Wicked Length Movie - What To Know About Its Runtime
So, a lot of people are talking about the new "Wicked" movie, and for pretty good reason. This film, which brings the beloved story to the big screen, arrives in two separate parts. The first part is coming out this Friday, November 22nd, and then we'll have to wait until November 2025 for the second installment. There's quite a bit of chatter, you know, about how long this first film actually is, and it's something many folks are curious about before they settle in to watch.
When the first part of "Wicked" hits theaters, many viewers will be wondering about its duration. It's not every day a major musical movie event decides to split its story, and that decision naturally makes people think about how much time they'll be spending in the cinema. Getting ready for a big screen experience often means planning your day, and knowing the run time is, well, pretty helpful, to be honest.
This initial film, Part One, has a rather interesting duration when you stack it up against its stage show origins. It's a topic that has popped up quite a bit in conversations among those who follow movie news and Broadway happenings. We're going to look closely at all these details, giving you a clear picture of what to expect from this much-anticipated "wicked length movie" experience.
Table of Contents
- The "Wicked" Movie's Big Split
- Who's Behind This "wicked length movie"
- Is the "wicked length movie" Really That Long?
- Comparing the "wicked length movie" to the Stage
- What Makes the "wicked length movie" So Extended?
- The Story Unfolds in the "wicked length movie"
- Will the "wicked length movie" Need a Break?
- Catching the "wicked length movie" at Home
The "Wicked" Movie's Big Split
Okay, so the creative folks behind the "Wicked" movie decided to tell this big story in two separate parts. This means that when you go to see the film, you're only getting half of the tale in this first go-around. The first part, as we've talked about, is set to arrive on Friday, November 22nd, 2024. Then, for the conclusion, everyone will need to wait a whole year, because the second part is scheduled for November 2025. It's kind of a unique way to present a movie, especially one that comes from such a popular stage show, you know?
Breaking a single narrative into two distinct film experiences is, in a way, a pretty significant choice for any filmmaking team. It speaks to the richness of the story they want to share, giving it plenty of room to breathe and unfold on the screen. This approach means that audiences will get a chance to really settle into the world of Oz and its characters before the full story wraps up in the future. It’s definitely something that has kept people talking about the "wicked length movie" and its overall structure.
This decision to split the film means that the first part has to feel complete enough to satisfy viewers for a year, while also leaving them eager for the next installment. It’s a delicate balance, and it’s part of why the actual run time of this initial movie has become such a point of interest. People want to know just how much story they'll get in this first helping, and whether it justifies the wait for the second half. It’s all part of the big picture for this much-anticipated adaptation.
- Capio Partners
- Broadway Direct
- Memphis International Airport
- Roger Williams University
- Pendleton Whiskey
Who's Behind This "wicked length movie"
The first part of this "wicked length movie" was brought to life by director Jon M. Chu, a person known for bringing big, vibrant stories to the screen. The script, which shapes the dialogue and the flow of the story, was put together by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox. These individuals worked to adapt the first act of the stage musical, which first captivated audiences back in 2003. That musical, itself, came from the creative minds of Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman, and it was, in a way, a loose take on Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel. That book, in turn, was a new telling of L. Frank Baum's classic tale.
When it comes to the people who act in this film, the cast includes some very well-known faces. Cynthia Erivo takes on the role of Elphaba, the young woman who is often not understood because of her green skin. Ariana Grande plays Galinda, a popular young woman who attends Shiz University. Other notable performers in the movie include Jeff Goldblum and Michelle Yeoh, adding their talents to the world of Oz. It's a collection of performers that, you know, really helps bring these characters to life in a fresh way.
Behind the scenes, making sure the film gets made, are producers Marc Platt and David Stone. Marc Platt has been involved in many successful films, television shows, and stage productions that have received a huge number of awards and recognition. David Stone, too, has earned many awards for his work on stage shows. These individuals, as a matter of fact, were also the producers for the hugely successful "Wicked" stage musical, so they have a deep connection to this story and its world. Their involvement pretty much assures that this "wicked length movie" is in very capable hands.
