicked, the highly anticipated adaptation of the popular Broadway musical, is just about everywhere. The first half of the saga, released on November 22, made $114 million in its opening weekend domestically, and it has already generated some early Oscars buzz. Wicked: Part Two is set to premiere in November 2025.

Directed by Jon M. Chu, who also directed Crazy Rich Asians, the movie’s plot dives into the “true story” of Elphaba, the “Wicked Witch of the West,” and Glinda the “Good Witch,” reimagined from the classic book series and film The Wizard of Oz. It stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as Elphaba and Glinda, respectively, along with Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum as other residents of the land of Oz.

From its backstory to its politics to understanding why fans are “holding space” for it, follow along here for everything you need to know about the film.