'Wicked' first reaction hails Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as “a match made in cinematic musical heaven” and says Grande “steals every scene”

First response evil Coming up, and early reviews appreciatede director John M. Chu and the film's stars, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.

Universal Pictures held a preview screening and their first images are taking over social media on National Wicked Day.

Kristin Chenoweth, who played Glinda in the original Broadway production evilwatched an early screening and shared his thoughts on X, formerly known as Twitter.

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

Deadline's own Antonia Blythe called the film “a blast from start to finish”, adding, “Even non-music fans will rave about this one. evil—a delicious, hilarious romp that showcases Erivo and Grande's next-level talent and laugh-out-loud comedy chops. They deliver every number with wonder, joy and genuine depth.”

called journalist Scott Menzel evil “A cinematic spectacle that serves as one of the best big screen adaptations of a Broadway musical.”

“John M. Chu perfectly captures the magic of the Broadway show and adds some of his own unique richness to the source material,” Menzel continued. “Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo absolutely knock it out of the park as Elphaba and Galinda. Jonathan Bailey is also fantastic in the film.”

Menzel noted that evil “lives up to the hype” and teases “there's a scene that fans of the Broadway show are going to lose their minds over.”

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

of Indiewire Erin Schlitzer is “pleased to confirm evil Best musical-to-movie adaptation since Chicago And oh momStraker called Grande's performance “perfection”.

Journalist Simon Thompson evil It's a “respectable that pops and dazzles on the big screen,” adding, “Erivo and Grande knock it out of the park.”

Hollywood Tea said evil “an admirable musical scene” and called Grande “a natural actress, songwriter and comedian”, noting that “she steals every scene she's in.”

“Little-known Cynthia Erivo holds her own, but let's know this: This is Grande's show. Definitely hope for an Oscar nomination for him,” they added.

Gregory Ellwood A Playlist called Grande's performance as Glinda a “beacon of light”, noting that “she's not impersonating Kristin Chenoweth or playing the stereotypical digi, popular girl princess type.”

“The pop megastar often delivers surprising depth to her character before jumping into a musical number that will have you grinning from ear to ear. You won't believe what you're seeing,” adds Ellwood.

evil The musical film will be released in two parts, with the second part releasing on December 25, 2025, due out on November 22 in the US and UK. evil Also starring Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Marisa Bode, Bowen Young, Bronwyn James, Keala Settle and Peter Dinklage.

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