Warner Bros. Discovery has moved up the release date for Wicked a week ahead of its originally slated fall theatrical release. The film, which tells the untold story of Oz's witches, will now be released on November 22.
According to Variety, Wicked's new release date was seemingly made to avoid having its opening weekend compete against Disney's Moana 2, which hits theaters on November 27. The film's new release date will now have the Hollywood adaptation of the hit Broadway play released on the same day as director Ridley Scott's Gladiator 2.
Chances are Wicked and Gladiator 2's shared release date won't result in a split audience of musical lovers like what might have happened had Wicked come out alongside Moana 2.
Wicked is a prequel to The Wizard of Oz that tells the origin story of Elphaba, otherwise known as the Wicked Witch of the West. The story follows the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, a woman discriminated against for her green skin, and Glinda, a popular witch who aims to find her born in privilege. Actors Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande play Elphaba and Glinda, respectively. The film was first announced back in 2021 and is being directed by Crazy Rich Asians director Jon M Chu.
Wicked is the first part of a duology. Its sequel, Wicked: Part 2, is set to release on November 26, 2025.
Isaiah Colbert is a freelance writer for IGN. You can follow them on Twitter @ShinEyeZehUhh
