So, if the reviews are to be believed, it turns out the new Wicked movie is pretty good. Critics left, right and centre are waxing lyrical about the musical – whilst also sounding a little surprised. This might be because of the sheer amount of behind-the-scenes drama that preceded its release, perhaps the most notable example being the furore around the movie poster.
There are few musical theatre posters more iconic than the original 2008 West End design for Wicked. The famous 'whisper' design is instantly recognisable, and many were wondering when the 2024 movie would finally tip its pointy hat to the original. But when it finally did, fans were disappointed that Cynthio Erivo's Elphaba wasn't wearing lipstick, and didn't have her eyes covered by her hat. It might not be one of the best movie posters ever, but the whole drama could have been a standard twenty-four hour online furore – if Erivo hadn't responded.
