Wicked Movie Run Time - What To Know Before You Go

The much-anticipated musical fantasy picture, based on the very popular Broadway stage presentation and a well-known novel, is finally here, or at least its first part is. People are really talking about how long it is, and whether that length will make for a great viewing experience. It's a big deal for fans of the story, you know, because they've been waiting for this for quite some time.

This film, which, you know, brings a beloved tale to the big screen, is coming out in two separate pieces. The first part is making its way to cinemas in November of 2024, and there's been quite a bit of chatter about its duration. Many folks are wondering if they'll need to bring extra snacks, or perhaps plan a longer evening out, just a little, when they go to see it.

So, we're going to talk all about the actual length of this movie, what that means for you as a viewer, and what some of the initial reactions have been. We'll also touch on some things to think about, especially if you're bringing along younger family members, because, well, the film has a particular rating and some scenes that might be a bit much for the very young ones, in some respects.

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Table of Contents

• The Story Behind the Wicked Run Time
• What is the Confirmed Wicked Run Time for Part One?
• Why Does Wicked Have Such a Long Run Time?
• How Does This Wicked Run Time Compare to Other Big Musicals?
• What Are People Saying About the Wicked Run Time?
• Considering the Wicked Run Time for Younger Viewers
• The Original Stage Show's Wicked Run Time
• More Information About the Wicked Run Time and the Show

The Story Behind the Wicked Run Time

The tale of "Wicked" itself has a rather interesting beginning, actually, even before it became a Broadway sensation or a movie with a notable run time. It all started with a manuscript that a person named Singer got hold of from Demi Moore's Moving Pictures company. This acquisition cost a good sum, a million dollars, for the rights to the story. This manuscript was based on a novel from 1995 by Gregory Maguire, which was titled "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West." It's a story that, you know, looks at the familiar characters and setting from L. Frank Baum's 1900 book, "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," but from a fresh, different viewpoint.

So, the idea was to tell the untold history of the witches of Oz, which, in a way, gives a whole new dimension to a story many people already know. For the film version, a writer named Linda Woolverton was brought on board by Singer to create the screenplay. This whole process, you know, from getting the book rights to getting the script written, shows how much thought and effort went into bringing this particular story to life on the screen, and that effort might be why the eventual wicked run time is what it is, too.

The stage production itself has been playing for a long while on Broadway, at the Gershwin Theatre in New York City, which is a bustling place. This long history on stage, you know, with all its songs and scenes, naturally contributes to the overall content that needs to be translated into a film. When you think about adapting something so big and loved, there's a lot of material to consider, which, arguably, plays a part in the length of the movie. It’s not just a simple story; it’s a detailed world with many characters and events that need their moment, so, the wicked run time makes sense in that light.

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What is the Confirmed Wicked Run Time for Part One?

Now, to the question on many people's minds: just how long is this first part of the "Wicked" movie? Well, various sources have given us some figures. Fandango, for instance, has, you know, apparently shown the wicked run time to be two hours and forty minutes. Other movie theater listings have also indicated a similar length, pretty much confirming this number. This means that when you settle into your seat, you're looking at a substantial amount of time spent watching the story unfold, which, for some, is a good thing.

There have been a few slightly different numbers floating around, but they all hover around the same general duration. One report suggested it would be over two and a half hours, which, as a matter of fact, aligns quite well with the other figures. More specific details confirm that the film runs for 159 minutes and 59 seconds, or, if you prefer, just a hair under two hours and forty minutes. This means you'll be in your seat for nearly three hours, counting previews and perhaps a moment to get settled, so, definitely bring all the snacks you might want.

Another very precise figure for the wicked run time of Part One is two hours and forty-one minutes. This makes it, interestingly enough, almost the same length as the entire Broadway musical it's based on. When it was first announced that the film adaptation would be split into two parts, some might have assumed each part would be shorter, but this first installment is quite lengthy on its own. It's a significant commitment of time for a single movie, which, you know, really shows how much story they packed into this first half.

Why Does Wicked Have Such a Long Run Time?

