Warner Bros. Discovery has announced that Wicked will be released one week earlier than originally planned, now hitting theaters on November 22, 2024. This change comes as part of the studio’s strategy to avoid direct competition with Disney’s Moana 2, which is slated for release just five days later, on November 27.
However, this new release date places Wicked on the same day as Ridley Scott’s Gladiator 2. While both films are expected to attract large audiences, it seems unlikely that their shared release date will cause a significant split in viewer preferences, especially compared to the potential clash with Moana 2, a family-friendly animated film.
Wicked, a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, delves into the origin story of Elphaba, the infamous Wicked Witch of the West. The film explores the unlikely and complicated friendship between Elphaba, a woman marginalized due to her green skin, and Glinda, a popular and privileged witch. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande star in the roles of Elphaba and Glinda, respectively, under the direction of Jon M. Chu, known for his work on Crazy Rich Asians.
The film marks the first part of a planned two-part series. The second installment, Wicked: Part 2, is scheduled for release on November 26, 2025, ensuring that fans of the Broadway sensation will have much to look forward to in the coming years.