Wicked (2024) Review – Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Shine in NBC Today Show Most Anticipated Musical

A Cultural Landmark Highlighted on NBC Today Show

Few cinematic releases in recent memory have captured the collective imagination of daytime television and pop culture quite like Jon M. Chu Wicked. Featured prominently on NBC Today with Jenna & Sheinelle, the long-awaited big-screen adaptation of the legendary Broadway musical has transcended traditional movie reviews to become a worldwide cultural phenomenon. Celebrating sisterhood, vocal perfection, and dazzling visual spectacle, the film brings the iconic land of Oz to life with extraordinary scale and genuine emotional resonance.

The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz

Set long before Dorothy Gale dropped in from Kansas, Wicked chronicles the misunderstood backstory of Elphaba Thropp (Cynthia Erivo) — a brilliant young woman born with emerald-green skin and unharnessed magical talents — and Galinda Upland (Ariana Grande), an ultra-popular, bubbly blonde socialite accustomed to getting her way. When the two unlikely students meet at Shiz University, their initial friction gradually evolves into a deep, tender friendship that forms the emotional heart of the entire narrative.

However, as political corruption brews under the charismatic facade of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum), Elphaba decision to stand up for justice branded her as the “Wicked Witch of the West,” while Glinda is crowned the pristine symbol of virtue. The film explores themes of propaganda, moral compromise, societal prejudice, and the true cost of standing by one principles.

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande: Vocal & Dramatic Perfection

The success of Wicked ultimately rests on the shoulders of its two extraordinary lead performers, both of whom deliver career-defining performances. **Cynthia Erivo** brings fierce vulnerability, grounded authority, and awe-inspiring vocal power to Elphaba. Her belt during the climactic “Defying Gravity” sequence is a goosebump-inducing cinematic triumph that left audiences cheering in theaters nationwide.

Opposite her, **Ariana Grande** is a revelation as Glinda (Galinda). Harnessing her operatic vocal range and impeccable comedic timing, Grande infuses the character with surprising warmth and depth. Her rendition of “Popular” is physical comedy perfection, masking a subtle, poignant longing for genuine acceptance.

Supporting cast members **Jonathan Bailey** (as the charismatic prince Fiyero), **Michelle Yeoh** (as Madame Morrible), and **Jeff Goldblum** (as the Wizard) elevate every scene they occupy, bringing theatrical gravitas to this fantasy epic.

Visual Splendor, Practical Sets, and Direction

Director Jon M. Chu (renowned for Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights) wisely eschewed green-screen backdrops in favor of tangible, sprawling set pieces. From nine million real tulips planted for the Munchkinland scenes to the intricate, clockwork machinery of the Emerald City, the production design by Nathan Crowley feels rich, tactile, and immersive. Coupled with Paul Tazewell dazzling costume design and Stephen Schwartz timeless songs, the movie operates as a feast for the senses.

Box Office Performance and Global Cultural Phenomenon

Exceeding initial industry projections, Wicked grossed over $114 million domestically in its opening weekend alone, marking the highest-grossing opening weekend for a feature film adaptation of a Broadway musical in history. Overseas markets responded with equal fervor, pushing the worldwide total past $700 million during its theatrical run. Social media platforms exploded with fan recreations of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo red carpet fashion moments, while daytime talk shows like NBC Today Show dedicated entire morning segments to analyzing the film pop culture dominance.

The Legacy of Wicked: Part One and Part Two Expectations

Universal Pictures choice to split the stage musical into two feature-length films was initially met with skepticism by some critics. However, Jon M. Chu brilliant pacing in Wicked: Part One proves that giving the characters room to breathe breathes unprecedented emotional depth into the story. With Wicked: Part Two slated for Thanksgiving 2025 release, anticipation for the continuation of Elphaba and Glinda journey has reached a fever pitch among moviegoers of all generations.

Critical Reception and Oscars Season Buzz

Critical consensus for Wicked has been overwhelmingly glowing, with top industry critics praising Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande for breathing fresh cinematic life into iconic roles. Oscar pundits are predicting major Academy Award nominations across key categories, including Best Picture, Best Actress for Erivo, Best Supporting Actress for Grande, Best Production Design, and Best Costume Design. As Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones highlighted on the Today Show, Wicked represents Hollywood operating at the peak of its creative and technical power.

Final Verdict: An Instant Musical Classic

Wicked stands as a monumental artistic triumph that honors its Broadway roots while pushing the boundaries of film musicals. As highlighted by Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones on the Today Show, this is an unforgettable cinematic experience celebrating friendship, resilience, and standing up for what is right. A must-watch masterpiece.

MovieOn Rating: 8.8 / 10