Fans Concerned About Wicked Movie Runtime for a Clear Reason

This week, audiences around the globe are gearing up for a long-awaited journey back to Oz with the impending release of the Wicked movie. However, the anticipation is accompanied by a hint of anxiety regarding its runtime.

With less than a week until its debut on November 22, the live-action adaptation is already occupying the limelight, especially with stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande capturing audiences’ attention through various media. The conversations surrounding the adaptation have sparked debates, particularly concerning its duration.

As fans engage in discussions on social media platforms, a central point of contention rises—how can Wicked‘s cinematic version justify being longer than the acclaimed Broadway show?

Glinda and Elphaba in the Wicked movie — Image Credit: Universal Pictures

The stage production, which premiered in 2003, has a runtime of nearly three hours, including a 20-minute intermission. In contrast, the new movie adaptation will only present the first act of the story, with Part 2 anticipated for a November 2025 release. While this second installment does not have an announced runtime, it is expected to cover the second act of the narrative.

On social media, fans have raised concerns about the time expansion. One user on Reddit lamented that “the film has added another 1 hour and 10 minutes of material to the first half of this story.”The same user questioned the rationale behind splitting the adaptation into two parts, stating, “Part 1 is longer than the entire show.”

Another fan weighed in with concerns about pacing, expressing frustration about the transition from a compact musical format to an extended cinematographic experience, explaining that “modern movie musicals often struggle with pacing.” Their apprehension suggests that the film may feel prolonged with an emphasis on dialogue rather than music and choreography.

What is the Runtime of the Wicked Movie?

The Wicked movie clocks in at 2 hours and 40 minutes, closely mirroring the total runtime of the Broadway production. Fans are left wondering how much of this length will consist of additional content or restructured scenes.

While it has been hinted that new songs may be introduced to accompany the original score, the specific changes to the film’s structure and storytelling methods remain uncertain.

A significant factor lies in the narrative sources. Both Wicked and The Wizard of Oz are adaptations of novels—Gregory Maguire’s 1995 work, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, and L. Frank Baum’s 1900 classic, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

Reflecting back to the 1939 film adaptation, it’s evident that the streamlined plot required a runtime of less than two hours, leading to many details being omitted from the story. In contrast, the extended two-part structure of the new movie aims to enrich the narrative by including aspects that would provide greater context to audiences.

Ultimately, while the runtime of Wicked Part 1 may raise eyebrows, it could offer an opportunity to delve deeper into the enigma of Oz and its characters. Fans can look forward to its release on November 22 and may also want to catch up on other upcoming Disney offerings, trending films, and the year’s best cinematic experiences.

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