In taking a page from the Broadway adaptation that inspired it, Wicked is taking a surprising path with its release. Wicked’s timeline of events follows two witches with an unlikely bond before the events of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Featuring pop star sensation Ariana Grande as Glinda the Good Witch and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba the Wicked Witch of the West, the Wicked movie’s cast of characters is on track to have their stories across two films, rather than one.

Because Wicked will be split into two parts, the second part will be released the following year. The musical adaptation’s director, John M. Chu, explained that they could not fit the entire story into one film, and it was challenging to follow scenes after “Defying Gravity.” However, there is a big risk following the decision to split Wicked into two movies – largely because of the first song.

Wicked’s First Song Won’t Pay Off Until The Second Movie

“No One Mourns The Wicked” Sets The Stone In The Movie

“No One Mourns The Wicked” is set chronologically at the end of Wicked because the main narrative is like a flashback, and the song comes in full circle at the movie’s conclusion. However, because Wicked is being split into two parts, like the musical, the opening number will not circle back until next year, when the second part is released. Because of the decision to cut the movie into two parts, this presents a considerable risk, as the audience may have forgotten how the first Wicked movie started.

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Another reason splitting Wicked into two parts could prove problematic, given the opening number, is that “No One Mourns For The Wicked” will not feel as impactful. Because the audience will have to wait until next year for the movie to come full circle, the story will feel unfinished and unsatisfying within Wicked’s runtime in part 1 and will not be as exciting and intriguing. Given the song’s context, “No One Mourns For The Wicked” would not work or fit into the movie if Elphaba is still present at the end.

Wicked Can’t Cut “No One Mourns The Wicked” As The Opening Song

“No One Mourns The Wicked” Is Integral To The Movie

The only way for the first Wicked movie to work is to tell the story chronologically so the audience will not forget important moments. But for that to happen, “No One Mourns The Wicked” would have to be dropped or the concept would need to be reworked. However, the song is too iconic for the movie to abandon, as it demonstrates different attitudes towards the death of The Wicked Witch of the West. While the public celebrates, Glinda tries to be sympathetic, and it also gives a glimpse of Glinda and Elphaba’s bond.

“No One Mourns The Wicked” is one of the songs that must be included in Wicked, as it is a reminder of The Wizard of Oz. The opening song in Wicked mirrors “Ding-Dong! The Witch Is Dead,” a song from The Wizard of Oz that celebrates Elphaba’s death. This is significant because both songs offer the same perspective on Elphaba’s death, showing she will never be mourned.

Director

Jon M. Chu

Release Date

November 22, 2024

Studio(s)

Marc Platt Productions

Distributor(s)

Universal Pictures

Writers

Gregory Maguire , Winnie Holzman , Dana Fox , L. Frank Baum

Cast

Cynthia Erivo , Ariana Grande , Michelle Yeoh , Jeff Goldblum , Jonathan Bailey , Ethan Slater , Marissa Bode , Bowen Yang , Bronwyn James , Keala Settle , Peter Dinklage , Aaron Teoh , Grecia De la Paz , Colin Michael Carmichael , Adam James , Andy Nyman , Courtney Mae-Briggs , Sharon D. Clarke , Jenna Boyd

Character(s)

Elphaba Thropp , Glinda Upland , Madame Morrible , The Wizard , Fiyero Tigelaar , Boq , Nessarose Thropp , Pfannee , ShenShen , Miss Coddle , Doctor Dillamond (voice) , Avaric Tenmeadows , Gilligan , Professor Nikidik , Glinda’s Father , Governor Frexspar Thropp , Melena Thropp , The Midwife

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