The Impact of Wicked: Part 1 - The Film Sweeping the Nation

By: Olivia DeMare

There are only a few musicals in Broadway history that hold as much sway as Wicked does. The Phantom of the Opera, Chicago, The Lion King, and Hamilton are also fantastic contenders. Wicked has cultivated audiences for decades thanks to its layered plot filled with friendship, identity, and morality. With the release of the film Wicked: Part 1: this Broadway musical turned into a film adaptation is igniting the internet with excitement - and rightfully so.

A Tale Transformed for the Big Screen

Originally, the thought of splitting Wicked into two parts was controversial. This led lifelong fans of the musical to question if the narrative would become diluted or if the film industry was looking for a way to double its profits. However, before the film's release, thanks to teasers and promotional videos, it became apparent to viewers that a two-part structure is necessary to take a deep dive into the land of Oz and its complex characters.

Director Jon M. Chu has already proven to bring a flair for musicals to life (for example, In the Heights). With Wicked, he faces the challenge of balancing valued nostalgia with fresh, cinematic perspectives. This film suggests a visually stunning world, from emerald-lit cityscapes to intimate moments that hint at the emotional depth of Elphaba and Glinda's friendship.

Social Media Impacts

Social media has played a key role in marketing Wicked: Part 1. From Twitter threads analyzing every frame of the trailer to TikTok trends recreating Elphaba's green-hued glam, fans guarantee that the movie stays in the cultural conversation.

TikTok Trends

One of the most viral moments comes from Elphaba's iconic "Defying Gravity" scene. TikTok users have embraced this as a challenge, dramatically lip-syncing to the crescendo or creating parodies. Whether it's heartfelt tributes or comedic skits, this moment has reignited interest in the original Broadway production.

Fan Theories

With any pre-release buzz, fans were crafting elaborate theories about how the movie would deviate from or expand upon the stage version. Discussions on Reddit, Twitter, and TikTok explore details such as character backstories and the role of special effects in enhancing turning point scenes. Fans have also been wondering what the second part will look like when it hits theaters this time next year, as the Broadway version concludes where part one finished.

Celebrity Influences

With stars like Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) and Ariana Grande (Glinda), the movie praises a cast that's already known and loved. Grande's massive fan base ensures every behind-the-scenes post and teaser reaches millions, boosting excitement for the film.

A Cultural Impact

The hype surrounding Wicked: Part 1 isn't just about nostalgia - it's about the timeless themes the story explores. In a world grasping issues regarding identity, prejudice, and the search for belonging, Wicked provides a pitiful reminder that the truth may be found in shades of green rather than in black and white.

Additionally, the film's visual effects and soundtrack could mark a turning point for the musical genre in cinema, potentially bridging the gap between stage and screen like never seen before.

My Final Thoughts

As someone who has never seen the Broadway musical, I did not know what I was expecting going into the film. Wicked: Part 1 is more than just a movie - it is part of culture. Its presence on social media demonstrates the passion fans hold for the nature of the story. Even though the film was released just a few short weeks ago, the buzz has not yet died down. It leaves me anticipating seeing how the second part will turn out next year.