7 Shocking Ways The Wicked 2024 Film Changed The Beloved Broadway Musical

The cinematic adaptation of *Wicked* has finally arrived, and its impact on the world of musical fantasy is undeniable. Released on November 22, 2024, *Wicked: Part I* (titled simply *Wicked* on screen) has redefined the origin story of Elphaba Thropp and Glinda Upland, captivating both new audiences and long-time fans of the iconic Broadway musical. This ambitious two-part film, directed by Jon M. Chu, is not just a straightforward transfer from stage to screen; it’s an expanded universe that introduces fresh plot details, stunning visual design, and a powerhouse cast led by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. The film has already been hailed as a critical and commercial success, setting the stage perfectly for the highly anticipated sequel, *Wicked: For Good*, slated for a November 2025 release. Today, December 15, 2025, with the first film’s box office success still reverberating and the sequel having recently concluded its theatrical run, we can look back at the definitive changes that cemented the 2024 film as a unique and essential piece of the *Wizard of Oz* canon.

The Definitive Wicked 2024 Film Cast and Character Roster

The success of the *Wicked* film adaptation hinges on its stellar ensemble cast, blending Broadway veterans, Oscar winners, and global pop stars. The following list provides a complete profile of the main actors and the iconic characters they brought to life in the 2024 cinematic event.

• Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Thropp: The future Wicked Witch of the West, a talented but misunderstood young woman with emerald green skin. Erivo’s powerful vocal performance was a major highlight.
• Ariana Grande as Glinda Upland (Galinda): The future Good Witch of the North, a popular and initially shallow girl who becomes Elphaba’s unlikely friend.
• Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero Tigelaar: The Winkie Prince who is the object of affection for both Elphaba and Glinda.
• Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible: The formidable headmistress of Shiz University’s Crage Hall.
• Jeff Goldblum as The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: The charismatic and mysterious ruler of the Emerald City.
• Ethan Slater as Boq: A Munchkinlander who pines for Glinda and ends up in a complicated relationship with Nessarose.
• Marissa Bode as Nessarose Thropp: Elphaba’s younger sister, who later becomes the Wicked Witch of the East. Bode’s casting was praised for her authentic portrayal.
• Peter Dinklage as Dr. Dillamond (Voice): A sentient, talking Goat and professor at Shiz University.
• Bowen Yang as Pfannee: A student at Shiz University and one of Glinda’s inner circle.
• Keala Settle as Miss Coddle: A new character for the film, a Shiz University faculty member.
• Andy Nyman as Governor Thropp: Elphaba and Nessarose’s father.

The Expanded World of Oz: New Songs and Runtime

One of the biggest questions surrounding the film adaptation was how it would handle the beloved, yet sometimes lengthy, stage production. The answer was a two-part epic, allowing for an unprecedented level of detail and character development. The first film, *Wicked*, boasts a substantial running time of 2 hours and 40 minutes, which allowed director Jon M. Chu to fully flesh out the narrative of the first act of the stage show.

Two Original Songs Added to the Score

Composer Stephen Schwartz confirmed the addition of new, original music written specifically for the film. While the iconic anthems like "Defying Gravity" and "Popular" remained the emotional core, the new compositions provided crucial bridges and deeper emotional context. These additions ensure the film feels fresh and not merely a filmed version of the stage production. The inclusion of two original songs was a deliberate choice to justify the film’s expanded structure. They help to explore the internal lives of Elphaba and Glinda, particularly during their time at Shiz University and their first visit to the Emerald City.

7 Major Differences Between the Film and the Stage Musical

The decision to split the narrative into two films gave the creative team the freedom to make significant changes, enriching the story for the screen. These revisions were key to the film's success and its ability to surprise even the most dedicated fans.

1. The Introduction of New Characters

The film brought in several new, minor characters to flesh out the world and the relationships at Shiz University. Keala Settle's Miss Coddle and the addition of Gilligan (a new character played by Grecia De la Paz) helped to populate the university and the world of Oz, making it feel more expansive and lived-in.

2. Glinda’s Iconic Bubble: A Color Change

In a subtle yet meaningful nod to *The Wizard of Oz*, Glinda’s mode of transport—her famous bubble—was changed for the film. Instead of the clear bubble from the stage show, the movie version features a bubblegum pink hue. This change is an homage to Billie Burke, the original Glinda in the 1939 film, and demonstrates the creative team's deep connection to the Oz mythology.

3. A De-Emphasis on the Love Triangle

One of the most significant changes, particularly for the sequel *Wicked: For Good*, was a shift in narrative focus. Reports suggest the film adaptations worked to minimize the extent to which the plot revolves around Elphaba and Glinda fighting over Fiyero. This change allows the primary focus to remain on the complex, evolving friendship between the two witches, strengthening the core theme of female companionship.

4. The Expanded Shiz University Sequence

The film takes its time establishing the world of Shiz University, spending more screen time developing the initial animosity and eventual bond between Elphaba and Glinda. The expanded narrative allows for more intimate moments and visual storytelling that a stage production simply cannot accommodate. This deeper dive into their college days makes their later separation all the more tragic.

5. Visualizing the Emerald City

The transition to the big screen allowed for a breathtaking realization of the Emerald City. Unlike the stylized, often minimalist sets of the stage show, the film presents a vibrant, massive, and awe-inspiring capital of Oz. The sheer scale and detail of the city enhance the sense of wonder and the ultimate deception perpetrated by The Wizard.

6. The Revised Ending of *Wicked: For Good*

The sequel, *Wicked: For Good*, saw its ending undergo a reported five major revisions compared to the original stage musical’s conclusion. While the exact details are kept under wraps to preserve the cinematic experience, these changes were made to provide a more satisfying and perhaps more definitive cinematic closure to the two-part epic, while still honoring the spirit of the original story by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman.

7. The Vocal Approach to "Defying Gravity"

While Cynthia Erivo’s performance of the show-stopping number "Defying Gravity" was universally lauded, the cinematic version differs in its execution. On stage, the moment is a massive theatrical spectacle. In the film, the sequence is shot with a greater focus on Elphaba's emotional turmoil and raw power, using close-ups and dynamic camera work to capture the character's definitive break from the world of Oz, making it an intensely personal moment of transformation. The scene is both a technical marvel and an emotional peak, a perfect example of the film’s successful translation of stage magic to cinematic grandeur.