• Celebrity stylists Courtney Mays, Kris Fe, and Sam Woolf told BI who had the best style of the year.
• Cynthia Erivo's "Wicked" press tour looks were standouts.
• Colman Domingo's Critics Choice Awards look was popular, too.

For some of us, 2024 was the year of Sabrina Carpenter's "Espresso," the "Wicked" movie, and Moo Deng, but for celebrity stylist Courtney Mays, it will be remembered as the year French model and singer Yseult wore a custom iteration of Dior's "New Look" to the Cannes Film Festival.

BI spoke with Mays (known for styling Breanna Stewart, Chris Paul, Sue Bird, Kevin Love), as well as fellow celebrity stylists Sam Woolf (Doechii, Jhené Aiko, Latto), and Kris Fe (Madison Beer, Bia, Muni Long) to learn who — regardless of industry — had the best style of the year.

"I look at people's style who inspire me and my personal style," Mays said. "I think about people who are moving the needle forward in terms of culture. I think of people that inspire me for my own clients, so everyone kind of has a different wing or a different sort of area that they kind of fall into."

From red-carpet highlights to curated street-style looks, here are the 10 best-dressed people of the year, according to celebrity stylists.

Cynthia Erivo nailed her "Wicked" press tour looks.

Method dressing has been one of the decade's hottest red-carpet trends, and one actor who's really risen to the challenge is Cynthia Erivo, whose Elphaba-inspired looks have been stellar throughout the "Wicked" press tour.

Woolf told BI, "I think the way she embodied her character from the movie in a red carpet fashion perspective was really interesting and really elevated."

It "still gave a character, but it didn't verge on costume, but it still gave fashion," he added.

Of all her press looks, Woolf said he was a fan of the Thom Browne dress she wore in Mexico City (above left), the Schiaparelli gown she wore for the London premiere (above middle), and her work with Louis Vuitton (above right).

Erivo spoke with Vogue in November about the electric-green vinyl Louis Vuitton gown she wore to the film's LA premiere, telling the publication that the look let her character "own the green color in such a big, bold way!"

"I thought the fabric choice was strong and divine, which is how I see my character," she added.

But what elevates Erivo's press tour looks from her counterparts?

To Woolf, it's a combination of the designers' interpretations, who's wearing the clothes — the same garment on two people can translate completely differently — and an understanding that "less is more."

"When you're giving a nod to a theme, it can simply be the color, like Cynthia Erivo wore green. So, I think it's less is more, and just taking one element and not making it a whole thing," he said.

French model and singer Yseult was the queen of Cannes fashion.

Fashion nerds keeping an eye on the Cannes Film Festival this year would've been quick to spot Yseult in a new iteration of Christian Dior's "New Look," popularized in his first collection from 1947.

"I thought, I'm going to do Cannes — and I want to feel strong, I want to feel fierce," Yseult told the Washington Post in May.

She added, "I think why people love how I fit this dress is because of my body. My body is unique. I'm a plus-size girl, you know, and I really embrace all the curves. I really embrace myself. For the first time we see a body — a plus-size body — in [this look]."

Yseult's candor is exactly what excites Mays.

"She's partnered with Dior frequently, which I am so excited by because I think, so often, our understandings of size inclusivity are kind of skewed in the fashion world. You get something that's a size 16 and it fits like a 10," Mays told BI. "But to see somebody that actually looks like me and to be celebrated in a luxury space and to do it in a cool way, and I think she's another one that kind of plays on this notion of gender fluidity," noting that she can go from wearing a vintage-inspired Dior gown to a suit and tie.

"I think when you can do that, it's such a marker of someone that has true style," Mays said.

Colman Domingo is consistently one of the best-dressed men in Hollywood.

Woolf told BI that the "Rustin" actor is "definitely one of the best-dressed males consecutively throughout the year."

"I think the main thing with Colman is he's not afraid to take risks," he added. "And he carries clothes well."

Such risks can be taken with colors, silhouettes, and fabrics, and one look that embodied them all was the mustard-yellow Valentino suit and gold glitter coat Domingo wore to the Critics Choice Awards in January (above right).

Domingo's stylists, Wayman + Micah, told Vogue in October that the actor "really loves to play and have fun in every facet of his being so his style and sense of fashion fully thrives."

"We love putting him in tailored fits that highlight his stature, and we love using accessories to innovate and elevate his looks," they added. "To top it all off, Colman's energy, confidence, and charisma always take every red carpet moment to the next level."

Domingo has credited his style to both his stylists and the people he saw growing up in Philadelphia.

"We know how to dress. I grew up with men who wore pinky rings … and you know, men who kept their nails clean and long, and like love to wear high-waisted suits; and I feel like I dress like Teddy Pendergrass, The Isley Brothers … I dress like the sound of Philadelphia," Domingo told "Jimmy Kimmel Live" guest host RuPaul in August.

Charli XCX's style during her "Brat" era proved she's the ultimate cool girl.

There was no escaping "Brat" this year and that's all thanks to British singer Charli XCX.

Fe thought the artist's tour looks were "really cool" and said that her style feels "more refined to her right now," defining it as daring, unapologetic, and fun.

She added she appreciates the wide range of brands Charli XCX and her stylist Chris Horan have worked with, citing looks from both big fashion houses like Balenciaga and from younger designers like Dilara Findikoglu, whom she wore during her hosting gig at "SNL" (above right).

"What I really like is when an artist has a specific branding or theme for an album, I can appreciate when the artist, creative director, or stylist, or whoever, really sticks to that. And it's a red thread throughout the whole entire album cycle. And I think that they did a really good job of doing that throughout the whole entire 'Brat' era," Fe added.

In July, Horan told Who What Wear that in this era of the "360" singer's career, "she's giving like very much fashion girl" and that "she doesn't play by anyone's rules."

He also said she looks for comfortability and "elements of movement" in her tour looks. He added that comfortable shoes are also important to her, but said they're "the worst part of making a performance look" because he wants her to wear "the highest shoe possible."

Taylor Russell's Met Gala debut with Loewe was one of the best looks of the year.

Canadian actor Taylor Russell has emerged as a rising star on both the silver screen and the red carpet, where she's known for striking the delicate balance between sexiness and elegance.

Fe said it's "really refreshing" to see a young person on the red carpet in such stunning pieces that aren't all about showing skin.

She added she's also seen Russell find ways to make vintage pieces feel very modern and that she likes how Russell chooses proportions: "It's really beautiful to see."

Jonathan Anderson, creative director of Loewe, spoke about his relationship with the actor — who's a global ambassador for the brand — with Vogue in May, telling the outlet, "When we work together, it's always an incredible creative dialogue — she is an amazing collaborator and a very special friend."

