Universal’s “Wicked” has finally been unveiled to members of the film press, who are praising Jon M. Chu’s adaptation of the hit Broadway musical. The film’s leads, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, are also earning raves across the board as the musical launches them into Oscar season as acting contenders.
Variety’s Katcy Stephen hailed the “Wicked” movie as a “masterpiece,” adding: “Ariana Grande makes Glinda sparkle: she milks every moment with gusto, humor and hair flips. Jon M. Chu added so much new life to the story that I can see why it needed to be 2 parts! Well worth the 20-year wait.”
Journalist Simon Thompson was wowed by the movie’s spectacle, calling it an “absolutely stunning vision. Leads Erivo and Grande knock it out of the park. While this perhaps won’t convert many anti-musical folks, genre fans and die-hard Ozians (Wickhards?) will feast on this.”
“Jon M. Chu, Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande have gifted us a musical masterpiece that is much more than we could have ever expected,” Variety’s Jazz Tangcay wrote. “Ariana & Cynthia will blow you away. The production design and costumes are a visual spectacle.”
Let me put it out there: I’m a “Wicked” fanatic. I saw the original Broadway production with Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth in their iconic roles as the misunderstood Elphaba and the effortlessly popular Glinda. It’s hard to forget the magic they conjured onstage, which is why I approached “Crazy Rich Asians” director Jon M. Chu’s film adaptation with cautious optimism. But 60 seconds into the opening number, “No One Mourns the Wicked,” my skepticism faded.
As Glinda, Ariana Grande brings charm and wit to a character known for her bubbly exterior and hidden depth. The 31-year-old pop star commands each of Glinda’s signature numbers, including a delightful rendition of “Popular.” But it’s her knack for comedic timing that makes her so memorable. Her delivery of various one-liners and zingers is one of the film’s highlights, potentially positioning her for a first-time Oscar nomination in the best supporting actress category. It wouldn’t be the first time a pop star successfully transitioned to the Dolby Theatre: Cher won best actress for “Moonstruck” a few years after her first nom in “Silkwood,” proving that pop stars can shine just about anywhere if in the right role. This role is the one Grande was born to play.
The supporting actress category has long been a welcoming home for musical performances. From Meryl Streep’s nomination in “Into the Woods” to Catherine Zeta-Jones’ win in “Chicago,” the Academy has often celebrated actresses who can show off their singing chops. However, Grande faces competition this year from a couple other multi-hyphenates aiming for Oscars, including Selena Gomez for her Spanish-language musical role in “Emilia Pérez” and Jennifer Lopez in the sports biopic “Unstoppable.” Sadly, Lady Gaga’s awards hopes for “Joker 2” seem amid the film’s negative reviews and poor box office numbers.
Alongside Grande is Cynthia Erivo, a powerhouse actress with a Tony Award for “The Color Purple” and an Oscar nomination for portraying Harriet Tubman in “Harriet.” Here, Erivo takes on Elphaba, the “wicked” witch whose misunderstood nature underscores a yearning to be accepted by those around her. Erivo brings her own inflections and depth to the role, portraying a character who, despite her undeniable powers, feels forever out of place in Oz. Erivo’s chances in the lead actress category may be far tougher than her co-star due to the competitive landscape. While musical performances can be Oscar gold — Jennifer Hudson’s win for “Dreamgirls” being a prime example — voters don’t always embrace the genre, and Erivo’s fate may depend on “Wicked’s” overall awards momentum.
But can “Wicked Part One” secure a spot among the year’s best picture nominees?
Its path lies in the artisan categories, as technical nominations can elevate a film’s chances for best picture recognition. While not a surefire strategy, nominations for directing, acting, and screenplay can shepherd a musical into the top category. The screenplay category has traditionally been tough for musicals; only one has won in the adapted category — 1958’s “Gigi” —and only four have been nominated.
“Wicked’s” production team brings a wealth of Oscar pedigree to the table. Six-time nominee Nathan Crowley, known for Christopher Nolan films like “The Prestige,” “Dunkirk,” and “Interstellar,” takes on bright sets, crafting an Oz that feels both familiar and reimagined. Oscar-nominated costume designer Paul Tazewell (“West Side Story”) adds to the film’s visual grandeur. Meanwhile, the makeup and hairstyling teams shine, with Elphaba’s vivid green skin and Glinda’s signature blonde curls popping on the big screen.
Sound and visual effects categories may also work in “Wicked’s” favor. Musicals often find success in sound (see past winners like “Les Misérables” and “Dreamgirls”) and “Wicked’s” sprawling landscapes — complete with flying monkeys and bustling train scenes — showcase the kind of visual spectacle the Academy sometimes rewards.
While “Wicked Part One” lacks an original song — sources hint that Part Two, due in 2025, will introduce many original compositions. With a skilled team and two powerhouse leads, “Wicked” is ready to defy Oscar gravity, if the campaign aims high enough.