Is the "wicked length movie" Really That Long?
One of the biggest questions on everyone's mind about the "wicked length movie" is, well, just how long is it? According to information that's been shared, the first part of "Wicked" runs for 2 hours and 40 minutes. Some sources even suggest it's 2 hours and 41 minutes. This means that audiences will be spending a considerable amount of time watching this initial installment. It's a pretty substantial run time, especially when you consider that it only covers the first half of the entire story. People are naturally going to wonder if it feels that long when they are sitting there.
When a movie's length is discussed so much, it often sets up a certain expectation for viewers. Knowing that this first part is nearly three hours long for only half of the tale might make some people pause. It's a big commitment for an audience, and it makes the experience of watching it in a theater something to prepare for. The director, Jon M. Chu, has actually spoken about this very length, defending the decision to make it so extended. He clearly believes the story needs this much time to properly unfold.
This duration is quite something, particularly for a film that is just the beginning of a larger narrative. It suggests a very detailed telling of the story, with plenty of moments for characters to grow and for the world to be explored. So, yes, the "wicked length movie" is, in fact, quite long for its first part. It's a significant chunk of time, and it highlights the scope and ambition of this movie project, aiming to give fans a very full experience right from the start.
Comparing the "wicked length movie" to the Stage
Here's where the "wicked length movie" really gets interesting in terms of its duration. The entire Broadway musical, from beginning to end, runs for about 2 hours and 40 minutes. This includes a 15-minute break in the middle. So, what we have with the movie's Part One is a film that is almost the exact same length as the *entire* stage show. This is a pretty striking comparison, given that the movie's first part only tells half of the story that the musical covers. It's kind of wild when you think about it.
The stage version of "Wicked" divides its story into two acts. The first act is usually about 1 hour and 30 minutes long, followed by that 15-minute intermission. Then, the second act runs for about an hour. The fact that the movie's Part One, which only covers the first act of the musical, is longer than the entire stage production is a point that has definitely caught people's attention. It makes you wonder, you know, what exactly they've added to fill all that time.
Director Jon M. Chu has, as a matter of fact, addressed this very point, standing by the decision for the movie's extended length. He's explained that the film expands on certain elements and adds new scenes. This long run time for just half the story is, in a way, a bold move. It’s even been compared to other long musical films, like 2012's "Les Misérables," which ran for 2 hours and 38 minutes. But even that film told a complete story in one go. So, the "wicked length movie" really stands out in its approach to time.
What Makes the "wicked length movie" So Extended?
The reason the "wicked length movie" is so long, even for just its first part, comes down to how the creators chose to tell the story. While the movie focuses on the events of the first act of the musical, it doesn't just copy it directly. Instead, it takes the opportunity to expand the backstories of the characters. This means we get more details about their pasts, their motivations, and how they became the people we see on screen. It adds layers to what we already know from the stage show, giving viewers a deeper look into their lives, which, you know, takes time.
Beyond just expanding character histories, the film also includes scenes from Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel, which the musical was loosely based on. This means that certain moments or details that might have only been hinted at, or not present at all, in the stage show are now being brought to life on screen. Adding these extra narrative pieces from the book naturally increases the overall run time. It's a way of enriching the world and the plot, offering something new even for those who know the musical very well.
So, the extended duration of the "wicked length movie" isn't just for the sake of it. It's a conscious choice to flesh out the narrative, giving more context and depth to the characters and their circumstances. This approach aims to provide a very full and immersive experience, making sure that every important detail from the first half of the story is explored thoroughly. It’s essentially a more detailed telling, which, as you can imagine, requires a good bit of screen time to achieve.
The Story Unfolds in the "wicked length movie"
The first part of the "wicked length movie" sets the stage for the well-known tale of the witches of Oz. At its core, the story introduces us to Elphaba, a young woman who, because of her green skin, faces a lot of judgment and ridicule from others. She's often misunderstood and has yet to fully grasp the true extent of her own abilities. Then there's Galinda, a student who is very popular and well-liked by everyone around her. Their paths cross at Shiz University, a place where they both attend classes in the magical land of Oz.