Dan Levy knows how to do "classic menswear with a little edge."

Another frequent Loewe collaborator is the multitalented Dan Levy, who was also recently named one of the most stylish nepo babies (his dad is actor and comedian Eugene Levy).

Mays told BI that Levy is one of her personal style inspirations who does "classic menswear with a little edge, and a little hint of something else there."

"And also, I love that he's made eyewear sort of his iconic thing," she said. "You don't think about Dan Levy without just a really great pair of frames."

And as for his best looks of the year? Mays said his Met Gala (above left) and Academy Museum Gala (above right) looks were standout moments.

On his Met Gala suit, Levy told The New York Times in May that he and Loewe "wanted a swerve to simple" with this year's look compared to what he and the brand chose for his gala debut in 2021.

"For the longest time, men's fashion was so square. Women had all the fun. That all changed over the past 10 years, so now I'm leaning into everything playful, flamboyant and exciting," he said.

Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs is a "classic street style icon."

Mays said Stefon Diggs is "pushing the needle forward in terms of style in the sports space" and a "classic street style icon."

"I think he's so cool in the way that he dresses. It feels obviously trend forward, but there's something really powerful about the way he gets dressed," she said. "I think he also plays with gender fluidity in a way that's interesting, but also authentic to himself."

Diggs told VMan Magazine in March that his upbringing in the DMV (the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area) helped shape his style.

"My mom has a picture of me wearing cowboy boots in the summertime, just because I loved cowboy boots at the time," he said, adding that although his parents didn't let him wear whatever he wanted, "they were able to balance out being yourself with being presentable."

Diggs added that he's a "texture guy" who likes to wear pieces that align with his mood.

"If I can wake up and something feels good to put on and it puts me in a good space energy-wise, I'm gonna wear it. It could be raining or hot outside, and I'll still have on leather. It doesn't matter. It's all about how I feel that day," he said.

Mays added that while Diggs does have moments where he leans into exclusive pieces — he's a fan of Birkin bags — her favorite looks are the ones that feel aspirational but approachable at the same time, like when he pairs a tank with a cardigan, cargo pants, and jewelry, like he did at the GQ Sports Super Bowl Party in February (above left).

Nicole Kidman has been booked and busy in 2024.

With projects like "The Perfect Couple," "Special Ops: Lioness," and "Babygirl" on her calendar, it's been an exciting year for Nicole Kidman's red-carpet style.

Woolf said her style has become "more refined" since working with stylist Jason Bolden (whose other styling credits include Erivo, Cara Delevingne, and Storm Reid), highlighting the Schiaparelli gown she wore to the Venice Film Festival (right).

"I think the brands she's wearing … I think they're just more fitted to her body and her silhouette," Woolf added, noting that he's also a fan of her collaboration with Balenciaga, whom she's been a brand ambassador for since December 2023.

"It's a really good match for her, and her body, and her look," Woolf said.

A$AP Rocky's style has become "more focused" and quiet-luxury inspired since having children.

Rapper and certified fashion icon A$AP Rocky "really plays well with accessories," Mays said, adding that she loved his December 2023 campaign with Bottega Veneta — it "feels authentic and elevated and family friendly, but still, like 'I'm cool and I'm smoking my joint but I have 17,000 barrettes in my head.'"

The Bottega campaign caught Fe's eye, too. She called it "a really cool standout moment."

And, of course, it's hard to mention A$AP Rocky without mentioning Rihanna (who, yes, could be on this list every year). Whether they're going out to dinner or walking a red carpet together, they don't match all the time, Fe said.

"They know themselves and they're not dressing for each other … I think that's really important to stay true to yourself and not lose that," she said.

The "Sundress" rapper told People at the Footwear News Achievement Awards on December 4 that his style is "way more focused" since becoming a dad to RZA, 2, and Riot, 1, whom he shares with Rihanna.

"Prior to that, it was more absurd outfits and just mixing and matching everything for the sake of it. Now, it's a bit more quiet luxury," he added.

Best new artist nominee Doechii knows how to make a statement.

2024 has been a breakout year for rapper Doechii, who's earned three Grammy nominations for 2025, including best new artist, best rap performance for "Nissan Altima," and best rap album for her August mixtape "Alligator Bites Never Heal." Kaytranada's remix of her song "Alter Ego" is also nominated for best remixed recording.

Woolf, who's been Doechii's stylist for nearly two years, said "she's a super creative person" who has a lot of ideas, so the pair will collaborate on looks based on things they both like.

One example of such collaboration was her look for Willy Chavarria's New York Fashion Week show (above left).

Woolf said that Doechii had already expressed an interest in not wearing shoes, and creating a look with toe socks. So, when he suggested that she wear a pair of the brand's underwear and go for a "muddy and dirty" look, they knew that was the perfect moment for their ideas to work together.

"Doechii understands fashion," he said. "She knows what looks good, she can see colors that mix well, textures that mix well; she understands and she always wants to break boundaries and make a statement."

One theme that can be seen throughout her style is her willingness to show the "things that are meant to be hidden" like face tape or undergarments, Woolf said. "We incorporate all of those things and we show it all."

• "Wicked" adapts the first half of the Broadway musical of the same name.
• Starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, it was a massive undertaking with a reported $160 million budget.
• Here are some of the behind-the-scenes details and stories that were part of the making of the film.

Warning: Some "Wicked" spoilers ahead.

"Wicked," the film adaptation of one of the longest-running Broadway musicals of all time, was understandably a major undertaking.

The movie, directed by Jon M. Chu ("In The Heights"), only tackles the first half of the stage musical in its two-hour and 41-minute runtime ("Wicked" part two is set to hit theaters in 2025). Depicting Elphaba and Glinda's school years and creating the world of Oz required major practical sets, some insurance fears, and of course, lots of green paint.

With a reported $160 million budget, "Wicked" had a stellar opening weekend at the global box office to the tune of $164.2 million. Needless to say, people are loving "Wicked" and all its fun easter eggs.

Here are some of the behind-the-scenes details and filming secrets from the making of "Wicked," part one.

The cast sang live on the set of 'Wicked.'

Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, and the rest of the cast decided to sing live on set, and that's the audio that you hear in the film itself.

Ariana Grande didn't remember saying 'RIGHT!' during 'Popular.'

In Grande's version of "Popular," she enthusiastically yells "Right!" in response to Erivo's Elphaba finishing one of her sentences. The moment, which is a departure from Chenoweth's delivery on the original cast recording, has gone viral on social media.

Grande, however, didn't remember delivering it on set, she revealed on TikTok.

'Popular' was filmed with a piano accompanist.

