The Untold Story Is Complete: 5 Shocking Facts About The Wicked Movie Release (Part I & II)

The wait is officially over, and the entire cinematic journey to Oz is complete. As of December 2025, the two-part film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, Wicked, has fully arrived in theaters, making this the perfect time to look back at the phenomenon and dissect its impact. The highly anticipated project, split into Wicked: Part I and Wicked: For Good (Part Two), has dominated box office discussions for over a year, with the final installment, Wicked: For Good, having just released in November 2025. The film saga, directed by Jon M. Chu, has been a massive undertaking, promising fans a faithful yet expansive vision of the untold story of the Witches of Oz.

The decision to divide the story of Elphaba Thropp and Glinda Upland into two separate films—a move that initially sparked debate among fans—ultimately proved to be a masterstroke, allowing for a deep dive into the complex mythology and character development. With both parts now released, the conversation has shifted from "When does the Wicked movie come out?" to a debate over which part is superior and when the films will be available for home viewing. This article breaks down the five most crucial and surprising facts about the complete Wicked movie release timeline, its box office triumph, and the critical reception of the final chapter.

The Complete Wicked Movie Saga: Cast, Crew, and Production Profile

The cinematic adaptation of Wicked is a sprawling project based on the 2003 Broadway musical by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman, which itself is based on the 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire. The production team and star-studded cast are a testament to the film's massive scale and budget.

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• Title (Part I): Wicked: Part I (Released November 2024)
• Title (Part II): Wicked: For Good (Also known as Wicked: Part Two) (Released November 21, 2025)
• Director: Jon M. Chu (Known for Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights)
• Screenplay By: Winnie Holzman (Original Broadway Book Writer) and Dana Fox
• Composer/Lyricist: Stephen Schwartz (Original Broadway Composer)
• Studio: Universal Pictures
• Budget (Part I): Approximately $145 million

Key Cast Entities (The Witches and Citizens of Oz)

• Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Thropp (The future Wicked Witch of the West)
• Ariana Grande as Glinda Upland (The future Glinda the Good)
• Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero Tigelaar (The Winkie Prince)
• Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible (Headmistress of Shiz University)
• Jeff Goldblum as The Wizard of Oz
• Ethan Slater as Boq (A Munchkin)
• Marissa Bode as Nessarose Thropp (Elphaba's sister)
• Bowen Yang as Pfannee

1. The Shocking Box Office Success of Wicked: Part I

The first installment, Wicked: Part I, which premiered in November 2024, was not just a hit; it was a cinematic juggernaut that shattered expectations and set a new benchmark for musical adaptations. The film earned a staggering $759 million worldwide, making it a monumental commercial success.

This massive box office haul established Wicked: Part I as the highest-grossing Oz-related film ever made, a feat that speaks volumes about the enduring popularity of the source material and the star power of its leads, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. The opening weekend alone brought in over $112.5 million domestically, marking it as one of the biggest openings of 2024. This success immediately validated the studio's decision to split the story, building immense anticipation for the conclusion.

2. Wicked: For Good (Part Two) Has Already Been Released

The question "When does Wicked come out?" is now definitively answered: the full saga is in theaters! The second and final chapter, officially titled Wicked: For Good, arrived in theaters on November 21, 2025. This release date placed the film almost exactly one year after the first part, creating a perfect, highly-marketed holiday event for fans.

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The final film picks up where the first left off, following Elphaba's journey as she embraces her destiny as the Wicked Witch of the West and the tragic, complex relationship with Glinda. The recent release means that tickets are currently available, and the film is dominating the December 2025 box office, continuing the franchise's commercial momentum.

3. Critical Reception for Part Two is Surprisingly Mixed

While Wicked: Part I was met with near-universal acclaim, the critical landscape for Wicked: For Good has been noticeably more divided. Initial reviews and the current Rotten Tomatoes score indicate a significant drop in critical consensus compared to the first film.

Many critics have praised Cynthia Erivo's powerful, emotional performance as Elphaba and the darker, more character-driven tone of the sequel. However, some reviews suggest that the "unhurried pacing" and the shift in focus from spectacle to subtlety occasionally hinder the film's momentum. Despite the mixed critical reception, the audience reaction has remained overwhelmingly positive, and the film is performing exceptionally well commercially, proving that the fan base is fully invested in seeing the story through.

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4. The Streaming Future is Already Clear: Peacock is the Home

With both films now released in theaters, the next burning question for fans is: When can I stream Wicked: Part I and Wicked: For Good at home? Due to a deal with Universal Pictures, the films are guaranteed to find their exclusive streaming home on the Peacock platform.

The first film, Wicked: Part I, was released for digital rental/purchase (VOD) just over a month after its theatrical debut and landed on Peacock on March 21, 2025. Following this pattern, here is the likely streaming timeline:

• Wicked: Part I: Currently available to stream on Peacock (as of March 2025).
• Wicked: For Good: Expected to arrive on Peacock around March 2026.

Fans who prefer to own the film can expect a VOD release for Wicked: For Good in late December 2025 or early January 2026, followed by the full streaming debut a few months later.

5. The Two-Part Split Allowed for 100% of the Original Score to Be Used

The greatest concern for purists of the musical was how the film adaptation would handle the beloved, extensive score by Stephen Schwartz. The decision to split the story was not merely a commercial one; it was driven by a creative commitment to the source material. Director Jon M. Chu and the creative team wanted to ensure that the entire narrative and nearly every song from the original Broadway show could be included.

The two-part structure allowed for a more complete and unhurried adaptation, giving fan-favorite songs like "Defying Gravity," "Popular," "The Wizard and I," and "For Good" the cinematic space they deserved. By avoiding the need to cut major musical numbers or plot points, the production maintained a level of topical authority and fidelity that has delighted long-time fans of the stage production, making the complete saga a true celebration of the musical's legacy.