Is ‘Wicked’ Safe For My Kids to Watch?

This year, I took my two daughters, who are 8 and 11, to see Wicked when the tour stopped in our city. I had previously seen the musical and was eager for them to experience everything I cherished about it: the strong female characters, the important themes of friendship and inclusivity, and that unforgettable “Defying Gravity” moment (IYKYK). While I couldn’t recall if the production was entirely suitable for younger audiences, my research revealed it was recommended for ages 8 and up. My girls thoroughly enjoyed the first act, though they started to fade during the second (a matinee would have been a better option). However, when the history of a Wicked movie was announced, their excitement was palpable as they looked forward to seeing it in theaters.

If you, like me, are curious about the suitability of the Wicked movie for children, here’s everything you need to know regarding the upcoming film.

When Will the Wicked Movie Be Released?

The Wicked movie is set to premiere in theaters on Friday, November 22, 2024, coinciding with Thanksgiving weekend. However, Amazon Prime members can catch the film a bit earlier by acquiring tickets for select early screenings on Monday, November 18, 2024. There will also be additional early screenings available on Wednesday, November 20, 2024. If you’re hoping to see Wicked on its opening weekend, it’s best to check your local theaters as tickets became available in October.

If you plan to bring younger children, an afternoon screening might be more suitable based on my experience with an evening performance of Wicked. Moreover, a viral social media post cautioned that enthusiastic “theater kids” may be inclined to sing along during the film. So, if you’d prefer to hear Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s vocals without interruption, it’s wise to opt for an earlier showtime. Of course, if you are open to participating in a singalong, theaters may host special sessions in the future.

When Is Wicked Part Two Set to Release?

Interestingly, many are unaware that the Wicked film arriving in theaters this year represents only the first of a two-part series. As a result, young viewers will be left wondering how the story concludes, needing to wait until next year for resolution! Wicked Part Two will hit theaters on November 21, 2025.

Why Has Wicked Received a PG Rating?

The Wicked film is rated PG due to “scary action, thematic material, and brief suggestive content.” This likely indicates that the brief suggestive elements will likely be lost on most younger viewers.

For context, another family-oriented film debuting the same Thanksgiving weekend, Moana 2, is also rated PG, but for “action and peril.”

Is the Wicked Movie Suitable for Children?

The musical and the film are adaptations of Gregory Maguire’s book, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. This tells a different perspective of The Wizard of Oz, providing a deeper understanding of the character Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and her unexpected friendship with the good witch, Glinda. Like several recent live-action Disney adaptations such as Maleficent, the movie explores the backstories of “villains” we thought we understood. Hints suggest that the film adaptation of Wicked will delve into even more character backgrounds than the original musical.

Is the Wicked Film Frightening?

While it’s impossible for parents to determine definitively without seeing the film first, they can infer from its rating and the Wicked movie trailers that there are indeed some intense action scenes. For instance, the trailers hold scenes featuring realistic flying monkeys and fire-related imagery with a witch.

As a parent, you likely have insight into what your child might find frightening. Based on my recollection of the theatrical production, the more intense scenes generally occur in the second act. However, it remains uncertain whether the film’s first part will mirror that structure.

What Is the Runtime of Wicked?

The duration of the film might also influence your decision about bringing children to see Wicked. Unlike the stage version, the Wicked movie has a runtime of 2 hours and 41 minutes (with no intermission). Therefore, younger viewers may struggle to sit through the entire film without losing interest. Ultimately, you know your children best.

Will the Actors Perform Live Vocals in the Wicked Film?

Wicked achieved its extraordinary popularity thanks to its music and the powerful performances by Elphaba and Glinda, originally played by Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth on Broadway. Viewers can expect similar vocal prowess in the movie, featuring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda. Director Jon M. Chu remarked in a recent featurette that “these are the best singers in the world,” thus making it an obvious choice for them to perform live on set. Grande commented, “it was a no brainer” for her and Erivo to sing live. Erivo further stated, “we chose to sing live because it allowed us to connect more deeply with the words we were portraying and with one another.”

Which Songs Will Be Featured in the Film?

While the studio hasn’t formally announced which songs will be included in each Wicked installment, Deadline has reported a list of songs from Act 1 that are anticipated to appear in the Wicked movie:

• “No One Mourns the Wicked” by Wicked Movie Cast
• “Dear Old Shiz” by Wicked Movie Cast, Shiz University Choir
• “The Wizard And I” by Cynthia Erivo and Michelle Yeoh
• “What Is This Feeling?” by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo
• “Something Bad” by Peter Dinklage and Cynthia Erivo
• “Dancing Through Life” by Jonathan Bailey, Ariana Grande, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, and Cynthia Erivo
• “Popular” by Ariana Grande
• “I’m Not That Girl” by Cynthia Erivo
• “One Short Day” by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande
• “A Sentimental Man” by Jeff Goldblum
• “Defying Gravity” by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande
• “Ozdust Duet – Bonus Track” by The Wicked Orchestra

Additionally, Tony Award-winning composer Stephen Schwartz has confirmed that the movie adaptation of Wicked will feature new songs. If your kids aren’t yet familiar with the tunes, now is an excellent time to start playing them in preparation for the film’s release. The official soundtrack will debut on the same day as the movie, November 22, 2024.