7 Shocking Revelations About How To Watch 'Wicked: Part One' (2024) Right Now

The cinematic event of the year, 'Wicked: Part One,' has officially landed, redefining what an adaptation of a beloved Broadway musical can achieve, and as of December 12, 2025, the conversation has shifted entirely from anticipation to the film's massive critical and commercial success. Directed by Jon M. Chu, this visually stunning, emotionally resonant first chapter, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, has captivated audiences globally, setting the stage for one of the most successful two-part film sagas in recent memory. If you missed its monumental theatrical run or are desperate to revisit the Land of Oz, the most pressing question now is: How and when can you stream or purchase the film?

This deep-dive guide provides the absolute latest, most up-to-date information on how to watch 'Wicked: Part One' (2024), its record-breaking cast, the shocking details behind the story's epic split, and what you absolutely must know about the highly anticipated sequel, 'Wicked: For Good' (Part Two). From streaming platform predictions to its groundbreaking box office performance, here is everything you need to know about the film that has already earned a stunning 10 Academy Award nominations.

The Star-Studded Cast of 'Wicked: Part One' (2024) and Key Characters

The success of the 'Wicked' film adaptation rests heavily on its powerhouse ensemble cast, led by two of the most celebrated performers in modern entertainment. The film’s director, Jon M. Chu, made deliberate choices to cast performers who could honor the musical's legacy while bringing a fresh, cinematic energy to the iconic roles.

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• Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Thropp: A Tony, Grammy, and Emmy Award winner, Erivo takes on the challenging role of Elphaba, the misunderstood young woman with emerald-green skin who is destined to become the Wicked Witch of the West. Her performance has been universally lauded for its raw emotional power and vocal brilliance, earning her an Academy Award nomination.
• Ariana Grande as Glinda Upland: The Grammy-winning pop superstar steps into the role of Glinda, the ambitious and popular girl who will eventually become Glinda the Good. Grande’s portrayal captures the character’s effervescent charm and underlying complexity, marking a significant return to her musical theatre roots.
• Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero: Known for his work on "Bridgerton," Bailey plays Fiyero, the carefree and charming prince who becomes the object of affection for both Elphaba and Glinda.
• Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible: The Academy Award winner portrays the formidable headmistress of Shiz University, whose influence plays a critical role in both Elphaba and Glinda's destinies.
• Jeff Goldblum as The Wizard of Oz: The legendary actor plays the mysterious and powerful ruler of the Land of Oz.
• Ethan Slater as Boq: A Broadway veteran, Slater plays Boq, a Munchkin who is infatuated with Glinda.
• Marissa Bode as Nessarose Thropp: Elphaba's younger sister, who is in a wheelchair and is often a point of conflict and protection for Elphaba.
• Peter Dinklage as Dr. Dillamond (Voice): The Emmy-winning actor voices the talking goat professor at Shiz University.
• Bowen Yang as Pfannee: A fellow student at Shiz University.

The Epic Split: Why 'Wicked' Was Divided Into Two Parts

When the film adaptation was first announced, many expected a single, long movie. The decision to split the narrative into two distinct films—'Wicked: Part One' (2024) and 'Wicked: For Good' (Part Two) (2025)—was a major announcement that fundamentally changed the project’s scope.

The primary reason for the split, as articulated by the creative team, was a commitment to the source material's richness and complexity. The original Broadway musical, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, is dense, covering years of Elphaba’s life and the political turmoil in Oz.

Director Jon M. Chu explained that trying to condense the entire story, including all the beloved songs and character development, into a single feature would have necessitated severe cuts. The two-part structure allows for:

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• Deeper Character Arcs: 'Part One' focuses intensely on the formative years of Elphaba and Glinda at Shiz University, exploring their initial rivalry, unexpected friendship, and the events that begin to set them on their separate paths. This pacing ensures that the audience truly understands the bond before it is tested.
• Preservation of Music: Splitting the story ensured that virtually all of Stephen Schwartz's iconic songs, including "Defying Gravity" (the climax of Part One) and "Popular," could be included in their proper context without feeling rushed.
• World-Building: The Land of Oz is a crucial character in the story. The two-part structure provides ample time to showcase the stunning visual design, the political landscape, and the growing oppression under the Wizard.

How to Watch 'Wicked: Part One' (2024) Right Now

Since its theatrical release in November 2024, 'Wicked: Part One' has become a global box office phenomenon. With a worldwide gross of over $750 million, it is already one of the highest-grossing film adaptations of a musical. If you are looking to watch the movie outside of the cinema, here is the most current status on its home release.

Theatrical Run and Digital Release

The film had its wide release on November 22, 2024, in the United States, following its Sydney premiere on November 3, 2024. Its theatrical run was exceptionally strong, but the focus has now shifted to its digital and physical media availability.

• Premium Video-On-Demand (PVOD): Following the typical 45-day theatrical window for major blockbusters, 'Wicked: Part One' is expected to be available for digital purchase and rental on all major platforms (Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, etc.) in early to mid-January 2026.
• Blu-ray and DVD Release: The physical media release is likely to follow the PVOD window by several weeks, with a projected release date in late February or early March 2026.

The Confirmed Streaming Home

As a Universal Pictures production, the confirmed streaming home for 'Wicked: Part One' is Peacock. Universal’s strategy is to bring its major theatrical releases to its own streaming service shortly after the PVOD window closes. While an exact date is not yet confirmed, the film is expected to begin streaming exclusively on Peacock sometime in March or April 2026. This is the platform where you will ultimately be able to stream the film at no extra cost if you are a subscriber.

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Plot Summary and What to Expect in 'Wicked: For Good' (Part Two)

'Wicked: Part One' serves as the foundational chapter, chronicling the unlikely friendship between Elphaba and Glinda at Shiz University. The film meticulously details their first meeting, the development of their bond, the arrival of Fiyero, and Elphaba’s journey to the Emerald City to meet the Wizard.

The first part culminates in the electrifying rendition of the song "Defying Gravity," where Elphaba, after realizing the Wizard is a fraud and that Madame Morrible is complicit in the oppression of the talking Animals, makes the monumental choice to break away and embrace her destiny as the Wicked Witch of the West.

Anticipating 'Wicked: For Good' (Part Two)

The sequel, 'Wicked: For Good,' is scheduled for theatrical release on November 21, 2025.

Part Two will delve into the darker, more dramatic aspects of the story, covering the events that lead directly into the beginning of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz." Key elements to expect include:

• The Witch Hunt: The film will show Elphaba's life on the run and the public's perception of her as the "Wicked" Witch, fueled by Glinda and the Wizard's propaganda.
• The Love Triangle's Resolution: The complex relationship between Elphaba, Glinda, and Fiyero will reach its tragic conclusion.
• The Transformation of Glinda: 'For Good' will explore Glinda's difficult choice to maintain her status as "Glinda the Good," even as it means sacrificing her friendship with Elphaba.
• Iconic Moments: Audiences will finally see the film versions of songs like "No Good Deed" and the powerful final duet, "For Good."
• The Ending: The film will complete the narrative arc, showing how Elphaba and Glinda become the characters we know from the classic Oz story, ending with Elphaba’s perceived death.

With 'Wicked: Part One' having set a new standard for musical adaptations and 'Wicked: For Good' promising an emotional and spectacular finale, the Land of Oz remains the most talked-about cinematic destination. The wait for the streaming release is short, but the anticipation for the second part of this epic tale is already reaching a fever pitch.