The wait is almost over for one of the most anticipated movie events of the decade. As of today, December 10, 2025, the streaming release date for Universal Pictures’ Wicked Part One, the spectacular musical adaptation starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, is now confirmed across all major platforms, though the exact timing depends on whether you plan to buy, rent, or stream it with a subscription.
The film, which serves as the first half of the two-part blockbuster, has a staggered home release schedule that begins just after its massive Thanksgiving theatrical run. Fans eager to see Elphaba and Glinda’s untold story unfold in Oz can plan to watch it at home within months of its premiere, following Universal's standard release window strategy.
Wicked Part One: Confirmed Home Release Dates (Digital & Peacock)
Universal Pictures has outlined a three-step release process for Wicked Part One, moving the film from the cinema to your living room. The key distinction to understand is the difference between the Digital/PVOD (Premium Video On Demand) release, where you buy or rent the movie, and the Subscription Streaming release, where it becomes "free" to watch on a service like Peacock.
Here is the definitive schedule for the film, directed by Jon M. Chu:
- Theatrical Release Date: November 27, 2024
- Digital / PVOD (Buy/Rent) Release Date: December 31, 2024
- Subscription Streaming (Peacock) Release Date: March 21, 2025
1. The Digital Release: When You Can Buy or Rent 'Wicked Part One'
The fastest way to watch Wicked Part One at home after its theatrical run is through its Digital or PVOD (Premium Video On Demand) release. This window allows you to purchase a digital copy or rent the film from services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, and others. This is a crucial early access point for fans who simply cannot wait for the subscription streaming debut.
The digital release date is officially set for December 31, 2024. This means you can ring in the new year by singing along to "Defying Gravity" from the comfort of your couch, barely a month after the film hits theaters. The UK digital release is expected to follow shortly after, on January 3, 2025.
What is PVOD? PVOD is the period when a new movie is available to rent or buy digitally, usually at a premium price, before it moves to a subscription service. You pay a one-time fee to own or rent the movie for a 48-hour window.
2. The Peacock Release: When 'Wicked Part One' Will Be Free to Stream
As a Universal Pictures film, Wicked Part One will have its exclusive subscription streaming home on Peacock. This is the point when the movie becomes available to watch for all subscribers of the service at no additional cost beyond the monthly subscription fee. This is the date most fans are waiting for, and it is based on Universal’s typical 120-day exclusive streaming window.
The confirmed date for Wicked Part One to begin streaming exclusively on Peacock is March 21, 2025. This places the streaming debut approximately four months after the film’s theatrical premiere, following the established pattern for major Universal blockbusters.
Why Peacock? NBCUniversal owns both Universal Pictures and the Peacock streaming service. This strategy ensures that their biggest theatrical hits, including *Wicked*, *Oppenheimer*, and *The Super Mario Bros. Movie*, drive subscriptions to their in-house platform before moving to other potential streaming deals.
It is important to note that the film's official social media channels and Peacock itself have confirmed this date, making it the most reliable information for those planning to stream the movie with a subscription.
3. The Future: When Will 'Wicked Part Two' Be Streaming?
The story of Elphaba and Glinda is so expansive that director Jon M. Chu and Universal made the decision to split the adaptation into two separate films. This means that after you watch Wicked Part One, you will still have a significant wait for the conclusion, Wicked Part Two (also referred to as Wicked: For Good).
The release schedule for the sequel is as follows:
- 'Wicked Part Two' Theatrical Release Date: November 26, 2025.
- 'Wicked Part Two' Digital/PVOD Release: Expected in late December 2025 or early January 2026.
- 'Wicked Part Two' Subscription Streaming (Peacock): Expected in March 2026.
While Universal has not yet announced a specific date for the sequel's streaming debut, the pattern established by the first film suggests a consistent four-month window. Therefore, fans can confidently anticipate watching the conclusion of the saga on Peacock in the spring of 2026.
The Star-Studded Cast and Creative Team Behind the Film
The new *Wicked* film is a monumental production, bringing together a cast of global superstars and a highly respected creative team to adapt the beloved Tony-winning Broadway musical, which is itself based on Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel, *Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West*.
The film is packed with talent, ensuring topical authority and drawing in fans of both the stage production and the actors themselves. The core of the movie revolves around the complex relationship between the two main characters: Elphaba, who becomes the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the Good Witch.
Key Cast and Characters:
- Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba Thropp): The powerhouse vocalist and Oscar nominee steps into the green makeup to play the misunderstood future Wicked Witch of the West. Her portrayal is expected to be a dramatic and emotional anchor for the two-part story.
- Ariana Grande (Glinda Upland): The pop superstar and actress takes on the role of the bubbly, ambitious Good Witch. Grande's history as a Broadway fan and her vocal range make her a highly anticipated choice for the role.
- Jonathan Bailey (Fiyero Tigelaar): Known for his role in *Bridgerton*, Bailey plays the charming prince who becomes the love interest caught between Elphaba and Glinda.
- Michelle Yeoh (Madame Morrible): The Oscar-winning actress portrays the manipulative headmistress of Shiz University.
- Jeff Goldblum (The Wizard of Oz): The iconic actor plays the enigmatic and powerful Wizard, who is central to the corruption in the Emerald City.
The movie is directed by Jon M. Chu, who previously helmed the critically successful musical adaptation *In the Heights*. His vision for the film promises to be a vibrant and faithful, yet cinematic, retelling of the story of Oz before Dorothy's arrival.
FAQ: Answering Your Most Pressing Streaming Questions
The staggered release of *Wicked Part One* has led to a flurry of questions about the best way to watch. Here are the clear answers to the most common inquiries regarding the streaming and on-demand availability of the film.
Will 'Wicked Part One' Be on Netflix or Max?
No, *Wicked Part One* will not be available on Netflix, Max, or Disney+ during its initial streaming window. As a Universal Pictures production, the film has an exclusive, guaranteed streaming home on Peacock for its first subscription run. After the exclusive Peacock window expires, which can take up to 18 months, the film may potentially be licensed to other services, but for the immediate future (2025), Peacock is the only subscription platform.
Is the 'Wicked' Broadway Show Available to Stream?
The original Broadway production of *Wicked* has never been officially filmed and released for streaming. The new two-part film adaptation is the first official, large-scale cinematic version of the musical. While there are sometimes fan-shot recordings, the high-quality, professional performance you are looking for is the Universal Pictures movie starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
Can I Watch 'Wicked' Early Through Digital Pre-Order?
Yes. Many digital retailers, including Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video, will offer the option to pre-order *Wicked Part One* well in advance of the December 31, 2024, digital release date. Pre-ordering ensures the film is available in your digital library the moment it is officially released for purchase, allowing you to watch it months before it hits the Peacock subscription service.
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