You might be wondering why this first part of "Wicked" is so lengthy, especially since it only covers the first act of the stage play. Well, the director, Jon M. Chu, has actually spoken up to defend the duration. The film makes a rather smart choice, it seems, by not adding a bunch of extra storylines that aren't really needed. Instead, it uses the extended wicked run time to really get into the main characters and the sometimes complex relationships they share. This approach means that viewers get a deeper look at who these people are and why they do what they do, which is often a good thing for character-driven stories.

So, rather than just rushing through the events, the movie takes its time to build up the characters, to show their motivations, and to let their interactions breathe. This focus on character development, you know, helps to make the story feel richer and more meaningful. It's not about cramming in every single detail from the novel or the stage show, but about giving the central figures the space they need to grow and change on screen. This is, you know, a very deliberate choice that influences the wicked run time significantly.

The fact that Part One tells only half the story of "Wicked" the musical also plays a big part in its length. To truly set up the narrative and establish the world and its inhabitants, a certain amount of time is just needed. If they were to condense it too much, it might feel rushed or incomplete, which, as a matter of fact, would probably disappoint fans. So, the long wicked run time is, in some respects, a way to ensure that the story is told with the proper pacing and attention to detail, allowing the audience to really connect with what's happening on screen.

How Does This Wicked Run Time Compare to Other Big Musicals?

When you hear that "Wicked" Part One is around two hours and forty minutes, you might think that's a very long movie. However, for a musical adaptation of a Broadway show, this kind of length is actually pretty normal. For example, the 2012 film version of "Les Misérables" ran for two hours and thirty-eight minutes, which is, you know, almost exactly the same duration. This comparison suggests that the "Wicked" movie's length isn't out of the ordinary for its type, but rather, it fits right in with other big screen musicals that bring expansive stories to life.

It's interesting to note that this first part of "Wicked" is even ten minutes longer than the stage musical it's based on, at least for its first half. This extra time, as we've talked about, is used to deepen the characters and their connections, which is a bit different from just adding more plot points. So, while the stage show itself is already quite long, the film version takes a little more time to really explore the emotional core of the story. This choice, arguably, contributes to the overall wicked run time and how it feels to the audience.

Comparing it to other films, even non-musicals, many epic stories or those with a lot of character development often stretch to similar lengths. It means that the filmmakers are committed to giving the story the space it needs to unfold properly, rather than trying to cram everything into a shorter time frame. So, while it might seem like a lot of time to spend in a movie theater, it's actually quite typical for a grand musical production, and the wicked run time reflects the ambition of the project, you know.

What Are People Saying About the Wicked Run Time?

The news about the wicked run time has certainly sparked some conversations among fans, you know, as you might expect. People are, in a way, conflicted about this update, especially considering that the movie only covers the first act of the play. Some fans are worried that the film might "drag," meaning it could feel too slow or drawn out. There are also concerns that it might lack enough singing and dancing, which are, of course, central to a musical experience. These worries are pretty understandable when you consider the length and the fact that it's only half the story.

However, there's also a sense that Part Two might clear up some of these concerns, potentially revealing more details about the story and perhaps more of the musical numbers people are hoping for. It's a waiting game, in a way, to see how the full picture comes together. The director, Jon M. Chu, has defended the length, as we've discussed, by saying it's about deepening the characters. This explanation might ease some worries, suggesting that the time is being used purposefully, rather than just being stretched out without reason, so.

The idea of a movie being nearly three hours long for just half a story can be a lot to take in for some people. It's a big commitment for an audience, and naturally, they want to make sure that commitment is worth it. The conflict among fans really highlights the balance filmmakers try to strike between telling a complete story and keeping the audience engaged throughout a long viewing experience. So, the discussions around the wicked run time are really about managing expectations and hoping for a rewarding cinematic event, you know, ultimately.

