‘Wicked’ First Reactions Praise Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande As “Match Made In Cinematic Musical Heaven” & Say Grande “Steals Every Scene She’s In”

The first reactions to Wicked are coming in, and early reviews praise director Jon M. Chu and the film’s stars, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.

Universal Pictures held a preview screening for film influencers, and their first takes are taking over social media on National Wicked Day.

Kristin Chenoweth, who played Glinda in the original Broadway production of Wicked, saw an early screening and shared her thoughts on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

“Counting down the days until the world sees Cynthia and Ariana in Jon M. Chu’s film… you will all be changed for the good when you see it,” Chenoweth posted.

Journalist Scott Menzel called Wicked “a cinematic spectacle that serves as one of the very best big screen adaptations of a Broadway musical ever.”

“Jon M. Chu perfectly captures the magic of the Broadway show while adding in some of his own unique flourishes to the source material,” Menzel continued. “Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo completely knock it out of the park as Elphaba and Galinda. Jonathan Bailey is also quite phenomenal in the film.”

Menzel noted that Wicked “lives up to the hype” and teased “there is one scene that fans of the Broadway show are going to absolutely lose their minds over.”

“One of the most perfect musical adaptions to ever exist,” Lauren Veneziani shared on X, the microblogging platform formerly known as Twitter. “#WickedMovie exceeded my expectations. Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande are a match made in cinematic musical heaven, one dance scene in particular had me so emotional. Wow. Can’t wait to see it again! It’s the Shiz!!”

IndieWire’s Erin Strecker was “happy to confirm Wicked is the best musical-to-movie adaptation since Chicago and Mamma Mia.” Strecker called Grande’s performance “perfection.”

Journalist Simon Thompson said Wicked is a “respectable that pops and enchants on the big screen,” adding, “Leads Erivo and Grande knock it out of the park.”

The Tea of Hollywood said Wicked “is a lavish musical spectacle” and called Grande “a natural actress, songstress and comedian,” noting that “she steals every scene she’s in.”

“The lesser-known Cynthia Erivo holds her own, but let it be known: this is Grande’s show. Definitely expect an Oscar nomination for her,” they add.

Gregory Ellwood at The Playlist called Grande’s performance as Glinda “a beacon of light,” noting that “she’s not doing a Kristin Chenoweth impersonation or playing a stereotypical ditzy, popular girl princess type.”

“The pop megastar often delivers startling depth to her character before jumping into a musical number that will have you grinning from ear to ear. You sort of can’t believe what you’re watching,” Ellwood adds.

Wicked will release on November 22 in the U.S. and the U.K. The musical film will be released in two parts, with the second part dropping on December 25, 2025. Wicked also stars Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Bowen Yang, Bronwyn James, Keala Settle and Peter Dinklage.

Check out more reactions to Wicked below.