I saw the stage show musical of Wicked earlier this year for the first time and was instantly converted! I'd always classed it as a "new" one (even though it's 20 years old now) and so wasn't that bothered about seeing it, but actually loved it when I did.
Can I take my kids to see Wicked the film?
The film version has just been released this weekend and I've been grilling friends who have been to see it to learn if I'd be OK taking my kids. It's rated as a PG and I've got a newly-turned-3 toddler who has been to the cinema twice before - once in the summer to watch Dispicable Me 4 (rated U), because he loves Minions... and he just about tolerated it. And then more recently to watch Paddington in Peru, (also rated PG) which was a great success.
My friends, who know my toddler, think that Wicked the film isn't really an option for him just yet. At 2 hours 40 minutes long, with lots of songs, it doesn't sound like a toddler suitable PG unfortunately. My friend's 7 year old son enjoyed it, although he did also have a lunch box to keep him going and his Dad went for pick and mix half way through so snacks - as so often is the case with parenting - might be the order of the day here. His older sister (10), who saw the musical earlier this year and so was keen to see the film, loved it.
There are a few jumpy bits for the kids, but that's the same as the stage show - mainly just the freaky flying monkeys so maybe introduce them to some pictures of those beforehand.
Wicked the film run time
The main issue for little kids is going to be the run time. My friends went to a 12pm showing and the film started at 12:26 after over 20 minutes of trailers and they actually left their seats at 2:58pm so that's 3 hours sat in a seat for a little person. If it was shorter, I think I'd take my 3 year old just so I got chance to see it, and be prepared to hide his eyes at the monkey scenes.
By all accounts it's a cinematic masterpiece and the run time - long even by adult standards really - is more than acceptable. The performances by all the cast but especially Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo are phenomenal.
Wicked the film in 2 parts
My main other question for friends has been how the split works, as the movie makers have cut the story into 2 films. The stage show musical is 2 hours 45 minutes long, yet this one film is 2 hours 40 minutes with another film being released on 21st November 2025. The stage show is already on the longer side (Joseph is around 2 hours, The Lion King and Phantom around 2 hours 30 minutes - Hamilton matches at 2 hours 45) so how have they dragged the film into maybe double that?
I read an interview with the Director (Jon M. Chu, Crazy Rich Asians), who claimed that with so much character development to dive into, without cutting out any aspects of the story or trimming any songs, they decided to let the story play out over 2 films. And apparently it works!
I guess when you're pitching a film of a story you know so many people around the globe love, maybe you figure you're on to a safe bet and so can afford to split it into 2 and still get people go to see it. Or more's the point - you know you'll have a captive audience for not 1 film, but 2. You can't really make a sequel but you can take people's money twice if you make the story long enough for 2 feature length films. This is certainly backed up by the records it's breaking at the box office, over taking Les Mis as the biggest opening for a film based on a stage show.
My concern was you'd be left feeling unfulfilled after nearly 3 hours if you got cut off half way (or rather, when they meet the Wizard). But my friends said that the ending was certainly powerful enough, whilst also - if you don't know or remember the story - leaving you keen to see the 2nd part.
So now I'm even more desperate to see it - but I don't think I'll take my kids.
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