Considering the Wicked Run Time for Younger Viewers

For parents thinking about bringing their children to see "Wicked," there are a few things to keep in mind beyond just the wicked run time. The film has a PG rating, which means parental guidance is suggested. This rating is given for a reason, and in this case, it's partly due to some "scary action scenes." These scenes might be a bit much for very young children, which is something to consider before buying tickets. The content isn't overly intense, but it's not without its moments that could cause a little fright, you know.

The recommended age for children to see the movie is eight and up. Furthermore, no children under the age of five will be admitted, which is a pretty clear guideline. This rule is in place for a good reason, as the film's themes and scenes might not be suitable for the very youngest audience members, and the length itself could be a challenge for their attention spans. So, while the wicked run time is a factor, the content itself is also a big part of deciding if it's right for your family, basically.

A movie that runs for nearly two hours and forty minutes, or even longer, can be quite a stretch for a young child's focus. Planning for bathroom breaks and bringing enough snacks becomes even more important for a film of this length. It’s not just about whether they can handle the scary parts, but also whether they can sit still and stay engaged for such a long period. So, parents really do need to think about the combination of the film's content and its considerable wicked run time when making their decision, you know, to ensure a good experience for everyone.

The Original Stage Show's Wicked Run Time

It's interesting to look at the original stage production of "Wicked" and compare its length to the new film. The stage show, which plays on Broadway at the Gershwin Theatre in New York City, also has a significant duration. While the film's first part is around two hours and forty minutes, the stage show itself, in its entirety, has a run time that includes an interval. For example, a performance of "Wicked" on stage is often cited as being two hours and forty-five minutes, and that includes a fifteen-minute break in the middle, which is a pretty standard setup for a long musical.

This means that if you go to a 7:30 PM performance of the stage show, it will typically finish around 10:15 PM. For an afternoon show starting at 2:30 PM, it would wrap up around 5:15 PM. These times give you a good idea of the commitment involved in seeing the live production. The fact that the film's first part is almost as long as the entire stage musical, without an interval, really highlights how much story and character development they're packing into this initial cinematic offering. So, the wicked run time of the movie is, in some respects, mirroring the grand scale of its theatrical predecessor.

The stage version, which is the untold story of the witches of Oz, has been captivating audiences for a long time. It's a big, sweeping production with many songs and elaborate scenes. When adapting something of this scale for the screen, filmmakers have to decide how much to keep and how much to cut. In the case of "Wicked" Part One, it seems they chose to keep a lot, focusing on the depth of the characters rather than trimming things down for a shorter experience. This choice, you know, directly influences the wicked run time we see for the movie, making it a very full experience.

More Information About the Wicked Run Time and the Show

If you're curious to learn more about the "Wicked" show, beyond just its wicked run time, there are resources available. Broadway Direct is a good place to find additional information about the stage production, including details on tickets, various venues where it might be playing, and other general show information. This can be helpful if you're interested in experiencing the original musical or just want to understand the broader context of the story that the movie is bringing to life. It's a good way to get a full picture of the world of Oz as depicted in "Wicked," you know.

The movie itself, which stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, is based on the stage production and the Gregory Maguire novel. Part One is directed by Jon M. Chu and was written by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox. Knowing these details can give you a better sense of the creative team behind the film and how they approached bringing this beloved story to the big screen. The choices they made, from casting to the script, all contribute to the final product, including, of course, the wicked run time that has everyone talking, so.

The film, which is a 2024 American musical fantasy, has been anticipated for a long while. The fact that it's finally here, with its confirmed length, means that audiences can now prepare for the experience. Whether you're a long-time fan of the stage show or new to the world of "Wicked," understanding the details about its duration and content can help you plan your viewing. It's all about getting ready for a cinematic journey that, you know, promises to be quite extensive, given the wicked run time.

So, we've covered the confirmed length of "Wicked" Part One, which is around two hours and forty minutes, and how this compares to other musicals. We also looked at why the film is so long, focusing on its choice to deepen characters rather than add side plots. We touched on fan reactions, some worried about dragging or lack of singing, while others await Part Two. Finally, we considered the PG rating and recommended ages for younger viewers, along with details about the original stage show's length and where to find more information about the overall production.