Are you holding space for 'Wicked'? Here's the 411 on the Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo movie

Jay Stahl and Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY
Updated ·3-min read

"Wicked" arrived in theaters Friday and part one of the beloved Broadway hit is already "Popular."

The movie musical, starring pop star Ariana Grande and British stage actress Cynthia Erivo, is expected to create magic at the box office on its opening weekend. The film's long-running press tour, which spurred plenty of viral moments between the close friends and co-stars, has been a boon for fans on social media.

From director John M. Chu of "Crazy Rich Asians" fame comes a spellbinding take on the Broadway fan favorite, which originally starred "Frozen" actress Idina Menzel and Tony Award winner Kristin Chenoweth.

More: 'Wicked' bewitches box office with record-setting $114M, 'Gladiator II' pulls in $55.5M

Here's what to know about the much-anticipated movie, that critics call "colorful" and "consistently amusing."

Cynthia Erivo, left, stars as Elphaba and pop star Ariana Grande plays good witch Glinda in "Wicked," in theaters Nov. 22.
Cynthia Erivo, left, stars as Elphaba and pop star Ariana Grande plays good witch Glinda in "Wicked," in theaters Nov. 22.

'Wicked' premiere photos: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo's best looks

Forget Barbie Pink Summer – it’s a "Wicked" pink-and-green fall.

Actually, it's been pink and green all year as "Wicked" fever has been hard to escape, with its advertisement blitz and a seemingly bottomless budget that targeted toy shelves, billboards, the cookie aisle and even the Arc de Triumph. Video clips from Erivo and Grande's interviews are everywhere.

And the fashion, oh the fashion!

Here are some of the best photos from the "Wicked" premieres and press run.

See photos of 'Wicked' premieres: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, more stars show off bewitching looks

Is it OK for 'Wicked' movie theater singing? What AMC says

While Grande and Erivo may be master belters, not every AMC Stubs member can claim the same. After social media was abuzz that "Wicked" screenings would be the site of musical-theater-kids-gone-wild sing-a-longs, AMC stepped in.

"At AMC Theatres, silence is golden," a 30-second advisory before the movie says.

Here are the full rules.

Cynthia Erivo, who stars in "Wicked," has become a fashion powerhouse donning green-colored looks on red carpets during the film's part-one press run.
Cynthia Erivo, who stars in "Wicked," has become a fashion powerhouse donning green-colored looks on red carpets during the film's part-one press run.

Ready to sing along at 'Wicked'? It's not happening in AMC movie theaters

Does 'Wicked' have a post-credit scene? Plus the movie vs. play differences

Said musical theater kids might have an eagle eye for any differences between the new movie and the hit Broadway show that first premiered in 2003.

While this week's release is just the first part of a two-segment film, the movie is already charting its own path from the original stage production.

Here's a rundown of all the differences.

The 'Wicked' movie's biggest changes from the Broadway musical and book

Parents' guide to 'Wicked'

While "Wicked" is technically a spin on the classic children's book "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" by L. Frank Baum, that doesn't mean it's without adult themes.

There are some frightful creatures and a bit of innuendo. So, is it appropriate for all audiences?

Read our full parent's guide before taking the whole family to watch "Wicked."

Ariana Grande as Glinda in "Wicked," in theaters Nov. 22.
Ariana Grande as Glinda in "Wicked," in theaters Nov. 22.

A parent's guide to 'Wicked': Is the PG movie suitable for young audiences?

'Wicked' movie review

"Wicked" may already be winning over the masses, but what are critics saying?

The results are cautiously positive. USA TODAY's Bryan Truitt says "Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande are fantastic as witchy BFFs" and calls the film "it casts a big-hearted spell that you'd have to be wicked not to appreciate at least a little."

Read our full review here.

'Wicked' review: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande are fantastic as witchy BFFs

Idina Menzel, Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande and Kristin Chenoweth attend the Los Angeles premiere of "Wicked" on Nov. 22.
Idina Menzel, Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande and Kristin Chenoweth attend the Los Angeles premiere of "Wicked" on Nov. 22.

'Wicked' body image conversation gets ugly

With an oversaturation of Erivo and Grande content online, a new ugly brand of discourse has surfaced. Many have taken to commenting on the two stars' bodies, weighing in on whether their weights look healthy or not.

Experts agree this is unhealthy not just for the celebrities, but for all the viewers looking on.

'Wicked': Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo and why the cruel body comments around the film need to stop

Watch the 'Wicked' trailer

Not sure yet if you want to take in the movie?

Check out the trailer to see Grande, Erivo and other stars sell you on its splendor.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Wicked' 2024 movie: Details about Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo film