The story of "Wicked" took an interesting turn when it was decided to expand the adaptation into two parts. Originally planned as a single movie, the subplot involving Oz's animals and the backstory of the Grimmerie was set to be cut. However, with the vision of Winnie Holzman and the support of Universal, this magical tale found a new home on the big screen.

The Decision to Split: Freedom for Creativity

Holzman explained that initially, it was intended to be one movie. But as fans of the stage musical and the songs, they didn't want to cut any. In fact, Stephen Schwartz even wanted to add more. This led to the realization that splitting the story would give them the space to explore everything they wanted. The Grimmerie, the role of animals, and the two women themselves all needed more real estate. By splitting the story, they found amazing freedom to bring the story to life in a more detailed way.

They started to come to an organic understanding about the story. It dawned on them that with two movies, they could delve deeper into the magic and complexity of "Wicked". This decision wasn't without its challenges, but the creative team was confident in their choice.

The First Part: A Worldwide Success

The first part of "Wicked" is now in theaters and has amassed a whopping $365.9 million worldwide. It has captured the hearts of audiences with its enchanting story and powerful performances. Despite having a running time almost equal to the entire stage musical's run time, audiences haven't been deterred. This shows the strength and appeal of the "Wicked" story.

The movie takes viewers on a journey through the world of Oz, introducing them to the magic of the Grimmerie and the importance of the animals. It sets the stage for the second part and leaves audiences eager for more.

The Second Part: The Next Chapter

With the second part following in theaters next Thanksgiving, fans are excited to see where the story will go. The creative team has been working hard to ensure that it lives up to the expectations set by the first part. They will continue to explore the depths of the story, adding more layers and magic.

The second part will likely bring new revelations and adventures, further expanding the world of "Wicked". It will be a continuation of the story that audiences have come to love.