Ariana Grande's Hit Movie Drops on Peacock Today in Two Versions

If for some reason you've been waiting to belt out showtunes from your sofa, Peacock’s sorted you right out. Ariana Grande’s latest trip to Oz—the 2024 film adaptation of 'Wicked'—has just arrived on the streamer, and not in one, but two flavours. Yes, both the regular version and a full-on sing-along cut have landed, so you can now pitch your lounge into a warbling rendition of 'Defying Gravity' like no one’s listening (even though your neighbours definitely are).

Two for the Price of One (Subscription)

As of today, Peacock subscribers can stream both the theatrical release of 'Wicked' and a sing-along edition plastered with bouncing lyrics. It’s all very Glee, just with fewer jazz hands and (sorry, Glee fans) considerably better voices. The sing-along version is basically the film you saw in cinemas, just with added temptation to lose your voice by Wednesday.

Wicked by the Numbers

• Ariana Grande picked up an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Not too shabby for her first big movie musical.
• Cynthia Erivo, as Elphaba, also got a nom—this one for Best Actress. If you’ve heard her sing, you know why.
• The film’s been smashing it at the box office, raking in a massive $758 million worldwide.
• Rotten Tomatoes currently has it sitting pretty at an 88% critic approval rating from over 400 reviews.

Who’s Who in Oz

Jon M. Chu (the bloke behind 'Crazy Rich Asians') directed, with Winnie Holzman adapting her own Tony-winning book for the screenplay—so, proper musical credentials all round. This isn’t just a two-woman show, either:

You’ve got Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero (that’s your leading man), Michelle Yeoh giving excellent side-eye as Madame Morrible, Jeff Goldblum channeling all his oddball energy as the Wizard, plus Peter Dinklage, Bowen Yang, Keala Settle, Marissa Bode, Bronwyn James and Ethan Slater popping up around Oz.

Wicked: The Backstory (or, What You’re Actually Watching)

The story isn’t exactly new if you’re a fan of the Broadway musical or the original Gregory Maguire novel, but for everyone else, here’s the gist: It follows Elphaba, a green-skinned girl who’s ridiculed by pretty much everyone, and Glinda, her blonde, ambitious classmate at good old Shiz University (yes, that’s really what they called it). Against all the odds, they become friends, until a run-in with the Wizard of Oz puts their loyalty to the test.

From there, Glinda falls hard for the whole popularity contest, and Elphaba—well, she goes her own way, resulting in exactly the sort of twisty, messy fates you’d expect in a world where your classmate might turn into a sorceress or a witch at the drop of a hat.

'The film tells the untold story of the witches of Oz: Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power; and Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart. The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads, and their lives take very different paths. Glinda's unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba's determination to remain true to herself and to those around her will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.'

So, Is It Worth a Watch?

Look, if you like big musicals, legendary vocal runs, or simply want an excuse to hear Ariana Grande doing her trill-by-numbers thing alongside Cynthia Erivo, you could do a lot worse. At the very least, both versions mean you don’t even need to be quietly humming along anymore—you’re actively encouraged to.

So, if you missed the cinema run—or just fancy scaring your pets—Peacock has proper 'Wicked' fever now. Go on, you know you want to.