Chu told The New York Times that given that "Wicked's" vocals were recorded live, the production filmed "Popular" with a pianist on set.

Having a live accompanist meant that Grande could play with tempo in her performance, rather than having to adhere to a pre-recorded instrumental track.

Erivo did her own stunts.

Elphaba loops around in the sky during "Defying Gravity" — and Erivo did so herself on set, flying through the air on wires while in costume.

"How can you hire an actor that does their own stunts, amazing acting, sings, and then you integrate all three of those things together and land it over, and over, and over, and over, and over again?" Chu said in a behind-the-scenes video.

Grande also did stunts in 'Wicked.'

In "Popular," there's a moment where Grande swings around on a chandelier. On "The Tonight Show," she shared footage of her doing the stunt with Erivo and a stunt coordinator.

"One of our stunt coordinators was standing in the room just to make sure that I didn't break all of my limbs," Grande said. "He was standing in the corner really stoically and bravely, and my foot just kind of almost breaks his face."

Cynthia Erivo chose to be painted green rather than using CGI.

In a video uploaded to the "Wicked" Instagram account, Erivo said that she was given the choice to either be painted green, or have the color applied in post-production.

"I wanted to look back at a reflection and see a green woman in front of me. I really wanted for her skin to feel textured. When you look at it, there's freckles, and there's tone, and shade, just like skin should be. She has these green eyes that come from the genetic makeup of who she is, and it isn't just on her, it's in her," Erivo said.

Erivo also wore fake ears on set to cover her piercings.

Erivo has multiple piercings in her ears. Rather than cover them up individually, the production team just opted to give her new ears entirely.

"I have a million piercings, so they brought in a prosthetic artist, who created basically a shell for my ears — those aren't my ears!" she told Elle.

Grande and Erivo spent five hours together when they first met.

The actors told Deadline that they wanted to deliberately build their friendship and "take care of each other," as Grande said.

"The first time we met was at my house," Erivo said. "We sat and chatted for a good few hours — five — and I think we just saw each other immediately. It was really easy. We didn't have to think about it, we were just there and that has continued."

Grande and Erivo both had COVID the week before their respective biggest numbers.

The actors told The New York Times that they each got COVID once on set. For Grande, it was the week before "Popular," Glinda's biggest, mostly solo number. Erivo had it the week before she shot "Defying Gravity," the climax of the first film.

Grande and Erivo got matching tattoos.

The stars got multiple "Wicked"-themed tattoos, including matching "For Good" tattoos on their palms, poppies on their hands, and hearts on their legs. Each actor also has individual tattoos, such as a broom and hat for Erivo.

The pair gave a tour of their matching tattoos on "The Kelly Clarkson Show."

The 'tornado wheel' in 'Dancing Through Life' was almost deemed too dangerous.

The wheel setpiece has three different rotating pieces, each with a ladder cutting across the middle. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Chu called the set "very dangerous" — to the extent that the production's insurance was not keen on allowing it.

"I wasn't sure they were gonna allow Jonathan Bailey in the tornado wheel because of safety. Which makes sense, because this is, he needs to carry on. We can't injure our Fiyero," choreographer Christopher Scott told EW.

Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth said they changed their character descriptions.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Chenoweth and Menzel — the original Glinda and Elphaba — spoke about how they were asked to be in the film.

"We both texted, and she said, 'Have you seen the description of us in the movie?' And it was like, it didn't say 'old, decrepit,'" Chenoweth said. "It said something like that. But then we changed it and we said, 'No, we're not going to be those wise men.'"

"Can't we just be beautiful fairy goddesses?" Menzel said.

"We might have had that one part changed," Chenoweth said. "Just that one."

Kristin Chenoweth got Ariana Grande matching Glinda jackets.

Chenoweth posted several photos of herself and Grande wearing the matching painted pink jackets on Instagram.

"Leading my babygirl down the yellow brick road," she captioned the post. "I surprised @arianagrande with these jackets on set at @wickedmovie… a little physical memento of our 'passing of the wand.'"

"Wicked" is now playing in theaters.

• "Wicked" adapts the first act of the 2003 Broadway musical.
• The film, which stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, references that show and "The Wizard of Oz."
• Here are details, references, and easter eggs you may have missed in the movie.

The "Wicked" movie is a revelation — and it's full of references to "The Wizard of Oz" and the original "Wicked" Broadway show that came before it.

The film, directed by Jon M. Chu, adapts the first act of the 2003 musical written by Winnie Holzman with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. That show, which itself is an adaptation of Gregory Maguire's novel imagining a backstory for the Wicked Witch of the West, follows the magically inclined, green-skinned Elphaba and her school enemy-turned-best friend Glinda. Those roles were originated by Idina Menzel and Kristen Chenoweth on Broadway, and in the film, they're played by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.

The impressive "Wicked" box office numbers prove it's hitting with multiple generations of fans who love all those adaptations. In its opening weekend, the film earned an estimated $164.2 million worldwide.

The film has plenty of easter eggs for fans of the "Wicked" Broadway musical (you'll hear some familiar act two musical cues) and those with only a surface-level understanding of Oz. We've rounded up some details and references that you may have missed in the film.

There are multiple rainbows in the film, nodding to 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow'

"Wicked" pays its thematic due to the most iconic song from "The Wizard of Oz," invoking rainbows multiple times. You can see one in an early shot, in the pattern of the tulips that the Munchkin children run through heralding Elphaba's death, and again during Elphaba's run through a field in "The Wizard and I."

The title card is a reference to 'The Wizard of Oz'

There's been some controversy on social media over bad movie theater etiquette after people started taking photos of the "Wicked" title card in theaters. The whimsical, curly font is a reference to the original title card for "The Wizard of Oz."

The film includes multiple musical cues that reference 'For Good'

"Wicked" basically uses the opening notes of "For Good," an Elphaba and Glinda duet in act two of the musical, as shorthand for their developing relationship throughout the film.

There's a great example of this on the "Wicked" soundtrack, at the 0:06 minute mark of "Dear Old Shiz" after someone asks Glinda if she and Elphaba were friends.

Nessarose's silver slippers have tornado heels

Elphaba and Nessarose's father presents Nessa with a pair of silver heels. The shoes, which eventually pass to Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz," are silver as they were originally in L. Frank Baum's novel. However, they're presented in a ruby case — similar to the 1939 movie.

The heels also have a swirling tornado pattern at the heel, referencing Nessa's eventual demise when Dorothy's house falls on her after getting picked up in a cyclone.

There's another pair of red slippers in the film, though

During "Popular," Glinda pulls out a pair of shining, ruby-red slippers, a reference to the ones Dorothy wears in "The Wizard of Oz."

