Blockbuster musical film Wicked will be available on Showmax in Africa from Friday, 13 June, 2025, marking a major release for fans in the region.
This streaming debut comes hot on the heels of the trailer drop for the highly anticipated sequel, Wicked: For Good, which delves into the aftermath of ‘Defying Gravity’ and follows Glinda as she steps into her new role.
After two decades as one of the most beloved stage musicals, Wicked made it to the big screen in 2024, becoming the fifth highest-grossing film of the year and the highest-grossing musical film adaptation of all time. The film has grossed an impressive $755.8 million worldwide on a $150 million budget, with $473.2 million from the U.S. and Canada alone. It set records for the largest opening ever for a Broadway musical adaptation.
Critically acclaimed, Wicked earned 10 Oscar nominations, including Motion Picture of the Year. The musical won for Best Costume Design and Best Production Design. Leading the cast, Cynthia Erivo received a Best Actress nomination for her role as Elphaba, the misunderstood green-skinned young woman discovering her true power, and Ariana Grande was nominated for Best Supporting Actress as Glinda, Elphaba’s fellow wizarding student. The film also features Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh, Emmy nominee Jonathan Bailey, and Oscar nominee Jeff Goldblum as the iconic Wizard of Oz.
The Wall Street Journal praised Wicked as “the most entertaining film of the year,” capturing the hearts of both long time fans and new audiences alike. With its blend of dazzling visuals, powerful performances, and a fresh take on a classic story, the film has set the stage for the eagerly awaited Part 2, Wicked: For Good, scheduled for theatrical release in November 2025.