The Broadway musical Wicked has enchanted audiences for two decades with its reimagined tale of the witches of Oz. Now, with the upcoming Wicked Rotten Tomatoes film adaptation set to hit theaters, fans and critics alike are eager to see how this iconic musical translates to the big screen. One of the key indicators of how the film will be received lies in one popular destination for movie ratings.
If you’re searching for “Wicked Rotten Tomatoes”, this comprehensive article will guide you through everything you need to know about the film, the history of Rotten Tomatoes scores for musicals, expectations from critics, and how Wicked is positioned to perform in both box office numbers and critical reception.
What Is Wicked About?
Before diving into critic scores and projections, let’s revisit what Wicked is all about.
Based on the 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire, Wicked tells the untold story of Elphaba, the misunderstood girl with emerald-green skin who eventually becomes the Wicked Witch of the West. The musical explores her complex friendship with Glinda the Good Witch, their struggles with love, identity, and power, and how society shapes perception of good vs. evil.
With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman, Wicked debuted on Broadway in 2003 and quickly became one of the most beloved and highest-grossing musicals of all time.
Wicked (2024/2025) Movie Adaptation
Cast and Crew
The film adaptation of Wicked is being split into two parts, with Part One scheduled for release in November 2024 and Part Two to follow in 2025. Directed by Jon M. Chu, known for Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights, the movie boasts a star-studded cast:
- Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba
- Ariana Grande as Glinda
- Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero
- Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible
- Jeff Goldblum as The Wizard
The anticipation surrounding this adaptation is enormous — and with the high expectations comes even greater scrutiny from critics and audiences alike. That’s where Rotten Tomatoes becomes a focal point.
What Is Rotten Tomatoes?
Rotten Tomatoes is one of the most influential movie and TV review aggregators. It gathers reviews from professional critics and audience members to provide an overall Tomatometer score (for critics) and an Audience Score. Here’s what they mean:
- Tomatometer Score: Percentage of positive reviews from certified critics. A score of 60% or higher is “Fresh”; below that is “Rotten.”
- Audience Score: Reflects how general viewers rate the film, usually based on star ratings and thumbs-up/down feedback.
For blockbuster releases, especially musicals, these scores often influence public perception, box office performance, and streaming success.
Wicked Rotten Tomatoes Score (Anticipated)
As of now (pre-release), Wicked’s Rotten Tomatoes score has not been officially posted, since critics only begin submitting reviews closer to the release date. However, we can make informed projections based on several factors:
1. Director Track Record
Jon M. Chu’s last musical adaptation, In the Heights, scored:
- Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer: 94% (critics)
- Audience Score: 88%
This bodes well for Wicked, as Chu has shown a proven ability to translate stage musicals to film with critical acclaim.
2. Broadway Legacy and Fan Base
Wicked has an extremely passionate fan base and is already regarded as a classic. This will likely boost its Audience Score, assuming the film remains faithful to the stage production and delivers strong performances.
3. Performance Hype
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande have both garnered positive early buzz for their vocal performances, particularly in numbers like “Defying Gravity” and “Popular.” Such moments could become iconic on film, raising the critical bar.
Anticipated Scores (based on projections):
- Tomatometer: 80–90% (Fresh)
- Audience Score: 85–95%
How Do Musicals Typically Score on Rotten Tomatoes?
Looking at past film musicals can offer a benchmark:
| Movie | Tomatometer | Audience Score |
|---|---|---|
| The Greatest Showman | 56% | 86% |
| Les Misérables (2012) | 70% | 79% |
| La La Land | 91% | 81% |
| West Side Story (2021) | 91% | 94% |
| In the Heights | 94% | 88% |
| Cats (2019) | 19% | 53% |
This data suggests that while some musicals divide critics (The Greatest Showman), others like La La Land and West Side Story earn across-the-board praise. Wicked, with its compelling story, famous songs, and cultural resonance, is more likely to fall into the La La Land/In the Heights category rather than the Cats debacle.
What Could Affect Wicked’s Rotten Tomatoes Score?
1. Faithfulness to Source Material
Fans of the Broadway show will expect iconic moments and songs to be preserved. Drastic changes could alienate both fans and critics.
2. Pacing and Story Adaptation
Adapting a two-act stage musical into two feature-length films poses risks. If pacing feels uneven or bloated, critics may take issue, even if performances shine.
3. Visual Effects and Production Design
With fantastical settings like Emerald City and gravity-defying magic, visuals will be scrutinized. High production quality could elevate the film, while poor CGI or excessive spectacle could drag it down.
Why Rotten Tomatoes Matters for Wicked
For casual viewers, the Rotten Tomatoes score may determine whether they head to the theater or wait for streaming. For fans, it can validate the film’s success. For studios, a strong critical response can boost Oscar chances, merchandise sales, and global revenue.
Moreover, Wicked could usher in a new era of prestige musicals if it performs well both critically and commercially — especially as audiences seek both escapism and meaningful storytelling.
How to Check Wicked’s Rotten Tomatoes Score
When the film is released:
- Visit RottenTomatoes.com
- Use the search bar to find “Wicked (2024)”
- Look for:
- Tomatometer score (critic rating)
- Audience Score
- Critic Reviews: Read individual takes
- Verified Audience Reviews: See reactions from actual moviegoers
Final Thoughts: Will Wicked Be a Rotten Tomatoes Hit?
While the official Wicked Rotten Tomatoes score isn’t live yet, signs point to a strong debut. With a beloved source material, powerhouse cast, and a director who understands musicals, Wicked has all the ingredients for critical and audience success.
The pressure is high, but if the film delivers on its promise, it may not only earn a high Rotten Tomatoes score but also claim a spot among the greatest movie musicals of all time.