The Official Runtime Revealed: 5 Shocking Facts About How Long The New 'Wicked' Movie Will Be

The question on every fan’s mind—"How long is the new Wicked movie?"—finally has a definitive, and surprising, answer. As of December 13, 2025, official listings have confirmed the runtimes for both halves of director Jon M. Chu’s ambitious two-part cinematic event, and the total length is far greater than anyone anticipated. Far from a standard film adaptation, the total combined viewing time for Wicked: Part One and its sequel, Wicked: For Good, is nearly five hours, a massive expansion that dramatically redefines the beloved story of Elphaba and Glinda.

This deep dive into the Land of Oz is a testament to the creative team's commitment to telling the full, uncompromised story. The decision to split the narrative and extend the length allows for a richer exploration of the characters, the world, and the complex themes of friendship, prejudice, and destiny. The first installment alone is reportedly longer than the entire original Broadway musical, setting a new standard for musical adaptations.

The Complete 'Wicked' Movie Star-Studded Cast and Creative Team

The highly anticipated film adaptation, directed by Jon M. Chu (known for Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights), features a powerhouse cast of established stars and rising talents. The decision to split the film into two parts was championed by Chu and composer Stephen Schwartz to ensure no plot points or musical numbers were compromised in the transition from stage to screen.

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• Director: Jon M. Chu
• Screenplay: Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox
• Music and Lyrics: Stephen Schwartz
• Producer: Marc Platt

Key Cast and Characters (Wicked: Part One & Part Two)

The core of the film rests on the shoulders of two phenomenal vocalists taking on the iconic roles of the two witches of Oz.

• Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Thropp (The Wicked Witch of the West)
• Ariana Grande as Glinda Upland (The Good Witch)
• Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero Tigelaar (The love interest)
• 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)
• Peter Dinklage as Dr. Dillamond (Voice)
• Bowen Yang as Pfannee
• Keala Settle as Miss Coddle

The Definitive Answer: How Long Is The New 'Wicked' Movie?

The question of "how long is the new Wicked" is actually a two-part answer, as the story has been divided into two separate, full-length feature films. Both runtimes are now confirmed, offering a clear picture of the viewing commitment required to experience the full story of the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.

Wicked: Part One (Defying Gravity) Runtime

The first film, which covers the events of Act I of the stage musical and concludes with the famous "Defying Gravity" sequence, is set to be a substantial viewing experience. The official runtime for Wicked: Part One is 2 hours and 40 minutes (160 minutes). This makes the first installment alone longer than the entirety of the original Broadway show, which typically runs around 2 hours and 30 to 35 minutes, including an intermission.

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The extended run time for Part One suggests a much deeper dive into the world-building of Oz, the political climate of the Emerald City, and the crucial early relationship between Elphaba and Glinda at Shiz University. Fans can expect a meticulous adaptation that allows the key songs and character development moments to breathe.

Wicked: For Good (Part Two) Runtime

The second film, officially titled Wicked: For Good, will conclude the story, covering the events of Act II of the musical. The confirmed runtime for Part Two is 2 hours and 18 minutes (137 minutes).

While slightly shorter than the first film, Part Two is still a significant length, promising a detailed and dramatic conclusion. It will cover Elphaba's transformation into the Wicked Witch of the West, the pursuit by the Wizard and Madame Morrible, and the eventual fate of the two friends. The combined runtime for the entire cinematic event—nearly five hours—is a monumental length for a musical adaptation, underscoring the production's massive scale.

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• Wicked: Part One Release Date: November 27, 2024
• Wicked: Part Two Release Date: November 21, 2025

Why The Two-Part Split and The Extended Length?

The most compelling aspect of the new Wicked film is its sheer length, which begs the question: why is the movie adaptation of a 2.5-hour stage show nearly five hours long? The answer lies in the filmmakers' vision to honor the source material and the original novel by Gregory Maguire.

1. Honouring the Source Material

The original stage musical, while beloved, had to condense many elements of Maguire’s novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, to fit the constraints of a theatrical performance. Composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz explicitly stated that the story was split because they "couldn’t get it all crammed into one movie without... really compromising" the narrative.

The two-part structure allows director Jon M. Chu to fully explore the complex character arcs, particularly the nuanced journey of Elphaba Thropp and the political intrigue surrounding the Wizard and the Animal-rights movement in Oz. This deeper exploration is what contributes to the significantly longer runtimes for both films.

2. Character Development and World-Building

The extended runtime provides ample opportunity for richer character development between the central duo, Elphaba and Glinda. The stage show often relies on the audience's imagination and the power of the music to convey emotion, but the film medium demands more visual and narrative context. The extra time is being used to expand on key relationships, such as Elphaba's burgeoning romance with Fiyero Tigelaar, and the political machinations of the Wizard and Madame Morrible.

3. Including Cut Songs and New Material

The extended length also paves the way for the inclusion of musical numbers and scenes that were cut from the original Broadway production. Stephen Schwartz has hinted at new material and a more complete presentation of the book's narrative. For fans of the musical's score, this could mean hearing beloved but rarely performed songs, a major draw that justifies the longer viewing time for a deeper, more immersive Oz experience.

In summary, the new Wicked movie is not just a film; it is a cinematic event spanning nearly five hours across two years. It's a massive undertaking that promises a definitive, unflinching, and visually spectacular adaptation of one of Broadway's most enduring stories, making the extended runtime an exciting prospect for fans eager to spend more time "For Good" in the Land of Oz.