See who plays Elphaba, Galinda, the Wizard of Oz and more

“Wicked” continues to defy gravity, reach new heights at the box office and captivate moviegoers on a journey to the Land of Oz.

The film, an adaptation of the popular Broadway musical based on the book by Gregory Maguire and directed by John M. Chu, is an insightful prequel to “The Wizard of Oz” and the first part of a two-part epic. It’s about Elphaba and Glinda, who “meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastic land of Oz and form an unlikely but deep friendship,” according to the film’s synopsis. Her “extraordinary adventures in Oz” ultimately see her “fulfilling her destiny as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.”

(L-R) Ethan Slater, Jeff Goldblum, Marissa Bode, Michelle Yeoh, Idina Menzel, Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Kristin Chenoweth, Jonathan Bailey and Bronwyn James attend the Universal Pictures Los Angeles premiere "Evil" on November 9, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

The film made magic at the box office, grossing $114 million in U.S. and Canadian theaters and $50.2 million in international markets, for a total of $164.2 million. This is the biggest opening weekend for a film based on a Broadway musical.

USA TODAY film critic Brian Truitt gave the film ★★★ out of four and wrote, “Even with a few missteps, it’s easy to get drawn into director Jon M. Chu’s colorful spectacle (rated PG).”

“The movie musical is both unnecessary and great, but it exerts a magnanimous magic that one would have to call evil not to appreciate at least a little. The sung character study of the early years of the Wicked Witch of the West continues.” “We present great performances from Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande that will delight musical theater kids and old-school ‘Oz’ fans alike,” wrote Truitt in his review.

Do you need a break? Play the USA TODAY daily crossword puzzle.

Review of “Wicked”:Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are fantastic witch friends

Here’s a look at the key characters in “Oz” and the actors who play them.

We have space on the couch! Sign up for USA TODAY’s Watch Party newsletter for more recaps of your favorite shows.

Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Thropp

Elphaba Thropp was born with iridescent green skin and mysterious abilities that she cannot control. She is the eldest daughter of Munchkinland Governor Thropp. As the only person in Oz with green skin, Elphaba belongs to an ethnic minority, which makes her an outsider.

Universal Pictures describes Elphaba as “a young woman misunderstood for her green skin who has yet to discover her true power” and fulfill her destiny as the Wicked Witch of the West. But behind this tough exterior lies a woman with a full and compassionate heart.

Evil:The film’s biggest changes from the Broadway musical and book

Ariana Grande as Galinda Upland

Galinda Upland aka Glinda the Good is described as a “popular young woman full of privilege who has not yet discovered her true heart.” While she loves gaining followers and collecting shoes, her heart longs to own something that money cannot buy: magical power.

Michelle Yeoh as Madam Morrible

Madame Morrible is the “Royal Director” of Shiz University and Dean of Magical Studies. Madam Morrible is admired by everyone and is the first person in Oz to see Elphaba’s true potential.

Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard of Oz

The Wizard of Oz may be called “wonderful,” but it is anything but wonderful.

“Wicked” cameos:Here you can find out how these “brilliant” and “beautiful” film appearances came about

Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero Tigelaar

The mischievous and carefree Fiyero is the crown prince of Winkie County, one of several regions in the Land of Oz.

“Fiyero Tigelaar seems to pass the hours perfecting his image as a carefree player; he devotes himself only to whatever (and whoever) tickles his (fleeting) imagination,” says his character bio.

Ethan Slater as Boq Woodsman

Boq, an altruistic munchkin student at Shiz University, is smitten with Glinda and at the same time the object of Nessarose’s affection.

Marissa Bode as Nessarose Thropp

Nessarose is the younger daughter of Governor Thropp and Elphaba’s sister. Elphaba is fiercely protective of her sister, who is her closest confidant. Nessarose is in love with Boq, who is more interested in Glinda. Nessarose is described as a “heartbroken young woman striving to gain control of her own life.”