Wicked, the cult Broadway musical, makes its cinematic debut, revisiting The Wizard of Oz through the origins of Elphaba and Glinda. Will its success in the U.S. translate to French audiences less familiar with musicals and Oz's legacy?
Bigger than Gladiator II! Wicked, the big-screen adaptation of the Broadway sensation, has taken the U.S. box office by storm, recording one of the strongest openings of the year. Directed by Jon Chu, this visually stunning film promises to capture the magic of the original stage production while introducing the Oz universe to a wider audience. But its reception in France, where musicals remain a niche genre, is less certain.
Premiering in theaters on Wednesday in France, Wicked transports viewers back to the world of The Wizard of Oz, this time focusing on the untold story of the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba (played by Cynthia Erivo), and her complex relationship with Glinda the Good Witch (portrayed by pop icon Ariana Grande). The plot delves into themes of identity, prejudice, and the blurry line between good and evil.
The universe of Oz has long been a cornerstone of Anglo-Saxon popular culture, originating from L. Frank Baum’s 1900 children’s book and immortalized in the 1939 film starring Judy Garland. The film’s groundbreaking use of Technicolor and its timeless soundtrack, including Over the Rainbow, cemented its legacy. "The Wizard of Oz was a phenomenon," notes Alexis Lormeau, author of Sing and Dance in the Movies.
Since its Broadway debut in 2003, Wicked has earned its place among the most successful musicals in history, grossing $1.67 billion and drawing millions of theatergoers. Now, with the first of a two-part cinematic adaptation running a lengthy 2 hours and 40 minutes, the production aims to replicate its theatrical success on the big screen. Early results in the U.S. and Canada suggest it’s on track, with projections from Exhibitor Relations ranking its debut as the third-best opening weekend of 2024.
Challenges and Opportunities in France
Despite its global appeal, Wicked faces unique hurdles in France, where the Oz universe is less well-known, and musicals—a quintessentially American genre—have struggled to find mainstream acceptance. "Musicals are as typically American as westerns," explains Alexis Lormeau.
Still, the film’s dazzling visuals, Ariana Grande’s star power, and an ambitious promotional campaign have generated buzz, even among audiences unfamiliar with the Broadway production. The striking green-and-pink aesthetic tied to the film’s heroines has been prominently featured, creating a distinct visual identity reminiscent of blockbuster campaigns like Barbie.
Lormeau suggests that the French box office might yet surprise, pointing to the local success of the Maleficent films (2014 and 2019), which reimagined another classic villainess. The broader fascination with witchcraft and morally complex characters could also work in Wicked’s favor.
Ultimately, Wicked’s appeal lies in its universal themes of friendship, ambition, and the search for belonging. It reexamines the simplistic notions of good and evil presented in The Wizard of Oz, offering a richer narrative that resonates across cultures.
Whether it can overcome the challenges of an unfamiliar genre and limited cultural reference points in France remains to be seen. But with its combination of spectacle, heart, and a beloved cast, Wicked may just cast its spell on a whole new audience.
With AFP
Comments