‘Wicked’ reactions: ‘The world is not ready’ … Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande ‘will blow you away’

“Wicked” may not arrive in theaters for another three weeks and change, but early reactions are already pouring in from film critics who screened it on October 30. And they’re all “wick-ed-ly” positive, as John Travolta might declare. “The world is not ready,” raves Variety’s Jazz Tangcay. Others agree with her, claiming it’s a “masterpiece” with a “stunning vision,” and claiming, “‘Wicked’ rocks, kids.”

Critics are also singling out director Jon M. Chu and lead actresses Cynthia Erivo (as Elphaba Thropp) and Ariana Grande (as Galinda Upland) for their work on the big budget movie musical, saying they “will blow you away.” Other cast members include Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, and Marissa Bode.

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“Wicked: Part 1,” which arrives in theaters on November 22, was already garnering major Oscar buzz before today’s onslaught of sugary mini-reviews. “Wicked: Part 2,” meanwhile, is scheduled to debut the following year on November 21, 2025.

Here are just a sampling of social media comments from critics who saw it on the big screen:

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SEE ‘Wicked’ proves popular in Oscar predictions, leads early odds to win Best Costume Design

Three days before the movie hits theaters, NBC will air a TV special on Tuesday, November 19, titled “Defying Gravity: The Curtain Rises on Wicked.” The hour-long event is being billed as “an exclusive journey into Oz with the all-star cast.” It filmed on the Emerald City movie set, and features behind-the-scenes moments with the cast. In addition, viewers will see the world premiere of a “thrillifying” secret scene from the upcoming movie.

The Universal Pictures movie is adapted from the popular (pun intended) Broadway musical of the same name, which won three Tony Awards in 2004 for Idina Menzel (Best Actress in a Musical), Eugene Lee (Best Scenic Design), and Susan Hilferty (Best Costume Design).

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