Universal Pictures’ highly anticipated film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical “Wicked” will now hit theaters on November 22, five days earlier than its original schedule. The shift was made to avoid a head-to-head battle with Disney’s “Moana 2,” which was slated for the same 27th November release date.
By releasing ahead, “Wicked” aims to capture the audience ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, minimizing direct competition within its target female demographic, according to Variety report.
However, “Wicked” will still face competition as it shares its new release date with Paramount and Ridley Scott’s historical epic, “Gladiator II,” but it is expected to have a minimal audience overlap.
The recent adjustment is the second significant date change for “Wicked: Part One,” as it was initially planned for a Christmas Day release before Universal opted to avoid competing with Disney’s “Mufasa: The Lion King” and “Sonic the Hedgehog 3.”
Directed by Jon M. Chu, known for his work on “Crazy Rich Asians” and “In the Heights,” the two-part “Wicked” adaptation stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda. The story explores their unlikely friendship, which faces challenges from external forces. The cast also includes Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater, and Bowen Yang in pivotal roles.
“Wicked: Part One” sets the stage for the sequel, scheduled to premiere on 26th November, 2025, promising audiences a captivating journey into the beloved world of Oz.
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