As anticipation builds for the cinematic release of WICKED, parents are keen to know: Is this musical movie adventure suitable for their children? Based on early screenings and insights, this guide offers a comprehensive overview to help you decide if WICKED is the right movie for your family.
WICKED, Part One, hitting theaters on November 22, 2024, promises to bring the beloved Broadway musical to a wider audience. Directed by Jon M. Chu, known for “Crazy Rich Asians” and “In the Heights,” the film boasts a star-studded cast including Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda. For those unfamiliar with the stage show, WICKED serves as a prequel to “The Wizard of Oz,” exploring the untold story of the witches of Oz and their unlikely friendship.
Early reviews suggest that WICKED captures the magic of the musical with stunning visuals, captivating performances, and memorable music. However, like many fantasy adventures, it’s important to consider the content from a parent’s perspective.
Decoding the WICKED PG Rating: What Parents Need to Know
WICKED is officially rated PG for “some scary action, thematic material and brief suggestive material.” Let’s break down these categories to provide a clearer picture for parents:
Sex & Nudity: Mild Suggestive Content
The movie contains a brief scene, approximately 5-10 minutes into the film, depicting infidelity. This scene involves suggestive dancing and implied actions, though no nudity is shown. The costuming in this scene, and potentially elsewhere, may feature some cleavage, similar to films like “The Greatest Showman.” Additionally, a later scene shows Glinda in short pajamas, which might cause slight discomfort for some viewers, particularly younger boys. Overall, the sexual content is minimal and suggestive rather than explicit.
Violence & Gore: Fantasy Action
WICKED includes fight scenes with actions like hitting, pushing, and kicking. Some characters are shown falling from heights. While these scenes may be intense for very young or sensitive children, they are presented in a fantasy context and are not overly graphic or gory. The violence is typical of PG-rated fantasy adventures.
Profanity & Language: Minimal
Language in WICKED is mild. There is name-calling and bullying depicted, which are thematic elements, but no strong swear words are used. You can expect to hear milder exclamations like “gosh” or “golly.” The language is generally appropriate for family viewing.
Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking: Social Drinking
The movie depicts characters drinking alcohol in social settings, including before an implied affair. A club scene is present, but the focus is not heavily on alcohol consumption. There is no drug use or smoking explicitly shown.
Frightening & Intense Scenes: Bullying and Fantasy Elements
WICKED addresses themes of bullying and retaliation. A notable scene involves the burning of a large straw witch figure, which could be unsettling for younger viewers. The transformation of monkeys gaining wings is described as slightly intense, with mentions of animal pain, which might be disturbing for sensitive children. There are also scenes of characters being held or fighting with guards. While these elements exist, they are within the bounds of a PG rating and typical of fantasy-adventure storytelling.
WICKED: A Story of Friendship and Standing Up for Yourself
Beyond the content specifics, WICKED offers valuable themes for families. The story emphasizes the importance of friendship, even between unlikely individuals, and the courage to stand up for what you believe in. It explores themes of prejudice and misunderstanding, as Elphaba is judged for her green skin, and the journey both witches take to discover their true selves.
Is WICKED Family-Friendly?
Overall, WICKED appears to be a largely family-friendly movie, especially for families with older children and teenagers. The PG rating is appropriate, with mild instances of suggestive content, fantasy violence, and thematic intensity. Parents of younger or more sensitive children may want to consider the details of the potentially frightening or suggestive scenes. However, for many families, WICKED promises to be an enjoyable and engaging cinematic experience, offering both entertainment and positive messages.
WICKED Movie Details:
- Release Date: November 22, 2024 (Theaters)
- Rating: PG (Some scary action, thematic material and brief suggestive material)
- Runtime: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Director: Jon M. Chu
- Cast: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Peter Dinklage
- Based on: The Broadway musical “Wicked”
- Part 1 of 2: Part Two scheduled for November 21, 2025
Stay Updated on WICKED:
- Website: wickedmovie.com/tickets
- Facebook: facebook.com/wickedmovie
- X (Twitter): x.com/wickedmovie
- Instagram: instagram.com/wickedmovie
- TikTok: tiktok.com/@wickedmovie
- YouTube: youtube.com/wickedmovie
- Official Hashtag: #WickedMovie
We hope this WICKED Parents Guide is helpful in making your moviegoing decisions! Enjoy the magic of Oz!
