Wicked Movie Time: Everything You Need To Know About The Run Time, Release Dates, And Two-Part Epic

The wait is almost over for the cinematic adaptation of the global phenomenon, Wicked, and fans are eager to know exactly when and for how long they will be transported to the Land of Oz. As of this current date in December 2025, the first part of the movie musical has already premiered, setting the stage for the highly anticipated conclusion. The two-part film adaptation, directed by Jon M. Chu, promises an expansive, in-depth look at the untold story of the Witches of Oz, which is why the production team decided to split the original stage show into two separate, feature-length films.

The decision to divide the story means that both films have significant runtimes, allowing the narrative to breathe and incorporate more of the original novel's lore and Stephen Schwartz's beloved score. We have the confirmed details for both the first film, Wicked: Part One, and the upcoming sequel, Wicked: For Good, including the official length, premiere dates, and the star-studded ensemble cast.

The Complete Wicked Movie Cast and Creative Team

The cinematic version of Wicked boasts a powerhouse cast of established stars and rising talents, ensuring that the vocal and dramatic demands of the beloved musical are met with exceptional skill. This list provides a quick reference for the key players bringing the citizens of Oz to life on the big screen.

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• Director: Jon M. Chu (known for Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights).
• Composer/Lyricist: Stephen Schwartz (returning from the original Broadway production).
• Screenwriter: Winnie Holzman (returning from the original Broadway production).
• Elphaba Thropp (The Wicked Witch of the West): Cynthia Erivo (Oscar, Emmy, and Tony Award nominee/winner).
• Glinda Upland (The Good Witch of the North): Ariana Grande (Grammy-winning pop superstar).
• Fiyero Tigelaar: Jonathan Bailey (star of Bridgerton).
• The Wizard of Oz: Jeff Goldblum (iconic actor from Jurassic Park and The Fly).
• Madame Morrible: Michelle Yeoh (Academy Award-winning actress).
• Boq: Ethan Slater (Tony-nominated actor).
• Nessarose Thropp: Marissa Bode (making her major film debut).

The casting of Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda has generated immense buzz, promising a dynamic and vocally stunning portrayal of the two iconic witches. Director Jon M. Chu has emphasized that the two-part structure was essential to honor the depth of the story, particularly the complex relationship between Elphaba and Glinda.

Wicked: Part One - Official Runtime and Release Date

The first installment of the epic, Wicked: Part One, flew into theaters to critical acclaim and massive audience enthusiasm. Knowing the runtime is crucial for planning your cinema trip, especially since it is significantly longer than many modern musicals.

The Confirmed Wicked: Part One Runtime

The official runtime for Wicked: Part One is a substantial 2 hours and 40 minutes (160 minutes).

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This length is notably longer than the first act of the Broadway musical it is based on, which typically runs around 90 minutes.

• Runtime: 2 hours and 40 minutes (160 minutes)
• US Theatrical Release Date: November 22, 2024
• What It Covers: The film focuses on Elphaba's origin story, her arrival at Shiz University, her unlikely friendship with Glinda, and the events leading up to the iconic moment she "Defies Gravity" and earns her moniker as the Wicked Witch of the West.

The extended runtime allows for a more detailed exploration of the world of Oz before Dorothy's arrival, including the political unrest and the growing oppression of the Animals. This depth is what director Jon M. Chu and screenwriter Winnie Holzman felt was necessary to fully adapt Gregory Maguire's novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, which inspired the musical.

Wicked: For Good (Part Two) - Release Date and New Content

The second film, officially titled Wicked: For Good, will complete the narrative arc, chronicling the fallout from Elphaba's journey and her eventual confrontation with the Wizard.

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Key Release Details for Wicked: For Good

Universal Pictures has confirmed the release date for the concluding chapter, ensuring fans won't have to wait too long to see the full story unfold.

• Film Title: Wicked: For Good (Wicked: Part Two)
• US Theatrical Release Date: November 21, 2025
• Runtime: The official runtime is not yet confirmed, but it is expected to be similar in length to Part One to maintain the epic scope of the story.

This staggered release date means that the two films will be released almost exactly one year apart, a strategic move by Universal to maximize anticipation and box office success for both installments. Early screenings and premiere events for Wicked: For Good are already being announced, with some special screenings happening as early as November 17, 2025, for certain groups.

The Inclusion of New Original Songs

One of the most exciting updates for fans of the original score is the inclusion of new, original music. Composer Stephen Schwartz has written new songs specifically for the movie adaptation, ensuring the film is eligible for Academy Awards in the "Best Original Song" category.

While the full tracklist is under wraps, previews of two new original songs have been shared, sung by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. The new tracks will add fresh emotional depth to the established storyline, particularly in the second part of the film, which deals with the more dramatic and intense culmination of Elphaba and Glinda's journey. These additions serve to deepen the topical authority of the film, making it a unique cinematic event rather than a simple recording of the stage show.

Why the Wicked Movie Was Split Into Two Parts

The original Broadway musical is already a lengthy production, typically running around two hours and 45 minutes with an intermission. The decision to split the film into two parts, totaling over five hours of screen time, was a deliberate creative choice that moves the adaptation beyond a standard movie musical.

A Deeper Dive into Topical Lore

The novel by Gregory Maguire is much darker and more detailed than the musical. By creating two films, director Chu and the creative team had the freedom to include elements from the book that were necessarily cut for the stage. This includes a more robust exploration of the political and social commentary on Oz, such as the plight of the Animals and the nature of the Wizard's regime.

Honoring the Musical's Emotional Arc

The stage musical’s Act I ends with the monumental song "Defying Gravity," a natural cliffhanger. Act II then deals with the darker, more tragic consequences of that choice. By ending Wicked: Part One at this pivotal moment, the filmmakers are able to give the first half of the story—the formation of Elphaba and Glinda's friendship at Shiz University—the necessary time to develop. This allows the audience to fully invest in the characters before the dramatic shift in Wicked: For Good.

The final film, Wicked: For Good, will then focus entirely on the second half of the story, ensuring that the emotional weight of songs like "No Good Deed" and "For Good" is not rushed, providing a satisfying and powerful conclusion to the over five-hour cinematic epic.