As they spend time together at the university, Elphaba and Galinda, quite unexpectedly, form a bond. Their friendship starts to grow, even though they are very different people. However, their connection reaches a very important turning point after they have an encounter with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz. This meeting changes everything for them, putting their friendship to a real test and sending them down separate paths. It's a moment that, you know, really shapes their future.
This initial film delves into the beginnings of their journey, showing how their relationship develops and then faces its first big challenges. It lays the groundwork for the larger narrative, exploring themes of acceptance, friendship, and discovering one's true self. The "wicked length movie" uses its extended run time to really explore these early interactions and the events that lead to their eventual split, giving plenty of room for the emotional weight of their story to settle in with the audience. It’s pretty much the foundation for everything that comes next.
Will the "wicked length movie" Need a Break?
Given the rather substantial run time of the "wicked length movie" Part One, a question naturally comes up: will it have an intermission? On stage, the "Wicked" musical is structured with a break. The first act of the live show runs for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, and then there's a 15-minute interval before the second act, which lasts for an hour. So, the entire stage production, with its break, comes out to roughly 2 hours and 40 minutes. The movie's first part, as we've seen, is also around 2 hours and 40 minutes, which is longer than the stage musical's first act alone.
When you're sitting in a movie theater for almost three hours, especially when that's just the first half of a story, a break can be pretty welcome. It gives people a chance to stretch their legs, grab a drink, or just take a moment before getting back into the story. The fact that the movie's Part One is longer than the stage show's first act makes the idea of an intermission seem, you know, pretty reasonable. It's a long stretch of time to be seated and focused on the screen without a pause.
While the stage show definitely has a built-in break, it's not always a given that a movie adaptation will include one, even for a "wicked length movie." However, the sheer duration of this film's first part certainly makes it a topic of discussion among those planning to see it. An intermission would help manage the viewing experience for many, especially if they're bringing younger viewers along. It’s something that audiences might be hoping for, to be honest, to make the long viewing time a bit more comfortable.
Catching the "wicked length movie" at Home
Once the "wicked length movie" has had its run in cinemas, there will be ways to watch it from the comfort of your own home. For those who prefer to experience films on their own schedule, you will be able to purchase "Wicked" on digital platforms. This means you can stream it instantly, getting to watch it right away, or you can choose to download it so you can view it even when you don't have an internet connection. It’s a pretty convenient way to catch up on the story or revisit your favorite parts.
Various movie services and platforms will offer options for streaming, renting, and buying the film. This makes it very easy to find where to watch it, no matter which service you typically use. You can look up streaming options, check rental services, and find purchase links on sites like Moviefone. The idea is to make sure that everyone who wants to see the untold story of the witches of Oz can do so with ease, in a way that suits them.
So, whether you're eager to see Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, the young woman who is not understood but has great power, or Ariana Grande as Glinda, the popular young woman, you'll have choices. Watching at home lets you really get into the film's story whenever you want. It’s a great way to enjoy this "wicked length movie" at your own pace, perhaps even pausing it for your own personal intermission if you feel the need. It’s all about making the film accessible to everyone who wants to see it.
This "wicked length movie," with its two parts, offers a detailed look at the start of a much-loved story. The first film, running for about 2 hours and 40 minutes, expands on the original stage musical's first act, adding more backstories and scenes from the book. Directed by Jon M. Chu and featuring a strong cast including Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, it sets up the journey of Elphaba and Galinda's friendship at Shiz University. The film's considerable duration, which is similar to the entire Broadway show, aims to provide a very full experience, leading up to the second part arriving in 2025. It’s a big screen event that gives plenty of room for the story to unfold, promising a rich experience for those who settle in to watch.
Confirmed: 'Wicked' to return for Manila run in 2017
13 little-known facts about the musical 'Wicked' | ksdk.com
WICKED | OFFICIAL TRAILER 2 - YouTube
