The Epic Runtime Revealed: How Long Are The Two Wicked Movies Combined? (Part One & Part Two)

The question on every fan's mind regarding the cinematic adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical is finally answered: how long is the Wicked movie? As of December 13, 2025, we have the definitive, official runtimes for both installments, and the combined length is an epic theatrical experience that nearly clocks in at five hours. The decision to split the narrative into two separate films, Wicked: Part One and Wicked: For Good, was made to ensure that director Jon M. Chu could fully explore the rich, complex story of Elphaba and Glinda without cutting vital plot points or fan-favorite songs.

This detailed breakdown provides the most current information available, revealing not only the length of each movie but also how the combined runtime compares to the original stage production. Prepare for a grand, immersive journey into the untold story of the Witches of Oz.

The Definitive Runtimes: Wicked Part One and Wicked: For Good

The cinematic journey to Oz has been meticulously planned, resulting in two distinct, feature-length films. The runtimes for both Wicked: Part One and its sequel, Wicked: For Good, have been officially confirmed through movie theater listings and studio announcements, giving fans a precise idea of how long they will be spending in the Emerald City.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

Wicked: Part One (2024) Runtime

The first installment, which premiered in theaters on November 22, 2024, is a substantial film in its own right. It focuses on the early days of Elphaba and Glinda’s unlikely friendship at Shiz University, covering the first act of the stage musical.

• Official Runtime: 2 hours and 40 minutes (160 minutes)
• Release Date: November 22, 2024
• Key Comparison: The runtime of Wicked: Part One is actually longer than the entire original Broadway musical, which typically runs for about 2 hours and 30 minutes (including intermission). This extended runtime underscores the director's commitment to adding depth and new material, ensuring a comprehensive adaptation of the source material.

Wicked: For Good (Part Two) (2025) Runtime

The sequel, which adapts the second act of the musical, is titled Wicked: For Good and is scheduled for release a year later. While slightly shorter than the first film, it remains a significant motion picture event that will resolve the dramatic conflict and complete the transformation of Elphaba into the Wicked Witch of the West.

• Official Runtime: 2 hours and 18 minutes (138 minutes)
• Release Date: November 21, 2025
• Key Comparison: The second part is shorter, but still considerably longer than the second act of the stage show, which is traditionally only about an hour long. This suggests a massive expansion of the narrative for the screen.

The Total Combined Length: A Nearly Five-Hour Ozian Epic

When factoring in both films, the total runtime for the complete cinematic adaptation of Wicked is a major commitment for moviegoers, but one that promises an unparalleled level of detail and spectacle. The combined length of the two films solidifies Wicked’s status as one of the most ambitious musical adaptations in history.

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

• Total Combined Runtime: 4 hours and 58 minutes (298 minutes)
• The Experience: Nearly five hours of screen time dedicated to the untold story of Oz, allowing for a deep dive into the political intrigue, the magical world-building, and the complex relationship between Glinda and Elphaba.

This monumental length is a direct result of the creative decision to split the story. Director Jon M. Chu and screenwriter Winnie Holzman felt that condensing the entire narrative, with its complex themes of prejudice, governance, and friendship, into a single three-hour film would have been a "fatal compromise," forcing them to cut crucial songs and character development moments. The two-part structure ensures that the entire original score is preserved and that the emotional weight of the story remains intact.

Meet the Visionaries: Key Cast and Crew of the Wicked Films

The epic length of the Wicked films is matched by the star power and creative genius of the talent behind the camera and on the screen. The production is helmed by a celebrated director and features an ensemble cast of Emmy, Grammy, and Oscar-nominated actors, bringing a new level of prestige to the beloved musical.

Director and Creative Team

• Director: Jon M. Chu (Known for: Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights)
• Screenwriter: Winnie Holzman (The original book writer for the stage musical)
• Composer/Lyricist: Stephen Schwartz (The original composer for the stage musical)
• Producer: Marc Platt (A key figure in the original stage production and other major musicals)

Principal Cast Biography and Roles

The success of the Wicked films rests heavily on the shoulders of the two lead actresses, who embody the iconic roles of the Witches of Oz:

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

• Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Thropp: The future Wicked Witch of the West. Erivo is an Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award-winning actress, known for her powerful vocal range and dramatic performances in films like Harriet.
• Ariana Grande as Glinda Upland: The future Glinda the Good. Grande is a multi-platinum, Grammy-winning pop superstar and actress, whose background includes a start on Broadway.
• Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero Tigelaar: The romantic interest caught between the two witches. Bailey is a celebrated Emmy and Olivier Award-winning actor, best known for his role in Bridgerton.
• Jeff Goldblum as The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: The enigmatic ruler of the Emerald City. Goldblum is a veteran actor known for his roles in Jurassic Park and Independence Day.
• Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible: The headmistress of Shiz University. Yeoh is an Academy Award-winning actress, celebrated for her work in Everything Everywhere All at Once.
• Ethan Slater as Boq: A Munchkin student at Shiz, known for his Broadway roots in SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical.

Why the Split? Preserving Topical Authority and Story Integrity

The decision to split the Wicked movie into two parts, resulting in a nearly five-hour total runtime, was a creative choice that directly addresses the complexity and thematic depth of the source material. This approach ensures topical authority by fully exploring the themes and narrative threads that make the story so compelling.

Deepening the Narrative and World-Building

The original novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire, is a dense, political, and philosophical text. By dedicating nearly five hours to the adaptation, the filmmakers can fully explore the political corruption in Oz, the intricacies of Ozian words and culture (like "Degreenify"), and the backstory of characters like Madame Morrible and the Wizard. This prevents the film from becoming a rushed summary of the stage show.

Honoring the Music and Act Structure

The Broadway musical is famous for its iconic songs, such as "Defying Gravity," "Popular," and "For Good." The two-part structure allows for all major musical numbers to be included and performed in their entirety, with the first film culminating in the show-stopping "Defying Gravity" at the end of Act One. This preservation of the original score is paramount to satisfying the dedicated fanbase.

Ultimately, the extensive, nearly five-hour combined runtime for Wicked: Part One and Wicked: For Good is a testament to the scale and ambition of this cinematic project. Fans can look forward to a full, rich, and detailed retelling of the story that precedes The Wizard of Oz, delivered across two monumental holiday releases.