The highly anticipated European premiere of the film adaptation of the beloved musical "Wicked" took place at London’s Royal Festival Hall, featuring a star-studded cast and a heartfelt reception. Director Jon M. Chu, alongside lead stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, graced the green carpet, captivating fans despite the rainy weather.
Key Takeaways
- Star-Studded Cast: Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo lead the film, with notable appearances from Jonathan Bailey, Bowen Yang, and Michelle Yeoh.
- Director’s Vision: Jon M. Chu expressed his excitement about bringing the story to life, emphasizing the collaborative effort behind the film.
- Box Office Success: "Wicked" has already made waves at the box office, earning $19 million from previews, setting the stage for a record-breaking Thanksgiving weekend.
The evening was a celebration of creativity and nostalgia, as producer Marc Platt reflected on the journey of "Wicked" from stage to screen. He acknowledged the musical’s origins, stating, "Wicked started 20-some years ago… I set out to make it as a film first." The film’s adaptation has been a long time coming, with the stage musical premiering on Broadway in 2003.
As the cast took to the stage, Chu highlighted the significance of the location, saying, "This is where we built this thing… all the creativity, all the crazy dreamers were here, and we built the Emerald City and Munchkinland."
The Film’s Reception
Critics have praised the film for its visual splendor and powerful performances, particularly from Erivo and Grande. However, some reviews noted the film’s lengthy runtime of 161 minutes, raising questions about pacing and narrative efficiency.
- Cynthia Erivo: Her portrayal of Elphaba has been described as powerful and confident, showcasing her vocal prowess in iconic numbers like "Defying Gravity."
- Ariana Grande: As Glinda, Grande brings a bubbly charm and comedic flair, particularly in the song "Popular."
Despite mixed reviews regarding its length, the film’s themes of friendship and acceptance resonate strongly, making it a timely adaptation of the beloved story.
Box Office Performance
The film’s box office performance has been impressive, with early estimates suggesting it could open to between $85 million and $120 million. This success is attributed to a strong female audience and the film’s positive critical reception.
- Preview Earnings: $19 million from weeklong previews.
- Opening Weekend Projections: Expected to be one of the top openings for a musical film.
As "Wicked" continues to enchant audiences, the anticipation for its sequel, set to release in Thanksgiving 2025, adds to the excitement surrounding this cinematic adaptation. With its blend of fantasy, music, and heartfelt storytelling, "Wicked" promises to be a magical experience for viewers of all ages.
Sources
- ‘Wicked’ Cast Defy Gravity (And London Rain) at Europe Premiere, The Hollywood Reporter.
- Box Office: ‘Wicked’ and ‘Gladiator II’ Do Huge Business in Previews, The Hollywood Reporter.
- ‘Wicked’ review: Movie musical sparkles, despite wickedly long runtime, The Detroit News.
- ‘Wicked’ review: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande shine in lavish adaptation | AP News, AP News.
