Definitive Guide: How Long Is 'Wicked'? Comparing The Musical Vs. The Two-Part Movie Runtimes
Are you planning a trip to the Emerald City? Whether you're securing tickets for the iconic stage production or eagerly awaiting the blockbuster cinematic event, one question dominates every fan's mind: "How long is Wicked?" As of December 23, 2025, the answer depends entirely on which version you’re seeing, as the upcoming two-part film adaptation is set to redefine the production’s runtime, making it a nearly five-hour epic. This comprehensive guide breaks down the exact runtimes for both the Broadway show and the highly anticipated movies, providing all the details you need to plan your journey to Oz.
The original stage musical, a global phenomenon that tells the untold story of the Witches of Oz, has a consistent and well-known runtime. However, the decision to split the movie into two separate features has created a combined viewing experience that is significantly longer than the show, promising fans a deep dive into the beloved source material.
The Wicked Musical: Broadway and West End Runtime Breakdown
The stage version of Wicked is a theatrical masterpiece that has captivated audiences for decades. When planning to attend a performance on Broadway, in the West End, or on tour, you can expect a runtime that is substantial, but perfectly paced to tell the story of Elphaba and Glinda.
- Total Runtime: Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.
- Intermission Length: 15 minutes.
- Act I Runtime: Approximately 90 minutes (1 hour and 30 minutes).
- Act II Runtime: Approximately 60 minutes (1 hour).
The show's structure is designed to give the audience a break between the dramatic conclusion of Act I, which typically ends with the show-stopping number "Defying Gravity," and the emotional resolution of Act II. Knowing the exact runtime is crucial for planning transportation, especially for evening performances, which, with a 7:30 PM start, will typically conclude just after 10:15 PM.
Key Stage Show Entities and Production Details
The success of the stage show is built on the genius of its creators and the talent of its performers. Understanding these entities adds to the show's topical authority:
- Composer & Lyricist: Stephen Schwartz
- Book Writer: Winnie Holzman (based on the novel by Gregory Maguire)
- Original Director: Joe Mantello
- Original Broadway Stars: Idina Menzel (Elphaba) and Kristin Chenoweth (Glinda)
- Theatrical Setting: The show is a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, exploring the complex relationship between the two witches before Dorothy's arrival.
The Wicked Movie Runtime: Part I and Part II (A Nearly 5-Hour Epic)
The most significant and fresh information regarding the "how long is Wicked" query relates to the highly anticipated two-part film adaptation directed by Jon M. Chu. The decision to split the story into two films, *Wicked: Part I* (2024) and *Wicked: For Good* (2025), was made to ensure that the entire narrative and all its beloved songs could be included without excessive cutting.
This split has resulted in a combined runtime that is substantially longer than the stage show, offering fans an unprecedented amount of time in the Land of Oz.
Wicked: Part I (2024 Film) Runtime
The first film, *Wicked: Part I*, is set for release in late 2024. Surprisingly, its runtime is almost as long as the entire stage musical, covering only the first act of the story.
- Reported Runtime: Approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes (160 minutes) to 2 hours and 41 minutes (161 minutes), including credits.
- Release Date: November 27, 2024.
- Key Detail: At 2 hours and 40 minutes, *Part I* is about 10 minutes longer than the entire 2-hour-30-minute running time of the musical's content (excluding the intermission). This indicates a significant expansion of the story's world-building, character development, and musical numbers.
The extended runtime of *Wicked: Part I* has generated considerable buzz among fans, as it suggests the film will delve deeply into Elphaba's origin story, her initial arrival at Shiz University, and her burgeoning friendship with Glinda, all leading up to the dramatic Act I finale.
Wicked: For Good (Part II) (2025 Film) Runtime
The conclusion of the saga, *Wicked: For Good* (also known as *Wicked: Part Two*), is scheduled for release a year later. While slightly shorter than the first part, it still adds significant length to the overall cinematic experience.
- Reported Runtime: Approximately 2 hours and 17 minutes (137 minutes) to 2 hours and 18 minutes.
- Release Date: November 20, 2025.
- Key Detail: The second part of the musical's stage show is only about an hour long. The film's runtime of over two hours shows that the second act's themes of political intrigue, betrayal, and the ultimate transformation into the Wicked Witch of the West will be greatly expanded for the big screen.
The combined cinematic runtime for *Wicked: Part I* and *Wicked: For Good* is nearly five hours, a massive undertaking that promises to be the definitive screen adaptation of the beloved story.
The Star-Studded Cast and Crew of the Wicked Films
The length of the films is justified by the massive scope and the caliber of talent involved. The cast list is packed with major entities, ensuring a high-quality, must-see event. The director, Jon M. Chu, is known for his work on other successful musical adaptations, such as *In the Heights*.
Director and Key Cast Entities
- Director: Jon M. Chu
- Elphaba: Cynthia Erivo (Tony-winner for *The Color Purple*)
- Glinda: Ariana Grande (Pop superstar and actress)
- Fiyero: Jonathan Bailey (Star of *Bridgerton*)
- The Wizard: Jeff Goldblum (Iconic actor)
- Madame Morrible: Michelle Yeoh (Oscar-winner)
- Boq: Ethan Slater
- Nessarose: Marissa Bode
- Dr. Dillamond: Peter Dinklage (Voice)
- ShenShen: Bowen Yang
The sheer number of major characters and the depth of the source material necessitated the two-part structure, ensuring that the films can fully explore the themes of friendship, prejudice, and what it truly means to be "wicked."
FAQ: Comparing the Runtimes of Wicked
Understanding the difference in length between the stage show and the film duology is key for fans. Here are the essential comparisons:
Why is the Wicked movie split into two parts?
The creative team, including director Jon M. Chu, felt that condensing the entire story, music, and character arcs of the original musical into a single film would require too many cuts and compromises. Splitting it into two parts allows for a more faithful and expansive adaptation, preserving the integrity of the source material and giving the narrative room to breathe.
Is Wicked: Part I longer than the entire Wicked musical?
Yes, the reported runtime of *Wicked: Part I* (approx. 2 hours and 40 minutes) is about 10 minutes longer than the actual content of the Broadway musical (approx. 2 hours and 30 minutes, excluding intermission).
What is the total time commitment for the Wicked films?
The combined runtime for *Wicked: Part I* and *Wicked: For Good* is approximately 4 hours and 57 minutes (4 hours and 57 minutes), making the theatrical event nearly five hours long when viewed back-to-back. This is a major commitment for moviegoers but promises a truly epic fantasy experience.
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