Glinda is backlit with a halo during 'What Is This Feeling'

When Glinda sings the lyric, "These things are sent to try us," she stands in front of a door with a circular window. When she centers her head in front of it, the light coming through the window turns golden.

Jonathan Bailey rides a familiar horse in 'Wicked'

Bailey apparently got to make one casting request for "Wicked": he wanted to bring along his favorite horse.

"I knew there was only one man for the job, and that was Jack the horse that I worked with in 'Bridgerton,'" Bailey said on "Late Night with Seth Meyers."

One shot of Elphaba resembles the original Broadway poster

When Elphaba puts on her black hat at the Oz Dust Ballroom, it briefly shadows her eyes and obscures part of her face. The shot mimics the original poster for the Broadway musical, in which the top half of Elphaba's face is covered.

Unlike the poster, however, Erivo's Elphaba isn't smiling in the moment.

Fiyero being unaffected by Elphaba's poppies is foreshadowing

Big spoilers for part two if you're not up to date on the original musical, but through a series of unfortunate events, Fiyero eventually turns into the Scarecrow.

Like the Scarecrow in "The Wizard of Oz," Fiyero does not succumb to the sleep-inducing effects of the poppies. Instead, he helps Elphaba spirit away the lion cub from their classroom.

As a bonus — that lion cub will eventually grow up to be the Cowardly Lion from "The Wizard of Oz."

Idina Menzel and Kristen Chenoweth aren't the only Emerald City cameos

It'd be extremely difficult to miss Menzel and Chenoweth's meaty cameos during the "Wiz-O-Mania" sequence that takes place in the Emerald City. There are two others you may have missed, however: writer Winnie Holzman and composer Stephen Schwartz, who wrote the Broadway musical. Schwartz also has an iconic line during the sequence: "The Wizard will see you now."

"It took a lot of convincing to get them into this movie because they resisted it," director Jon M. Chu told Entertainment Weekly. "I was like, 'You guys have to be in this.' We didn't know where, and then once Stephen wrote that section to Wiz-O-Mania, it became very clear that Stephen had to do, 'The Wizard will see you now.'"

Also, Idina Menzel does her iconic 'Defying Gravity'

If you're even a surface-level "Wicked" fan, you probably didn't miss this one. In case you did, you can hear her do it at about the 4:00 minute mark of "One Short Day" on the film's soundtrack.

The Wizard hologram says 'Omaha' because, canonically, he's from Nebraska

During the "Wiz-O-Mania" presentation in the Emerald City, a hologram of the Wizard pretends to read the Grimmerie, the magical text of Oz. To do so, he just says the word "Omaha" a few times.

He is indeed referencing Omaha, Nebraska — because that's where the Wizard is from.

There are crates and posters nodding to the Wizard's old life

In the attic set used in "Defying Gravity," there are posters referencing the "Wise and Magnificent Oscar Diggs." In the above behind-the-scenes shot, you can see crates with the same text, and others that say, "Omaha, NE."

That is the Wizard's real name — and back in Nebraska, he was a magician.

There's a lyric change in 'Defying Gravity'

In the Broadway musical, the chorus sings, "Look at her, she's wicked — get her!"

But in the movie, things are more grave. The chorus sings, "Look at her, she's wicked — kill her!"

"Wicked" is now in theaters.

• The first part of the two-part adaptation of "Wicked" premiered on November 22.
• It's already raking in millions at the box office and earned positive reviews.
• It's the latest in a long line of theatrical films based on Broadway musicals.

The movie musical has long been a mainstay of Hollywood, though it's been over two decades since one won best picture at the Academy Awards.

That might change this year with the release of "Wicked," which has a 90% critics score and 96% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. "Wicked" made $164 million, setting a record for the biggest opening weekend for a film based on a Broadway show.

While some movie musicals have earned praise and raked in profits, not all have. It can be difficult to balance honoring the original work with adding new ideas and songs to the story.

Here are some of the best movies based on musicals — and some of the worst.

These are the 15 of the best musicals that have been turned into movies.

The movie musical has always been a huge part of Hollywood, but in recent years, it's been a bit of a rough road. A movie musical hasn't won best picture at the Academy Awards in over 20 years, since "Chicago" in 2003.

Thankfully, "Wicked" seems to be turning the tide, earning rave reviews from critics and fans alike.

Including "Wicked," here are 15 of the best musicals-turned-movies.

"Wicked Part One" (2024)

People have been trying to make a film adaptation of "Wicked" happen since at least 2010, Deadline reported. The musical, which debuted on Broadway in 2003, is the fourth-longest-running musical in Broadway history.

While it's certainly been a long wait, it was worth it. "Wicked Part One" is a faithful adaptation of the musical's first act. Every song you love is there, lovingly recreated and performed by actors Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, and more.

The scope of the musical has been leveled up using practical sets, hundreds of dancers, and well-placed CGI.

Any fan of "Wicked" should be pleased by this film — and don't be shocked if it ends up picking up a few Oscar nominations.

Next up: "Wicked Part Two," out November 21, 2025.

"Chicago" (2002)

Based on the 1975 stage musical about two murderous women directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse, "Chicago" remains an important, beloved, and most importantly, meme-able film.

"They both reached for the gun" was inescapable on TikTok this year, 22 years after the film's release.

"Chicago" onstage is a relatively bare-bones production — the set is all black and brought to life with dancers. The film adaptation completely changes this, bringing all the iconic locations like the Cook County Jail, the courthouse, and numerous jazz clubs to roaring life.

Performances by Catherine Zeta-Jones (who won an Oscar for best supporting actress), Renée Zellweger (nominated for best actress), Richard Gere, John C. Reilly (nominated for best supporting actor), and Queen Latifah (nominated for best supporting actress) all helped make this movie the awards and box-office juggernaut it became.

In total, it won five Oscars from 13 nominations (including best picture) and grossed over $300 million worldwide.

"Cabaret" (1972)

"Cabaret" — another Bob Fosse musical — was a contender for best picture of 1972 at the Oscars.

It didn't win, but it did take home eight statues, including best director for Fosse, best actress for Liza Minnelli, and best supporting actor for Joel Grey.

"Cabaret," which is based on a 1966 musical, has themes that still resonate today. The plot focuses on the events in and surrounding the Kit Kat Klub, a cabaret nightclub in Berlin in the late 1920s. As Nazi fascism begins its rise to power outside the walls, performers and guests can pretend that everything will be OK inside the Kit Kat Klub.

The movie makes significant changes from the musical, excluding whole plots and characters, but it doesn't detract from its power. The most significant change is the addition of the song "Maybe This Time," sung by Minnelli as Kit Kat performer Sally Bowles. The song has become an iconic theater staple and has even been added to every subsequent revival of the show.

