Definitive Guide: How Long Is 'Wicked'? Musical Vs. Movie Runtime Comparison

The question of "How long is *Wicked*?" has two very different, yet equally exciting, answers in late 2024. The legendary Broadway musical, a staple of New York and West End theater for over two decades, offers one experience, while the brand-new, two-part cinematic adaptation presents a significantly longer commitment for fans of the Land of Oz.

Currently, the classic stage production of *Wicked* runs for a total of 2 hours and 45 minutes, including a single intermission. In contrast, the highly anticipated *Wicked: Part One* movie, which premiered in November 2024, clocks in at a lengthy 2 hours and 40 minutes, nearly matching the entire musical's duration with just its first half. This detailed guide breaks down the runtimes for both the stage and screen versions, including the intermissions, acts, and the full commitment required for the complete cinematic journey.

The Definitive Runtime of the 'Wicked' Musical on Broadway and Tour

For those planning a trip to the Gershwin Theatre on Broadway or catching a major touring production, the musical’s length is consistently standardized. The official running time for the *Wicked* musical is 2 hours and 45 minutes, which includes a single break.

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This runtime is broken down into two distinct acts, separated by an intermission, which is a common structure for large-scale Broadway productions.

Act-by-Act Breakdown of the Stage Show

• Act I: This first act typically runs for about 90 minutes (1 hour and 30 minutes). It is a critical section, culminating in Elphaba’s iconic, show-stopping anthem, "Defying Gravity."
• Intermission: The break between acts is traditionally 15 minutes long. This allows the audience to stretch their legs, grab refreshments, or purchase merchandise.
• Act II: The second act is slightly shorter, running for approximately 60 minutes (1 hour). This act resolves the conflict and brings the story of Elphaba and Glinda to its famous conclusion.

Therefore, the total time spent watching the performance itself is about 2 hours and 30 minutes, with the additional 15 minutes for the intermission bringing the full experience to 2 hours and 45 minutes.

The Epic Length of the Two-Part 'Wicked' Movie Adaptation

Director Jon M. Chu made the decision to split the beloved musical into two separate feature films, a choice that has resulted in a monumental total runtime for the complete story. The reason for the split was to avoid cutting key songs and characters, allowing the narrative to breathe and deepen the characters of Elphaba and Glinda.

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Wicked: Part One (2024) Runtime

The first cinematic installment, *Wicked: Part One*, which was released in November 2024, has a reported runtime of 2 hours and 40 minutes (160 minutes). This is a surprisingly long duration for a movie that only covers the first act of the stage show, making it nearly the same length as the entire Broadway musical.

The film stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, and its extended runtime is attributed to expanding the world of Oz, exploring the characters' backstories, and adding new material to the established Act I songs like "The Wizard and I" and "Popular."

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

The second part of the cinematic event, officially titled *Wicked: For Good*, is scheduled to premiere on November 21, 2025. Early reports indicate that the sequel will be slightly shorter, with a runtime of approximately 2 hours and 17 minutes (137 minutes).

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This means the total commitment for the complete *Wicked* movie experience across both parts is roughly 4 hours and 57 minutes (nearly five hours). This is a significant expansion from the original 2 hour and 45 minute musical, offering fans a deep dive into the world created by author Gregory Maguire and composer Stephen Schwartz.

Key Entities and Production Details That Fill the Runtime

The epic length of *Wicked*, in both its stage and screen forms, is a testament to the depth of its story, the complexity of its production, and the talent of its creative teams. The runtime is filled with iconic musical numbers, elaborate set pieces, and powerful performances.

The Creative and Starring Cast Entities

The success and length of the *Wicked* phenomenon are built upon a foundation of key creative and performing entities:

• Original Novelist: Gregory Maguire (Author of *Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West*).
• Composer & Lyricist: Stephen Schwartz (Responsible for all the iconic songs).
• Original Broadway Stars (2003): Idina Menzel (Elphaba) and Kristin Chenoweth (Glinda).
• Movie Director: Jon M. Chu (Known for *Crazy Rich Asians* and *In The Heights*).
• Movie Star (Elphaba): Cynthia Erivo (Oscar and Tony-nominated actress).
• Movie Star (Glinda): Ariana Grande (Global pop star and actress).
• The Wizard: Jeff Goldblum.
• Madame Morrible: Michelle Yeoh.
• Fiyero: Jonathan Bailey.
• Boq: Ethan Slater.

The Iconic Songs That Define the Show's Acts

The runtime is structured around a powerful song list that drives the narrative. These are the major musical numbers that take up the bulk of the performance time in both the musical and the movie:

• "No One Mourns the Wicked": The opening number that sets the stage and introduces the theme of Elphaba’s villainization.
• "The Wizard and I": Elphaba’s first major solo, a soaring ballad about her aspirations.
• "What Is This Feeling?": The hilarious and iconic duet between Elphaba and Glinda as they express their mutual loathing.
• "Popular": Glinda's signature song, a comedic attempt to transform Elphaba.
• "Defying Gravity": The Act I finale and the show's most famous song, marking Elphaba’s transformation into the Wicked Witch of the West.
• "Thank Goodness": Glinda's Act II opener, dealing with the consequences of Elphaba's actions.
• "For Good": The emotional climax, a duet about the enduring power of their friendship.

Whether you choose the traditional, 2-hour-and-45-minute theatrical experience or the nearly 5-hour, two-part movie saga, *Wicked* offers an expansive and unforgettable journey into the untold story of the Land of Oz.