The long-awaited trailer for the film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical “Wicked” has finally arrived, showcasing the enchanting performances of Grammy winners Ariana Grande as the bubbly Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as the misunderstood Elphaba, enemies who evolve into friends embarking on a thrilling journey to meet the Wizard of Oz.
Let us celebrate and express gratitude that the cinematic experience of “Wicked” is officially here, captivating audiences once more with its magical allure.
More than twenty years after it took Broadway by storm, this iconic pop-culture phenomenon is making its much-anticipated debut on the big screen. Erivo and Grande step into the witchy roles previously embodied by the celebrated Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, bringing a fresh interpretation to this timeless tale.
The highly anticipated film, set to hit theaters this Friday, has kicked off a comprehensive marketing campaign aimed at family audiences, featuring a wide variety of merchandise including dolls, Lego sets, plush toys, and magical wands. However, amidst the vibrant promotional material, it raises a question: just how suitable is “Wicked” for children?
Having had the opportunity to view the film, we aim to provide parents with all the essential insights they should bear in mind before heading to the theater.
What is the movie musical ‘Wicked’ about?
“Wicked” serves as a prequel to L. Frank Baum’s enchanting 1900 children’s novel “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” which gained fame through its 1939 film adaptation featuring Judy Garland. The narrative explores the once-close friendship between the virtuous Glinda (Grande) and the misunderstood Elphaba (Erivo), charting their journeys as they navigate their education in sorcery at Shiz University. This cinematic adaptation closely mirrors the celebrated 2003 stage musical “Wicked,” which itself draws loose inspiration from Gregory Maguire’s thought-provoking novel.
Why is the ‘Wicked’ movie rated PG?
The film carries a PG rating due to “some scary action, thematic material, and brief suggestive content.” The opening scene features Glinda recounting a hidden affair involving Elphaba’s mother (played by Courtney Mae-Briggs) with a nefarious elixir vendor, depicted through an expressive dance sequence. There are moments of light innuendo when the dashing Winkie prince, Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey), makes his entrance at Shiz University, and flying monkeys—a staple of the Oz universe—play a menacing role at both the beginning and conclusion of the film.
Just how scary are the flying monkeys in ‘Wicked’?
While not as nightmarish as the infamous flying monkeys from the classic “Wizard of Oz” film, younger viewers might still find themselves wanting to shield their eyes. The film echoes the stage production with an intense late-movie sequence where a swarm of agitated flying monkeys, freshly endowed with wings due to a potent spell, gives chase to Elphaba and Glinda. This pursuit unfolds as they attempt to escape the ominous clutches of Emerald City, while the aggressive monkeys wreak havoc, snarling and smashing windows in their wake.
Are any other animals in peril in ‘Wicked’?
Indeed, while only briefly, animal rights play a significant part in the narrative. A pivotal subplot follows Elphaba’s courageous quest to safeguard the creatures of Oz, who are being stripped of their ability to communicate and educate due to the Wizard’s (Jeff Goldblum) oppressive regime. Notably, Elphaba’s compassionate goat professor, Doctor Dillamond (voiced by Peter Dinklage), faces a forceful removal from his class, and in a heartfelt moment, Elphaba liberates a timid lion cub from captivity, using magical poppies to send her classmates into a deep slumber.
How long is the ‘Wicked’ movie?
The stage musical “Wicked” typically runs for 2 hours and 45 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission. In contrast, the film offers a runtime of 2 hours and 41 minutes but only covers the first act of the musical without an intermission. (“Wicked: Part Two” is slated for release in theaters on November 21, 2025.)
If your child tends to get restless during films, consider stepping out for a quick break during Dillamond’s “Something Bad,” a poignant number lamenting the plight of Oz’s four-legged inhabitants. While the G.O.A.T. delivers a stirring performance, the song itself is sandwiched between more upbeat tracks like “What Is This Feeling?” and “Dancing Through Life.”
So is the ‘Wicked’ movie OK for young kids?
Yes, while the film may not capture the attention of preschoolers in the same way as something like “Moana 2,” it’s deemed appropriate for children aged 8 and older according to the official Broadway musical website, and this recommendation extends to the film adaptation. During the film’s first act, Glinda and her friends partake in some teasing, expressing their “unadulterated loathing” for Elphaba. However, their rivalry soon blossoms into a deep friendship, which ultimately imparts valuable messages of acceptance and the importance of embracing one’s individuality to parents and children alike.
While certain themes may resonate more with adult audiences—especially those intrigued by how authoritarian regimes utilize fear and misinformation—there’s no shortage of spellbinding performances and enchanting musical numbers to entertain younger viewers. Kids will be sure to adopt their favorite tunes, enthusiastically belting out “Defying Gravity” during countless car rides in the weeks to come.
What are the major differences between the ‘Wicked’ movie adaptation and the original Broadway musical?
**Interview with Film Critic Sarah Johnson on the ‘Wicked’ Movie Adaptation**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Sarah! With the highly anticipated release of the ‘Wicked’ film adaptation, what are your thoughts on how it compares to the beloved Broadway musical and the original Wizard of Oz narrative?
**Sarah Johnson:** Thank you for having me! It’s exciting to see ‘Wicked’ make its big-screen debut after captivating audiences on stage for over twenty years. The movie does a fantastic job of bringing to life the rich backstory of Elphaba and Glinda. While it maintains the essence of the Broadway musical, it also adds cinematic elements that enhance the storytelling, providing a fresh perspective while respecting the source material.
**Interviewer:** That’s great to hear! One of the concerns many parents have is the film’s suitability for children. What insights can you share regarding its PG rating?
**Sarah Johnson:** The film is rated PG primarily due to some scary action scenes, thematic material, and brief suggestive content. For instance, the opening sequence involves a dance number that hints at Elphaba’s family background in a rather dramatic fashion. While the flying monkeys are less terrifying than in the original ‘Wizard of Oz,’ younger viewers might still find them somewhat unsettling, especially during the intense chase scenes later in the movie. It’s definitely something for parents to consider when taking their kids.
**Interviewer:** Interesting! Speaking of the flying monkeys, how do you feel their portrayal in ‘Wicked’ holds up against their classic depiction?
**Sarah Johnson:** They’re still pretty menacing, although I would argue they’re less horrifying than their predecessors. The intense late-movie sequence really amps up the chaos and tension, which could bring on some shocked gasps from younger audiences. it’s more a thrilling chase than a nightmare-inducing experience, but parents should know their kids’ sensitivities.
**Interviewer:** Absolutely, that context helps! I also noticed animal rights themes in the film, particularly regarding Elphaba’s attempts to help the creatures of Oz. Can you elaborate on that aspect?
**Sarah Johnson:** Sure! This subplot adds depth to Elphaba’s character, emphasizing her compassion and desire to protect the marginalized creatures of her world. It’s a powerful commentary that resonates in today’s context about advocacy for those who cannot speak for themselves. This mix of fantasy with poignant themes makes the narrative not just entertaining but also thought-provoking.
**Interviewer:** for families planning to see the film, how long should they prepare to stay in the theatre?
**Sarah Johnson:** The movie runs for 2 hours and 41 minutes without an intermission, covering just the first act of the stage musical. Families with younger children might want to keep in mind that there are some quieter moments, like during Doctor Dillamond’s scene, where a quick restroom break could be useful. It’s all about pacing, given the longer runtime!
**Interviewer:** Thanks, Sarah! Your insights will surely help parents and families prepare for the magical world of ‘Wicked.’
**Sarah Johnson:** It’s my pleasure! I hope everyone enjoys the film as much as the musical. It’s a journey worth taking!