"Dreamgirls" (2006)

"Dreamgirls" is based on the 1981 stage musical of the same name, which in turn is loosely based on the rise of Diana Ross and the Supremes in the '60s and '70s.

The music is what makes this movie worthy of a watch, with stellar performances by Jamie Foxx, Beyoncé (as Ross), Eddie Murphy (who was nominated for an Oscar), Anika Noni Rose, and, most of all, Jennifer Hudson.

Hudson, who made her acting debut and won an Academy Award for this film, is, to put it lightly, electric. Just watch her performance of "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" and try to find any flaws.

"West Side Story" (1961)

The first movie adaptation of the 1957 musical "West Side Story" is not without its faults. Natalie Wood, a white actor, was cast to play Maria, who is Puerto Rican — and she didn't even sing her own songs, she was dubbed over by Marni Nixon. In fact, most of the actors are dubbed over in at least one song.

But the film in its entirety is still breathtaking. Its music (written by Stephen Sondheim), choreography, set design, performances, and cinematography still hold up 63 years later.

And that's all without mentioning the legendary Rita Moreno, who became the first Latina to win an Academy Award for her performance as Anita, a young woman who wants to accept New York City as her new home, but finds it nearly impossible.

"West Side Story" won best picture at the 1962 Academy Awards.

If you can overlook the problematic elements of its time, this film is worth the watch.

"West Side Story" (2021)

The 2021 remake of "West Side Story" may be even better than its predecessor. First of all, the casting of actual Puerto Rican actors cannot be overstated — thank you, Steven Spielberg, for introducing mainstream audiences to Rachel Zegler and Ariana DeBose.

(DeBose won an Oscar for playing Anita — Anita is only the first character in history to be portrayed in multiple Oscar-winning performances.)

Second, almost everyone in this film has a beautiful voice and fills up the screen — again, thank you, Spielberg, for casting Mike Faist.

This film is not without its controversies either: Ansel Elgort was accused of sexual misconduct in 2020, a year before its release, which he denied.

Still, it's been rightly hailed as one of the best movie musicals of all time and was nominated for best picture at the 2022 Oscars.

"Grease" (1978)

At this point, the film adaptation of "Grease" is more famous than the 1972 stage musical due to the iconic performances of John Travolta, Olivia-Newton, Jeff Conaway, and Stockard Channing.

Plus, the movie cuts out all of the original musical's subpar songs and adds bangers like "Hopelessly Devoted to You," "Grease," and "You're the One That I Want."

"Grease" was so beloved at the time of its release that the soundtrack was the No. 2 bestselling album of the year, according to Billboard.

"The Music Man" (1962)

"The Music Man" is very faithful to its source material: the 1957 stage musical. In fact, the film was directed by Morton DaCosta, who also directed the stage production, which is why it was so similar.

Songs like "76 Trombones," "Ya Got Trouble," "The Wells Fargo Wagon," and "Shipoopi" are classics of the stage for a reason, so seeing them on the big screen on a huge scale is nothing short of jaw-dropping.

Moviegoers agreed — it was the fifth-highest-grossing film of 1962, according to The Numbers, and was nominated for best picture at the Academy Awards.

"Little Shop of Horrors" (1986)

"Little Shop of Horrors" is an interesting case — it's based on the Off-Broadway musical from 1982, which is turn based on a non-musical film from 1960 titled "The Little Shop of Horrors."

In a cinematic world so filled with CGI, it's satisfying to see the giant puppet of Audrey II (a carnivorous flytrap-esque plant with a taste for humans) interacting with stars Rick Moranis and Ellen Greene.

Director Frank Oz has the absurd tone of this story down perfectly, and the songs by Broadway legends Howard Ashman and Alan Menken hold up today.

"Les Misérables" (2012)

"Les Mis," as it's known by fans, is a musical of epic proportions, spanning decades in 19th-century France. It's based on the 1980 musical of the same name, which has been running in London since 1985. That makes it the longest-running musical in West End history.

This movie has some critics, especially regarding the vocal performance of Russell Crowe as Inspector Javert.

It was a smash success at the box office, grossing $442 million worldwide, and nominated for eight Academy Awards, including a win for Anne Hathaway as Fantine.

"Fiddler on the Roof" (1971)

Seven years after the musical premiered in 1964, a film adaptation of "Fiddler on the Roof" debuted in cinemas and instantly became one of the most beloved movie musicals ever. According to The Numbers, it was the No. 2 film at the box office that year.

Even though this isn't the most universal story — a group of Russian Jews living in a small village in 1902 as they deal with pogroms — the themes of family, growing up, falling in love, religion, and intolerance are still applicable today.

"Hairspray" (2007)

"Hairspray" stars John Travolta, Zac Efron, Michelle Pfeiffer, Amanda Bynes, Queen Latifah, Elijah Kelley, James Marsden, Brittany Snow, Christopher Walken, and Nikki Blonsky in the film adaptation of the 2002 musical (which itself was based on n 1988 comedy).

This film is camp at the highest level, and the songs are earworms 17 years later.

It was nominated for three Golden Globes for best comedy/musical, best actress (for Blonsky), and best supporting actor (for Travolta).

"In the Heights" (2021)

"Wicked" isn't the first musical that Jon M. Chu has directed — in 2021, he directed the cinematic adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda's first musical, "In the Heights."

While the film was a box-office disappointment (though its release during the pandemic wasn't ideal), this movie was a hit with critics and the people who actually saw it, with a 94% score on Rotten Tomatoes from both critics and audiences.

"In the Heights" was a way for more people to see themselves represented in musicals in a non-tragic way — the other most famous musical about Latinos is "West Side Story" which, while great, is fundamentally a tragedy. "In the Heights" is a joyful experience to watch, with love and care for its characters shining out of every frame.

"Funny Girl" (1968)

"Funny Girl" introduced us to Barbra Streisand. Enough said.

Not really, but "Funny Girl's" lasting legacy is, of course, its star. When it premiered on Broadway in 1964, it made Streisand a star of the theater. And four years later, when she reprised the role of comedienne Fanny Brice on the big screen, she won her first Academy Award.

Hey, Mr. Arnstein, indeed.

"Guys and Dolls" (1955)

Even though Marlon Brando can't really sing, the 1955 adaptation of the 1950 musical is delightful.

The other three stars (Jean Simmons, Vivian Blaine, and most importantly, Frank Sinatra) more than make up for Brando's lack of talent, and he's so charismatic that we don't mind much anyway.

The viewing public in 1955 agreed. According to Variety, "Guys and Dolls" was the highest-grossing movie of the year.

And now, the worst movie musicals.

