‘Wicked’ Musical Film Streaming Release Set for December 31

The highly anticipated film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical Wicked is set to make its digital streaming debut soon, bringing the iconic story to a wider audience. Directed by Jon M. Chu, Wicked is a cinematic take on the hit 2003 musical, which has long captivated theatergoers. The movie opened in theaters across the United States on November 22, 2024, starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, the misunderstood “Wicked Witch of the West,” and Ariana Grande as Glinda, the beloved “Good Witch.” With both Erivo and Grande delivering standout performances, the film promises to enchant viewers as it heads to streaming.

The Wicked movie is based on the Broadway musical of the same name, which was adapted from Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. The original musical, which became a cultural phenomenon after its Broadway debut in 2003, starred Idina Menzel and Kristen Chenoweth. In the film, Erivo portrays the misunderstood Elphaba, whose green skin has caused her to be ostracized, while Grande plays Glinda, the popular, seemingly perfect student at Shiz University in the magical Land of Oz. The story follows the pair’s unlikely friendship and the turning point when their lives are forever changed after an encounter with the enigmatic Wizard of Oz.

The plot for Wicked centers around the relationship between Elphaba and Glinda, who begin as rivals but ultimately form a deep friendship that challenges their understanding of good and evil. In the story, Elphaba’s green skin is a symbol of how she is different, and her experiences highlight themes of acceptance and prejudice. Glinda, on the other hand, represents the beauty of popularity and charm, but her character evolves as she discovers more about herself and the world around her. Their journey together forms the emotional core of Wicked, a tale filled with magical moments, dramatic conflicts, and soaring musical numbers.

Joining Erivo and Grande in the film’s stellar cast are Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Marissa Bode as Nessarose, and Peter Dinklage, who provides the voice of Dr. Dillamond. These characters bring additional depth to the story, each playing key roles in Elphaba and Glinda’s journeys, while also contributing to the larger narrative of the Land of Oz.

The movie’s visual splendor and emotional resonance have captured the attention of audiences and critics alike. After its theatrical release in November, Wicked achieved an impressive opening weekend, grossing $114 million during its first three days in theaters. This strong performance contributed to the film’s rapidly growing box office revenue, which currently stands at nearly $389.2 million in North America and $187.6 million internationally, totaling a worldwide box office of $576.9 million. With a production budget of $145 million before marketing costs, Wicked has already proven to be a commercial success, and its digital release is expected to drive even more revenue.

For those eager to watch Wicked at home, the movie is confirmed to arrive on digital streaming through premium video on demand (PVOD) on December 31, 2024. As of now, the movie will be available on various digital platforms, including Prime Video, AppleTV, and VUDU. Prime Video has confirmed the release date and is offering Wicked for pre-order at a price of $29.99 for the purchase version, while rentals will be available for $24.99 for a 48-hour viewing period. This pricing structure is typical for PVOD releases, where purchasing the film grants permanent access, while renting offers a limited viewing window.

While the streaming premiere is highly anticipated, it is important to note that Universal Pictures, the studio behind Wicked, has not officially confirmed the release date. As such, the date is subject to change. However, When to Stream, a reliable source for PVOD release dates, has consistently reported on upcoming releases, and its information is often accurate. Regardless of the final date, fans can look forward to enjoying the magic of Oz from the comfort of their own homes soon after the theatrical run concludes.

The film’s reception by critics has been overwhelmingly positive. Wicked holds an 88% “Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 362 reviews from critics. The consensus praises the film for its “magical pairing” of Erivo and Grande, calling their performances a central strength of the movie. The RT Critics Consensus reads, “Defying gravity with its magical pairing of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, Wicked’s sheer bravura and charm make for an irresistible invitation to Oz.” These sentiments are echoed by the film’s audience, with Rotten Tomatoes users giving the film a glowing 95% “Fresh” rating, based on over 25,000 verified user reviews. The audience summary reads, “Fly, do not run, to see Wicked, a bewitching musical experience chanted by a spellbinding cast.”

Wicked is rated PG and is currently still playing in theaters, with its digital release scheduled for the end of the year. For those who missed it in cinemas or want to experience the magic again, the upcoming streaming debut offers a chance to enjoy one of the most enchanting musicals of our time in the comfort of their own home. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the Wicked stage production or a newcomer to the story, the film is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss out on this bewitching journey to Oz—mark your calendars for December 31, 2024, and prepare to join Elphaba, Glinda, and the rest of the cast in the Land of Oz once again.