Wicked Film's Length - What To Expect

Thinking about catching the new "Wicked" movie? You might be curious about how long you'll be sitting in your seat. This much-talked-about film, bringing the beloved stage show to the big screen, has some folks wondering if they should plan for a quick trip or a longer stay at the cinema. It's a big screen event, so, naturally, questions about its running time are popping up quite a bit.

We've gathered some details about the film's duration and other interesting bits you might want to know before you head out. This way, you can be ready for the experience, whatever that might be, and, you know, plan your popcorn strategy accordingly.

The first part of the "Wicked" film, coming out in 2024, is a musical fantasy that brings a well-loved story to life in a fresh way. It’s directed by Jon M. Chu and has a script put together by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox. This movie takes its cues from the first part of the stage musical that first came out in 2003, which, in a way, got its ideas from Gregory Maguire's book from 1995. So, there's quite a bit of history to this story, you see.

Table of Contents:

How Long Is the "Wicked" Film, Anyway?
Why Is This "Wicked" Length a Topic of Discussion?
What Does the "Wicked" Length Mean for Its Story?
Who Is Behind This "Wicked" Length Production?
What Characters Drive This "Wicked" Length Story?
What About the "Wicked" Length of the Second Part?
What Other Elements Contribute to the "Wicked" Length Experience?
Is the "Wicked" Length Something to Worry About?

How Long Is the "Wicked" Film, Anyway?

The first part of the "Wicked" film is set to run for two hours and forty minutes. This means, in terms of minutes, it clocks in at 160 minutes. So, when you consider going to see it, you'll be spending a fair bit of time in your theater seat, just a little longer than some might expect, you know?

Interestingly, this particular "wicked length" is a bit longer than the stage show it takes its story from. The original musical, the one you might see on a stage, typically runs for two hours and thirty minutes. That means the movie adds an extra ten minutes to the first act's story, which, in some respects, is quite a stretch for a film version of just one part of a musical.

When you look at listings from movie places, they confirm this runtime. It seems pretty clear that "Part One" of "Wicked" will be a substantial viewing experience. This "wicked length" is something many people are talking about, wondering how it will feel during the actual showing. It's not a short little film, that's for sure.

For those thinking about bringing younger family members, the "wicked length" of the film might be a consideration. A movie that lasts for two hours and forty minutes can be quite a long sit for smaller children, or, you know, anyone who tends to get a bit restless. It's a point to keep in mind when making your plans for a weekend cinema trip.

The film is rated PG, which means it’s generally okay for most audiences, but the duration remains a key detail. So, if you're planning your trip to the cinema, you might be curious about the exact amount of time you'll be spending there. We can say for sure that "Wicked" runs for a good while, almost three hours, actually.

Why Is This "Wicked" Length a Topic of Discussion?

The runtime of the first "Wicked" movie has certainly caught the attention of many people who love the original stage show. Fans, as a matter of fact, have voiced some concerns about the movie's extended "wicked length." They worry about how stretching out just one act of the musical will play out on screen, especially since the stage version already tells a complete story in its first half.

The stage musical's first act usually takes a certain amount of time to perform, and the film adaptation adds a noticeable chunk to that. This makes people wonder what new things might be added, or how existing scenes might be expanded. It’s almost as if they are taking a magnifying glass to every moment, giving it more screen time than its stage counterpart, you know?

Comparing it to other big musical films, like the 2012 movie version of "Les Misérables," which ran for two hours and thirty-eight minutes, the "wicked length" of "Wicked Part One" is pretty much in the same ballpark. However, "Les Misérables" was one complete story, while "Wicked" is just the first half. This difference makes the conversation around its running time a bit more interesting, doesn't it?

The decision to split the "Wicked" story into two separate films, each covering one act of the stage musical, is a big reason for this discussion. Since the first film is already so long, it makes people think about how much detail the filmmakers are putting into this initial part of the story. It's like they're really taking their time with the setup, which, you know, can be a good thing for storytelling.

So, the conversation around the "wicked length" isn't just about how long you'll be in the theater. It's also about what this length means for the story itself, how it compares to the original show, and what it suggests about the pace and depth of the film. People are very curious about the choices made by those putting the movie together, that's for sure.

What Does the "Wicked" Length Mean for Its Story?

The "wicked length" of the first film, covering only the first act of the musical, suggests that the filmmakers are going into quite a bit of detail. The story, as many know, tells about Elphaba, who will one day be known as the Wicked Witch of the West, and her friendship with Glinda, who becomes the Good Witch of the North. Their bond starts when they meet at Shiz University, sharing a room and, in a way, their very different lives.

This extended runtime for just the first part might allow for a deeper look into the characters' early lives and the moments that shape their future. We might get to see more of Elphaba's experiences as someone born with green skin, someone who felt unloved by many. This extra time could help the audience truly understand her journey and why she is the way she is, which, you know, is pretty important for a character like that.

