From Stage to Screen: What Fans Are Eager to See
Adaptations have taken many forms over the years, from book-to-film to video games brought to the screen. Among the most beloved and often debated adaptations are those of musicals to film. While some succeed brilliantly, others leave fans wishing the show had stayed on stage. The next musical to make this leap is Wicked, one of Broadway’s most popular productions. Though fans adore the stage version, there are high hopes and specific expectations for what the film will bring to life.
Musical Numbers
For those excited about Wicked leaping from stage to screen, one of the biggest questions is how the musical numbers will turn out. Wicked is famous for its powerful songs, each packed with emotion and purpose. Fans are hoping the film gives the same thrill—those unforgettable chills only amazing performances can bring—that seeing the show live or listening to the soundtrack gives. So far, the trailers have been well-received, especially Cynthia Erivo’s vocals as Elphaba. Ervio’s singing seems to capture the depth and feeling fans expect from this complex character, setting high hopes for the film’s music. Casting Ariana Grande as Glinda, however, was a bit of a surprise. Known for pop music, Grande’s singing and acting background has helped ease initial doubts. Glinda needs both strong vocals and a playful charm, and Grande’s skills suggest both can be brought to the role while adding a unique touch.
The songs themselves are central to what makes Wicked so special. Hits like Defying Gravity, Popular, No Good Deed, and For Good are expected to bring the same magic that audiences have loved for years. Each of these songs is key to the story and character development, conveying themes that go beyond spoken lines. Fans are hoping every popular song from the musical makes it into the film, as missing even one favorite could feel like a letdown. The music is central to Wicked, and it’s one of the main things people are excited to experience viewing the film.
Performance/Acting
For the love of musicals, the film must deliver outstanding performances from the entire cast. While music is a crucial part of musicals, the performances are equally important. Both films and stage shows require actors to rehearse extensively to ensure everything goes smoothly. However, films often focus on finalizing everything for release and maximizing box office earnings. Will this approach apply to Wicked? For now, audiences can only get a taste of what to expect through the trailers, which offer a glimpse into the visuals and performances. So far, based on the trailers, everyone has high expectations and loves the performance Erivo delivered, especially the high note the actress sings at the end of the trailer.
It’s not just Erivo who has fans excited about the performances; Grande has also received praise.
Chris Murphy from Vanity Fair noted, “The way that Glinda works in the story, it’s so funny and there are so many comedic moments, but as it goes on, she becomes the unsuspecting heart and a sympathetic character.” The original author of the novel Wicked also shared his thoughts in a post on X from Wicked News Hub on the performances, stating, “I watched Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as the cameras rolled. Their ability to inhabit their characters and Jonathan Bailey’s ability too were intimidatingly powerful.” Given the original author’s praise, fans are likely to trust his words and hope to experience the same emotions while watching Grande and Erivo’s performances. Ultimately, everyone involved needs to give their best effort and strive to exceed their usual standards if they want to impress the audience.
Plot
Sticking to the plot of a story isn’t the most challenging task, but when films are pressed for time, they often can’t include every detail from the original book, game, or musical. This is especially true for Wicked, where fans are eager to see the essence of the story preserved. They want the film to maintain the same flow and emotional depth that the stage production offered, ensuring that key scenes are included. While fans aren’t necessarily expecting a verbatim retelling of the musical, they do hope to see beloved moments and memorable quotes brought to life on screen. These elements are essential in capturing the spirit of Wicked and connecting with the audience. Viewers want to experience those iconic scenes that made them fall in love with the musical in the first place. It’s about creating a balance and honoring the source material while adapting it for a new format.
According to ScreenRant, the decision to split the film into two parts has allowed filmmakers the opportunity to explore the characters’ relationships more deeply. This approach enables them to include scenes that are either newly created for the film or taken directly from Gregory Maguire’s novel and L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Some of these newly added scenes have been modified to enhance the audience’s understanding of the characters, providing a richer narrative experience. Ultimately, the goal is for the film to resonate with both long-time fans and newcomers, providing a familiar yet fresh experience that stays true to the heart of Wicked.
Will It Meet Fans’ Expectations?
The Wicked musical has been captivating audiences for over a decade and continues to thrive. This longevity means that fans have plenty to look forward to time and time again. When the trailer for the film was released, excitement surged amongst the audience. So far, there has been a lot of positive buzz about the upcoming film, positioning it as one of the most highly anticipated films of the year. Let’s hope the filmmakers do justice to the beloved Wicked fandom.
Watch Wicked in theaters on November 22!
Wicked (2024) Official Universal Pictures Trailer
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Author
Janaye is a graduate student at Rowan University, pursuing a degree in Writing Arts. She previously earned her bachelor's degree in the same field, specializing in creative writing and public publishing.
Kendra Dennis is a Pennsylvania-based creative and content writer. While her passion lies within the creative realm, Kendra enjoys any time she gets to write. Kendra graduated from American Public University System in June of 2025 with a BA in English. She enjoys writing stories that open up to a larger world where readers can get lost. You can find her daydreaming about her newest stories or reorganizing one of her many bookshelves.