“Extremely popular” may be an understatement. Directed by John M. Chu and starring Ariana Grande (Glinda) and Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba), “Wicked” is the highly anticipated film adaptation of the Broadway musical in two parts, with “Part I” to be released in November 2024 and “Part II” in 2025.

The film created a sensation and became the highest-grossing film based on a Broadway musical in history. The stellar cast also includes Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard of Oz, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, and Jonathan Bailey as Fierro. If you like singing, you will feel right at home.

The musical is currently whipping theaters into a frenzy, but when will it be available to watch from the comfort of your couch? Not all the details are 100% confirmed yet, but we can speculate. Here's what we know so far about the streaming availability of “Wicked”.

Based on the Broadway musical of the same name, which itself is based on the original novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire Wicked” depicts what happened in Oz before Dorothy's arrival, focusing on the complex relationship between two witches: Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), later to become known as the Wicked Witch of the West, and Galinda/Glinda (Ariana Granetto), who becomes the good Glinda.

The story is told by the author of the film.

The story begins at Ciz University, where the green-skinned Elphaba faces discrimination and the popular Glinda initially clashes with her. Despite their differences, they develop a deep friendship. However, their paths diverge when they meet the Wizard of Oz, and they ultimately make choices that shape their destinies and their roles in Oz's history.

Why is it so beloved by its loyal fans? With its glittering production, great songs, and engaging characters, the film brilliantly subverts the traditional good-versus-evil perspective of the Oz story. And in the end, it becomes clear that “wickedness” may be more a matter of perception and circumstance than true evil. The themes of friendship, prejudice, power, and the nature of good and evil are explored, all of which make for a perfectly grand musical adaptation.

The future streaming destination for “Wicked” is clear. It will eventually make its subscription streaming debut on Peacock, NBCUniversal's streaming platform. This is not surprising since it is a Universal Pictures production and the studio has announced that in 2021 it will release the theatrical film on Peacock after its Premium on Demand (PVOD) slot.

Access Peacock now for an exclusive behind-the-scenes documentary, “Wicked: a glimpse into the making of this adaptation.

Prior to Peacock, “Wicked” will likely be available for PVOD rental and purchase from digital retailers such as Amazon.

Universal typically offers films on PVOD one to two months after their theatrical release. Fall Guy was available for rent two months after its theatrical release, and Twisters was available for rent one month after its theatrical release.

Based on the success of “Wicked” and its screening during the holiday season, PVOD releases are likely to be in the two-month range.

One can also look to past Universal films for the timing of “Wicked”'s appearance at the Peacock. Based on this, “Wicked” will likely begin distribution on Peacock between mid-February and mid-March. Considering that “Wicked” is an Academy Award nominee and that the 2025 Academy Awards will be held on March 2, it may be closer to mid-February (right around Oscar voting time) to garner support.

For now, though, the only way to see “Wicked” is at your local movie theater. There, you can sing “Defying Gravity” to your heart's content with other fans.