Not every movie musical gracefully transfers the magic of live theater to the big screen.

"Cats" (2019)

The main problem with "Cats," based on the 1981 musical, is that it's horrifying to look at. Watching people dressed up as cats onstage makes sense, but trying to actually turn actors into cats onscreen using "digital fur technology" sends viewers headlong into the Uncanny Valley.

The plot of "Cats" is barely comprehensible in the musical, but when transferred to a film, it's even worse. We'd only recommend watching "Cats" if you're in the mood for a laugh.

"Mean Girls" (2024)

There's a lot to be said about the marketing of the "Mean Girls" musical movie. Specifically, it wasn't marketed as a musical, leaving people to think that a studio was (unnecessarily) remaking the 2004 film.

Instead, this is a movie adaptation of the 2017 musical, which itself is based on the 2004 version.

Frankly, the music in this isn't all that good. Reneé Rapp, of course, is wonderful as Regina George, but the rest of the cast is largely forgettable, and the production changes made from stage to screen upset some fans.

"Into the Woods" (2014)

This is the first movie musical on this list to star James Corden, though it won't be the last. "Into the Woods," perhaps Stephen Sondheim's most well-known musical after "West Side Story," originally premiered on Broadway in 1987.

The original cast was recorded and that performance is available to stream, which we'd highly recommend instead of this adaptation.

The biggest issue, again, is that the actors simply don't have the vocal chops. Corden, Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, Anna Kendrick, Chris Pine, Billy Magnussen, and Johnny Depp are all decently talented singers, but Sondheim's music is notoriously difficult for even the most skilled singers.

"Dear Evan Hansen" (2021)

It was a rough day to be Ben Platt, the titular Evan Hansen, when the trailer for this film dropped on the internet. Jokes were flying about his age (he was 28 playing a 17-year-old), his wig, and the content of the movie, which has been relatively controversial since the musical premiered in 2015.

Platt's performance onstage was critically acclaimed and earned him a Tony Award, but the histrionics that worked well onstage didn't translate to the silver screen, which usually requires a more subtle touch.

The film ended up bombing, grossing $19 million against a $27 million budget.

"Phantom of the Opera" (2004)

"Phantom of the Opera" remains the longest-running musical of all time, and was on Broadway from 1988 to 2023.

That means it has generations of fans who are attached to the musical and might have high expectations for a film adaptation.

Unfortunately, the Joel Schumacher-directed adaptation was a bit of a let-down. Some people felt the main problem was that Gerard Butler, who plays the Phantom, was just too handsome for the role.

"Rock of Ages" (2012)

"Rock of Ages," based on the 2005 musical of the same name, was first and foremost a box-office bomb. It grossed just shy of $60 million, making it one of the biggest bombs of star Tom Cruise's career.

Speaking of Cruise, people seemed to take the biggest issue with his performance. "Rock of Ages" is a jukebox musical consisting of '80s hits, which requires a huge vocal range. Cruise, talented though he may be, does not have the vocal talent needed.

"The Prom" (2020)

"The Prom" is the second musical adaption to star James Corden on this list, though his role in this one is more controversial. "The Prom" is based on the 2018 musical of the same name. It's the story of a lesbian teenager in middle America who defies her school's PTA by wanting to bring a female date to prom.

In the film, Corden plays a flamboyant, stereotypical gay character, which is problematic in and of itself — but the fact that Corden himself is straight adds another complicated layer.

As Business Insider's Frank Olito pointed out, LGBTQ teens can "experience disillusionment and confusion" when seeing straight actors play queer characters, and noted that there were plenty of gay actors who could've played the role.

"Carousel" (1956)

Redditor Yoyti described the issues with "Carousel," the adaptation of the 1945 musical about a romance between an amusement-park barker and a mill worker, perfectly. "It's bad in an insidious way," they wrote, adding that "the changes made to the script, and the direction, turn it entirely on its head and turn a subtle and heartbreaking musical into the horribly problematic thing."

Writer Mark Robinson also wrote that "the stage magic had to be drained to create a film that was of reasonable length."

"A Chorus Line" (1985)

The 1975 musical is about a group of chorus dancers who are trying everything they can to secure a dancing job before injuries or aging prevents them from dancing again.

As one of the stars from the musical, Kelly Bishop, later said, director Richard Attenborough seemed to misunderstand this.

"It was appalling when director Richard Attenborough went on a talk show and said 'This is a story about kids trying to break into show business.' I almost tossed my TV out the window; I mean what an idiot! It's about veteran dancers looking for one last job before it's too late for them to dance anymore. No wonder the film sucked," she said.

"Hair" (1979)

The film adaptation of a story about hippies in Vietnam War-era New York City makes many changes to the 1968 musical of the same name, much to the chagrin of its creators, Gerome Ragni and James Rado.

According to the book "The Age of Hair: Evolution and Impact of Broadway's First Rock Musical," the creators don't even consider it a real adaptation.

"Any resemblance between the 1979 film and the original Biltmore version, other than some of the songs, the names of the characters, and a common title, eludes us," they said.

• Jon M. Chu's "Wicked" premiered in theaters on November 22.
• "Wicked" topped the domestic box office with an estimated $114 million.
• The film has earned an estimated $164.2 million worldwide so far.

"Wicked" is soaring at the box office.

Universal Pictures' highly anticipated — and heavily promoted — film topped the domestic box office with an estimated $114 million in ticket sales during its opening weekend. With an additional estimated $50.2 million in the international market, Deadline reported that the film has had the biggest worldwide opening for a Broadway feature adaptation.

Director Jon M. Chu's "Wicked" is a prequel to "The Wizard of Oz" that invites audiences to learn how the Wicked Witch of the West came to be. The star-studded cast includes Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, and several other actors who bring the magical realm to the silver screen.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Universal splurged on "Wicked," spending more than $320 million to create the two-part film. While it's unclear what portion of the budget went toward marketing, the musical themes, cast, and iconic pink and green motif have been ubiquitous for months in brand partnerships, including Starbucks and Stanley cups.

"Wicked" is based on the eponymous Broadway musical inspired by Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel. This film only covers part of the musical. A second film is expected to hit theaters in November 2025.

But the witchy "Wicked" isn't the only big-budget film gaining attention this Thanksgiving week.

Ridley Scott's "Gladiator II" also debuted in American theaters on Friday, prompting movie fans to dub the phenomenon "Glicked." It's reminiscent of 2023's record-breaking blockbuster July when Greta Gerwig's "Barbie" and Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer" — dubbed "Barbenheimer" — both took Hollywood by storm.

"Gladiator II" also has a stacked cast with Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, and Pedro Pascal.