The story also involves a popular classmate, Glinda, and how her connection with Elphaba creates an unexpected bond that, as a matter of fact, changes the land of Oz forever. The film's "wicked length" could mean more scenes showing how their friendship develops, how they influence each other, and the small moments that build up to bigger events. This could make their relationship feel more real and impactful, you know, rather than just rushing through it.

The book by Gregory Maguire, which the musical and film are based on, offers a lot of background and details about these characters. For example, it’s in Maguire's book that Elphaba gets her name, which, interestingly enough, comes from the initials of the author of "The Wizard of Oz," L.F.B. The "wicked length" of the film might allow for some of these book details to be brought to the screen, giving fans of the original text something extra to look forward to.

So, the fact that the first film is so long, even though it only covers half of the musical, means that the story of Elphaba and Glinda's early days and their surprising friendship could be told with a lot more care and depth. It's almost as if they want us to truly live in their world for a while, just a little longer than usual, before moving on to the next part of their tale.

Who Is Behind This "Wicked" Length Production?

The creation of this "Wicked" film, with its notable "wicked length," comes from a group of talented people. The movie is directed by Jon M. Chu, who has experience bringing big stories to the screen. The script, which shapes the narrative and the characters' words, was written by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox. Holzman also had a hand in writing the stage musical, so she has a deep connection to the source material, which is pretty neat, you know?

The film boasts a cast of well-known performers who bring these beloved characters to life. Ariana Grande takes on a significant role, as does Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba. Jeff Goldblum is also part of the cast, adding his unique presence to the film. These actors contribute greatly to the overall experience, filling the extended "wicked length" with their performances, actually.

Marc Platt is listed as a producer for "Wicked." He has a history of working on successful films, including "La La Land," which was also a musical, and "The Girl on the Train." A producer helps bring the whole project together, making sure everything runs smoothly from start to finish, so, his involvement is quite important for a production of this size.

Universal Pictures is the studio behind this adaptation, which will be released in two parts. This decision to split the story across two films, with the first having a considerable "wicked length," shows a commitment to telling the full story without rushing. It’s a big undertaking for the studio, putting a lot of resources into bringing this popular story to a wider audience, as a matter of fact.

The team behind "Wicked" is made up of individuals with a strong background in creating engaging cinematic experiences. Their combined efforts are what allow for such a detailed and extended version of the story to be told on screen. It really does take a village to make a movie, especially one with such a significant "wicked length," and this group certainly seems up to the task.

What Characters Drive This "Wicked" Length Story?

The "wicked length" of the film gives plenty of time to explore the main characters who truly drive the story. At the heart of it all is Elphaba, the character who becomes the Wicked Witch of the West. She's presented as someone who is often misunderstood, a young woman born with green skin who, in a way, felt unloved by those around her. Her journey is a central part of the narrative, and the film gives ample room to show her growth and experiences, so, that's a big deal.

Then there's Glinda, or Galinda as she's sometimes called, who is the Good Witch of the North. She's a popular student who, quite unexpectedly, forms a deep connection with Elphaba. Their friendship is a key element of the story, showing how two very different people can come together and change each other's lives forever. The extended "wicked length" means we get to see the nuances of their bond, how it shifts and develops over time, which is pretty cool.

The story also touches upon other figures from the Oz universe, like Dorothy Gale, though she plays a role later in the overall tale. The source material, Gregory Maguire's book, also names the Wicked Witch of the East, who is Elphaba's sister. These characters, even if not central to the first film, are part of the larger narrative fabric, and their connections help build the world of Oz. The film's substantial "wicked length" could hint at laying groundwork for these connections, you know?

The narrative also hints at the eventual fate of Elphaba, where she melts into nothingness when Dorothy throws water on her. This event, taken from the original 1900 book and the 1939 film, is a key part of the larger Oz story. While the first "Wicked" film focuses on her earlier life, the audience knows what's coming, and the "wicked length" allows for a careful build-up to that eventual moment, in some respects.

Ultimately, the story suggests that there aren't truly "wicked" witches in the traditional sense, but rather girls with magical abilities who are simply misunderstood. The film's significant "wicked length" provides the opportunity to delve into this idea, showing the complexities of these characters and challenging the audience's preconceived notions about good and evil. It's a tale of friendship and self-discovery, given plenty of time to unfold.

What About the "Wicked" Length of the Second Part?

While we know a good deal about the "wicked length" of the first part of the "Wicked" film, details about the second part's runtime are not as clear just yet. "Wicked Part Two" is set to arrive in movie theaters on November 26, 2025, giving audiences a bit of a wait between the two halves of the story. It’s an interesting approach, splitting a musical in this way, you know?

