Wicked is finally making its way to the big screen, more than 10 years after it was first announced.
The movie, centered around Glinda (played by Ariana Grande) and Elphaba (played by Cynthia Erivo), is based on the Tony Award-winning Broadway show, which serves as a prequel to The Wizard of Oz. Erivo has previously teased that the films will be even more spectacular than the musical itself. “I think it’s going to be unlike anything you’ve ever seen before,” she told Entertainment Tonight at the 2022 SAG Awards—the same year it was revealed that Universal’s adaptation would be split into two movies rather than one.
“I think we’re going to enjoy the magic of it. We’re going to try and put our own spin on what we know already and show you a story about two women [who] are sisters,” she added.
Here’s everything you need to know about the movie’s production budget and when the second part will follow this year’s release.
The film reportedly had a $150 million budget, according to Variety, with the second half of the two-part movie—costing an additional $150 million—set to arrive in 2025.
According to Showbiz Galore, the pop star and Grammy winner has reportedly received $15 million for her paycheck, while her co-star Erivo, also a Grammy winner, is believed to have received around $1 million.
The following songs are featured in the movie, many of which have been extended from their versions in the hit stage musical. All tracks are written by Stephen Schwartz.