The action film earned an estimated $55.5 million domestically. It debuted overseas a week earlier, however, and has so far grossed an estimated $165 million from the international market, Variety reported.

• Audiences have flocked to see "Wicked" since its release in theaters this week.
• But some moviegoers have complained about people singing along while watching.
• The issue has sparked a fresh debate on movie theater etiquette.

"Wicked" arrived in theaters this week to largely positive reviews.

But while the film itself may be going down well with audiences, some have been less than thrilled to find their fellow moviegoers singing along and giving their best impressions of Elphaba and Glinda (played by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande).

The film adaptation of the long-running Broadway musical of the same name has since prompted a fresh debate over how audiences should behave.

For its part, AMC Theatres has asked moviegoers to keep quiet during screenings of the film, which landed in theaters on November 22.

But it seems not everyone has got the message.

One TikTok user said in a video that has gained more than 1.3 million views: "I'm here to warn everyone that the singing is, in fact, happening, and it's worse than you would expect."

"Not only were people singing at the top of their lungs during 'Defying Gravity,' but what was almost worse is people whisper singing, and their timing was off so you would just hear little whispers of the songs or even just some of the words before they were said," they added.

Another TikTok user wrote of their experience watching the film: "The rumors are true; the theater kids really did do a sing-along."

"9/10 movie but 1/10 audience," they added in the caption.

Weighing in on the debate in an interview with StayTunedNBC, Grande and Erivo said they understood people wanting to sing along.

"I say if you come the first time and you sing through, sing through. But come a second time and let us sing to you," Erivo said.

"And if someone throws popcorn at you or their phone or something, maybe stop," Grande joked.

"Wicked" isn't the first movie in recent years to spark debate about how people should act during films.

In 2023, when Taylor Swift's "The Eras Tour" concert film was released in theaters, videos of fans leaving their seats to sing and dance in the aisles were met with criticism online.

However, for "Wicked," there may be a solution to keep both sides happy — special sing-a-long screenings will begin showing in roughly 1,000 North American cinemas from Christmas Day onwards, Variety has reported.

The Universal Pictures film, directed by Jon M. Chu, is expected to have one of the biggest domestic opening weekends of the year.

After making $19.2 million in advance screenings, the movie is reportedly heading for a domestic debut of $120 million.

• "Gladiator II" and "Wicked" are both in theaters.
• While "Glicked" isn't as much of a viral double feature as "Barbenheimer," it would be pretty fun.
• If you have time for only one, though, see "Wicked."

"Gladiator II" and "Wicked" are facing off at the box office this weekend.

"Glicked," a portmanteau of the dueling releases, may not live up to the "Barbenheimer" phenomenon of 2023 — the two films would need to make over $2 billion at the box office to pull that off. But they're both positioned for success as blockbusters.

"Gladiator II," directed by Ridley Scott, is the sequel to his 2000 film starring Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix. Its protagonist is Lucius Verus (Paul Mescal), a long-lost Roman heir sent away for his own safety by his mother, Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), after the events of the first film.

"Wicked" is an adaptation of one of the longest-running Broadway musicals. Directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, this film covers only the first act of the musical, which serves as an origin story for the Wicked Witch of the West from "The Wizard of Oz." (The second part is coming in 2025.)

Having screened both of them, I can say it's absolutely worth seeing both movies eventually, ideally in theaters. The double feature would be a good time, and far less existentially depressing than "Barbenheimer."

But if you've got the time, money, and energy for only one movie this weekend, you should see "Wicked."

'Wicked' vs. 'Gladiator II,' by the numbers

Both movies have been well received so far and are certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, but critics and audiences generally seem to like "Wicked" a bit more.

If time is of the essence, there's no tie-breaker — they're nearly the same length.

If you want something you can see with the whole family, "Wicked" is more kid-friendly.

Now on to the more subjective stuff.

'Wicked' is a better movie than 'Gladiator II'

The witches have it, folks. To briefly summarize my "Wicked" review:

• Erivo and Grande are extraordinary as Elphaba and Glinda. It's not unlikely that Grande will pick up an Oscar nomination for best supporting actress (despite some hubbub over whether she belongs in that category) — and frankly, everyone should watch Erivo sing "The Wizard and I."
• "Wicked" does make some frustrating choices and feels a bit self-indulgent.
• It's still one of the best movie musicals in recent memory and makes a convincing argument for why it needed to be a two-part film.

"Gladiator II" is fun — but not quite as good, and narratively messy.

• It has trouble juggling its large cast and many contentious relationships. That results in an irritating underutilization of Pedro Pascal, who is otherwise just as heartstring-tugging as usual.
• But the action sequences are pretty fun, as long as you're not too pedantic about historical accuracy. (Colosseum sharks.)
• Denzel Washington is great, even if his character, Macrinus, is a little inscrutable.

'Gladiator II' has more Paul Mescal in it, though

Can't argue with that. Mescal is bloody, feral, leading-man material in "Gladiator II."

Be warned that people might start singing at 'Wicked'

Universal Pictures has scheduled sing-along screenings of "Wicked" that start on December 25. They can't really come soon enough, though. The New York Times reported on audience members' frustrations with their compatriots belting out songs — and that was just at early-access screenings.

Let's be clear: You should definitely not start singing along at "Wicked" unless it is a designated sing-along screening. It's rude and disrupts other people's enjoyment of the film. Do what the rest of us have done since we were children and strain your voice by belting "Defying Gravity" in the comfort of your own living room.

Ultimately, follow your own taste

"Wicked" and "Gladiator II" are both worth the price of admission (and maybe even of a popcorn and soda). Ultimately, it boils down to whether you have a strong preference for or against musicals.

If you're thirsting for blood, go see "Gladiator II." If you're craving off-the-charts theater-kid energy, obviously go see "Wicked."

• "Wicked," the movie, is based on "Wicked," the hit 2003 Broadway musical.
• Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande play Elphaba and Glinda, roles originated by Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth.
• Here's what you need to know about how the movie pays homage to the musical.

Warning: Spoilers ahead for "Wicked" the movie.

Jon M. Chu's "Wicked" film is a reboot of one of the longest-running Broadway shows of all time — and it pays its respects to that history through a long-rumored cameo.

"Wicked," the musical, is a loose adaptation of Gregory Maguire's novel that imagines a backstory for the Wicked Witch of the West from L. Frank Baum's "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz." The show premiered on Broadway in October 2003 starring Idina Menzel as Elphaba, the green-skinned woman who would become the Wicked Witch, and Kristin Chenoweth as Glinda, her roommate and future Good Witch.

Though "Wicked" has cycled through many Elphabas and Glindas over its extensive theatrical run, Menzel and Chenoweth remain iconic as members of the original cast. Now, they're passing the mantle to the film's Elphaba and Glinda — Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.