Since the first film covers the first act of the musical and is already quite long, it stands to reason that the second part, covering the second act, could also have a considerable "wicked length." It's reasonable to expect that the filmmakers will maintain a similar pace and level of detail for the conclusion of the story. This would mean another extended viewing experience for moviegoers, which, for some, is a very good thing.

The decision to release the film in two parts suggests that the creators felt the story was too rich and detailed to fit into a single movie, even a long one. This commitment to the story's full scope means that the second part will likely pick up right where the first leaves off, continuing Elphaba and Glinda's story and bringing it to its well-known conclusion. We'll have to wait and see if its "wicked length" matches the first, or if it will be a bit different.

The stage musical’s second act typically has its own specific duration, and it will be interesting to see if the film version also expands on that. Just like the first film, the second part will likely explore character motivations and plot points in depth. This extended approach allows for a full telling of the tale, rather than rushing through important developments, which is, you know, a pretty thoughtful way to do it.

So, while the precise "wicked length" of "Wicked Part Two" remains to be officially announced, we can anticipate that it will be a substantial film, providing a thorough and detailed conclusion to the narrative begun in "Part One." It's a big story, after all, and it seems the creators are giving it all the screen time it needs.

What Other Elements Contribute to the "Wicked" Length Experience?

Beyond just the story, other elements contribute to the overall experience and, in a way, justify the "wicked length" of the "Wicked" film. The musical is known for its dance styles, and these will undoubtedly be a big part of the cinematic version. Modern dance, ballroom, ballet, and acrobatic movements are all part of the stage show. Specifically, modern dance and acrobatics are key to how characters like the flying monkeys move, so, that's something to look forward to.

The film's visual presentation will also be a major factor. Thinking about how the land of Oz is brought to life, the costumes, the settings – all of these contribute to the immersive feeling of the movie. A longer runtime allows for more elaborate visuals and more time for the audience to simply soak in the world that has been created. It’s almost as if every detail gets its moment to shine, which is pretty cool.

The musical genre itself often means longer films, as songs and musical numbers add to the overall duration. "Wicked" is, at its heart, a musical drama. The songs are a crucial part of telling the story and conveying emotions. The "wicked length" ensures that these musical moments are given their proper time to unfold, allowing the audience to truly experience the power of the score and the performances. You know, it’s not just about the talking parts.

The film also touches upon the concept of a "wicked sense of humor." This typically refers to a sharp, clever, or even a bit dark way of making jokes or comments that might be seen as edgy or thought-provoking. This kind of humor can add another layer to the characters and their interactions, making the dialogue more engaging. The extended "wicked length" might allow for more of these subtle, clever exchanges to be included, giving the audience more to enjoy and think about.

Considering the film adapts a beloved stage play, which itself is based on a novel, there's a lot of material to draw from. The book's genre is prose literature, a novel, while the stage play is a musical drama. The film, combining these elements, has a rich foundation. This extensive source material, in some respects, naturally leads to a longer film, as there's so much story and character to explore and bring to the screen with care.

Is the "Wicked" Length Something to Worry About?

When considering the "wicked length" of the "Wicked" film, it's natural for some people to wonder if it's too long or if it might drag. However, the choice to make "Part One" two hours and forty minutes, covering only the first act of the musical, suggests a deliberate effort to tell the story with great care and detail. This isn't just about making a quick adaptation; it's about giving the narrative room to breathe, which, you know, can be a really good thing for a complex story.

For fans of the original stage musical, the extended "wicked length" might actually be a welcome development. It could mean that beloved songs and scenes are not cut short, and that the emotional beats of the story are given ample time to resonate. It allows for a more complete and immersive experience, rather than feeling rushed through important plot points or character developments. So, in a way, it could be seen as a positive sign.

The fact that the film is divided into two parts also plays into this. By dedicating an entire film to just the first act, the creators are able to explore the characters' backgrounds, their motivations, and the early events that shape their destinies in greater depth. This kind of "wicked length" means that the audience can truly connect with Elphaba and Glinda as they begin their journeys, setting a strong foundation for the second part of the story, actually.

Ultimately, whether the "wicked length" is a concern depends on what you're looking for in a movie. If you appreciate detailed storytelling, rich character development, and a chance to fully immerse yourself in a fantastical world, then the film's duration might not be an issue at all. It simply means more time to enjoy the world of Oz and the unique friendship at its core. It's a pretty big story, after all, and it seems to be getting the time it deserves.

So, rather than being a cause for worry, the film's considerable runtime could be a sign of a truly comprehensive and thoughtfully produced adaptation. It seems the filmmakers are committed to doing justice to the beloved source material, ensuring that every significant moment and character beat is given its proper place on screen. This dedication to the story, even if it means a longer sitting, is something many will appreciate, you know, at the end of the day.</