When brilliant minds come together, history is made. Part one of the long-awaited Broadway musical “Wicked” was released to theaters on Nov. 22, and the almost three-hour film has already made back its $150 million budget. 

It all stems from Dorothy. Frank. L. Baum wrote “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” in 1900, which led to the iconic 1939 movie adaptation. In 1995, Gregory Maguire wrote the novel “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West.” A few years later, Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman wrote the original screenplay-turned-Broadway phenomenon “Wicked.” The musical debuted at Gershwin Theater in 2003 and has been running ever since. Over 20 years after its Broadway debut, fans finally have a way to spread the magic of “Wicked” that is not a poorly filmed bootleg. 

The movie was directed by Jon M. Chu, who is credited for well-received films such as “Crazy Rich Asians,” “In the Heights” and “Justin Bieber: Never Say Never.” Chu worked closely with Holzman and Dana Fox on the screenplay; original “Wicked” producers Marc Platt and David Stone helped produce the movie.  

The plot, based directly on the musical, reveals the backstory of the Wicked Witch of the West, who we come to know as Elphaba Thropp. Elphaba is played by Cynthia Erivo, a British singer known for her award-winning work in the Broadway revival of “The Color Purple.” The movie focuses on her time at Shiz University and her friendship with Galinda Upland, played by Ariana Grande. Complete with a star-studded cast including Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey and Peter Dinklage, the brilliance of “Wicked” only begins with the cast. 

Production director Nathan Crowley is credited for his work on “The Dark Knight” and “Interstellar.” However, he claims that the “Wicked” set was his “biggest film” to date. Filming took place in various locations in the U.K. Local farmers planted 9 million tulips for Munchkinland, an incredible feat not much different than the 500 acres of corn that Crowley planted for “Interstellar.”  A functioning 106-foot train operated as Elphaba and Galinda’s transportation to Oz. The set for Shiz University surrounds an open water canal where students arrive via boat, highlighting the fantastical, dramatic atmosphere of the “Wicked” universe. The set for the Emerald City, home to the Wizard of Oz, was constructed of 50-foot tall buildings and covered the area of four American football fields. Part one of “Wicked” excelled in every aspect — from casting to costume design, and the attention to detail never swayed. 

The movie’s use of live vocals stayed true to original Broadway talent. In press interviews, Chu expressed how live performances evoke stronger emotions and connections between audiences, actors and music. The now-released soundtrack consists of these live vocals and beloved songs such as “Defying Gravity” and “Popular” have over 10 million streams since the release date. 

Fans have already seen the close bond that Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande have formed since being cast together through viral interviews and promotional videos. To follow in the footsteps of the legendary Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, the original Broadway Elphaba and Glinda, is a dream achievement for many, and the film’s duo is nearly never dry-eyed as a result. Erivo and Grande’s off-screen chemistry translates well in the movie, as Elphaba and Glinda, initial rivals, become best friends. “Wicked”’s core, a story about the power of friendship, is what makes it timeless. 

“Wicked” achieved a careful balance of protecting the essence of the Broadway classic and expanding the story to be a hit feature. Including iconic songs, visual allusions to part two of “Wicked” and surprise easter eggs ensures the films appeal to old fans and new audiences. The film’s messages on self-acceptance are critical; explorations of universal themes such as identity, self-love, discrimination and the complexity of being “good” or “bad” resonate with viewers and have reignited public interest in the story of Oz. Elphaba and Glinda support each other through their struggles involving public acceptance and corrupted power structures, elements applicable to today’s culture and political environment. 

Chu’s choice to split the film’s release into two parts ensures that the story is not rushed and allows fans to process the themes and relationships from part one. The attention from “Wicked”  not only cements the production as a mega-success but opens the door for future musical adaptations. Oscar award chatter and internet memes have already begun; its impact on first-time listeners is thrilling to witness, and we are happy to be part of that.