Idina Menzel and Kristen Chenoweth have a significant cameo in the Emerald City

The cameo, which probably made Broadway fans squeal, happens once Elphaba and Glinda make their way to the Emerald City.

After sorcerer Madame Morrible recognizes Elphaba's immense magical talent, Elphaba enrolls at Shiz University to be her pupil. She ends up rooming with Glinda, her conceited classmate, and the two strike up a rivalry. Eventually, they become friends, and when Elphaba is summoned to meet with the Wizard in the Emerald City, she brings Glinda with her.

Once they reach the city, the pair take in the sights, including a play about the history of Oz and the Wizard. Menzel and Chenoweth appear as two of the show's principal players, and they're both credited on IMDb as "Wiz-O-Mania Super Star."

This isn't just a throwaway moment either. As far as cameo appearances go, this is a pretty meaty one: Menzel and Chenoweth have significant singing roles — Menzel even does her original "Defying Gravity" end riff.

The most satisfying part of their appearance, however, is their interaction with Grande and Erivo on-screen. There's one significant moment where Menzel and Erivo, and Chenoweth and Grande — the Elphabas and Glindas, respectively — stand face to face. Cheekily, Chenoweth places her mouth over Grande's mouth to prevent her from vocalizing and stealing the spotlight.

Both Menzel and Chenoweth have been champions of the film and supported it at its Los Angeles premiere. Both told Entertainment Tonight that they didn't think Erivo and Grande needed their advice — only their congratulations.

"Kristin and I are just so proud that we were a part of creating this beautiful legacy," Menzel said.

"You always hope they do a movie, especially when it's a juggernaut like this was, but you never know," Chenoweth said.

"Wicked" is now in theaters.

• The "Wicked" movie covers act one of the original musical's plot.
• The film is part of a two-part franchise, with the sequel set for release on November 21, 2025.
• Here's what we know about "Wicked: For Good," including the cast and potential plot.

The cinematic debut of "Wicked" is already as long as the Broadway original, but only covers half of the show's plot. A second movie is coming in November 2025 to complete the story.

The director of 'Wicked' and its sequel, Jon M. Chu, announced in April 2022 that the film adaptation would be split into two movies released in 2024 and 2025.

This remains true even as Universal is marketing the movie as "Wicked," instead of "Wicked Part One." Warner Bros., the studio behind the release, also used this tactic with box office hits "Dune" and "It."

"Wicked," the musical, is the second-highest-grossing Broadway show ever. The plot follows the origin story of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, a character from "The Wizard of Oz."

The movie version stars Ariana Grande, Cynthia Eviro, and Michelle Yeoh. "Wicked" competed with another double-hitter, "Gladiator 2," for the top box office spot.

Although recent cinema adaptions of stage musicals like "Cats" and Steven Spielberg's "West Side Story" haven't had box-office success, "Wicked" is primed to join the billion-dollar club. Deadline predicted a $80 million plus opening, and higher first-day ticket pre-sales than "Inside Out 2," which brought in over $1 billion in ticket sales in 2024.

Marc Platt, who produced the "Wicked" movie and stage production, said he initially intended for the story to be a film but changed his mind after speaking to Stephen Schwartz, who composed the music and lyrics for the stage musical.

"I waited a very long time to make the movie," Platt said at the movie's London premiere where Business Insider was in attendance. Now, fans will have to wait even longer, until November 21, 2025, for the second part of "Wicked," titled "Wicked: For Good."

Both parts of 'Wicked' were filmed together

The cast, director, and crew have all shared reasons for splitting "Wicked" into two films.

Both Chu and Platt have said in interviews that they didn't want to cram or cut songs or characters to fit the story into one movie.

Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba, told Entertainment Weekly in February that the split allowed more space to develop her character's friendship and rivalry with Glinda the Good Witch, played by Grande.

A fan newsletter, "The Schwartz Scene," reported that composer Schwartz said there had to be a break after "Defying Gravity," the final song in the musical's first act.

"We found it very difficult to get past 'Defying Gravity' without a break," he said. "That song is written specifically to bring a curtain down, and whatever scene to follow it without a break just seemed hugely anti-climactic."

In 2023, Schwartz told the now-defunct site, The Messenger, that the second part will include new original songs written for the film.

"The storytelling required it, and therefore they were created—the intention was that they were organic and not imposed on the movie," he said.

Both parts of "Wicked" were filmed simultaneously and all the stars from the first film will return in the sequel. This also makes it unlikely the sequel could be delayed by production issues and should arrive on schedule next November.

'Wicked: For Good' will likely cover the second act of the Broadway musical

Spoilers ahead for "Wicked," the Broadway musical and the film.

The sequel's title is named after the act two song "For Good," performed by Elphaba and Glinda.

The first movie adapts the first act of the Broadway musical, explaining how Elphaba became the Wicked Witch.

Though Elphaba grew up being bullied and mistreated for her green skin and magical powers, she is desperate to prove she can be good and become like everyone else.

She and her younger sister Nessarose end up at Shiz University, a magical school in the world of Oz, but Elphaba is forced to share a room with a self-absorbed student called Galinda.

The pair bicker and fight until they become friends. At the same time, both women fall for Prince Fiyero Tiggular, and Elphaba learns that someone is trying to cage Oz's animals and stop them from speaking.

Later in the film, Elphaba is invited to meet The Wizard of Oz, its ruler, and brings along Galinda, who now goes by Glinda.

They learn that the wizard is a con man and that he and Madame Morrible, a magic professor at Shiz, are behind the conspiracy against the talking animals.

They want to use Elphaba's powers to help their plot because she is Oz's chosen one, not the Wizard — she can read a special book of spells called the Grimmerie.

But Elphaba steals the book instead and leaves Emerald City, leaving behind Glinda, who still believes in the Wizard.

The second film will cover the second act, set a few years after the first. In this act, the story connects back to the plot of "The Wizard of Oz," which viewers might be more familiar with from the 1939 film.

Glinda and Madame Morrible are part of the Wizard's administration, and Fiyero is head of a hunting squad for Elphaba.

Nessarose has become a cruel governor of Munchkinland and earned the title of the Wicked Witch of the East.

Elphaba, now known as the Wicked Witch of the West, tries to do good for the animals and people of Oz, but her magic and actions continue to harm her loved ones.

When her sister is crushed and killed by Dorothy's house, she vows to become truly wicked. This establishes her character as the witch depicted in "The Wizard of Oz" book and film.

There are no new characters in Act Two, except Dorothy, who is normally not played by a character onstage. There has been no casting announcement to suggest Dorothy will have a larger role in the second film.