Wicked Director Reveals Why He Saved Deleted Scenes, Singalong Version For Digital Release – News18

Last Updated:December 27, 2024, 17:26 IST

Wicked is ready to release digitally, nearly two months of hitting theatres.

In a holiday treat for all fans, Universal Pictures’ smash hit musical movie Wicked is all set to make its grand digital release this New Year’s Eve. Featuring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, the film will be released across streaming services next week, significantly earlier than was anticipated. As per the latest reports, the film will be available in the US on Amazon Prime, Apple TV,+, and other platforms from December 31, 2024. It will be available in the UK on January 3.

A physical release is expected on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD in February next year. While the news has already created a lot of buzz among fans who have been waiting to catch on to the musical fantasy, the makers have announced bonus content in the digital release which includes a singalong version plus loads of deleted scenes and extras.

Wicked’s digital version will include three hours of new material, including deleted scenes, extended moments and singalong versions followed by commentary from the lead stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. A couple of behind-the-scenes footage is also added in the digital version, giving a deeper insight into the cinematic triumph.

Wicked Director On Bonus Content

Speaking about the extended version of the film, director Jon M Chu revealed why he decided to release the unseen version digitally. In response to a question about how he managed to navigate the challenge around Wicked’s massively long length, Chu told CBR, “It’s an issue that every director has at some point. You have your babies all laid out there, and then you have to see how important they are in this story. Of course, we had a long movie, and so I wanted to do justice to that length also by just doing my due diligence of figuring out when it belonged. So our process is arguing a lot about every scene.”

Explaining that the decision was for the best of the overall experience of the film, the director added, “And there are things that are so funny, and I know the audience would love. I’m excited to be able to actually share that now with the home video release.”

Deleted Scenes From Wicked

Chu also revealed a few scenes that were difficult including one that shows Elphaba and Glinda promising to never leave each other behind. “Their acting is so good. You get to see sides of Glinda and Elphaba that you don’t get to see in the relationship in any other scene. But ultimately, the promise just got ahead of the audience,” he added.”

Another deleted scene is from the Fiyero forest where the duo rescued a cub and had a longer conversation.