Amazon Prime members are in for a treat as they are being offered early access to see the highly anticipated film adaptation of the Broadway hit Wicked. This special opportunity comes through a partnership with Fandango, allowing members to buy tickets for exclusive showings on 18 November – four days before the official release on 22 November.
How to get early access
Prime members can secure tickets by logging into their Amazon Prime account and purchasing through Fandango. There’s no limit on how many tickets can be bought, but availability is on a first-come, first-served basis and is valid until 18 November.
The journey from stage to screen
The idea of a Wicked film adaptation has been in the works since the musical’s Broadway debut in 2003. The original production starred Idina Menzel, Kristin Chenoweth, Joel Grey, and Norbert Leo Butz. Marc Platt, who produced the stage version, spearheaded the film project, having also produced musical hits like La La Land and Mary Poppins Returns.
In 2021, Jon M. Chu, known for his work on In the Heights, was chosen to direct, replacing Stephen Daldry, who left due to scheduling conflicts. Chu cast pop star Ariana Grande as Glinda (formerly Galinda) and Broadway’s Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West.
Two-part cinematic release
Chu made the decision to split the film into two parts, with the first half concluding at the end of Act 1, mirroring the musical’s structure. Early screenings have already generated excitement, with audiences praising Grande and Erivo’s performances and the film’s impressive production. IndieWire’s Erin Strecker shared her reaction on social media, saying, “Happy to confirm ‘Wicked’ is the best musical-to-movie adaptation since ‘Chicago’ and ‘Mamma Mia.’ Ariana Grande….is perfection!”
Watch the trailer below:
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