Wickedis having some serious issues with sound quality in theaters. An adaptation of the hit Broadway musical, the movie serves as the first part of a two-movie release. The follow-up will reach theaters on August 23, 2025. The franchise is led by Ariana Grande (Glinda) and Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba). Though the finale is a year away,the stunningWickedsoundtrackhas earned massive praise for refusing to stray too heavily from the original score. Unfortunately, inconsistent audio has been wreaking havoc on the director’s vision.
In a statement posted on his Twitter/X account, directorJon M. Chuexplained an issue that he has been seeing in theaters. Rather than having a level 7 audio quality, he has been seeing screenings in whichthe volume is set at just 6.4. That has resulted in quieter music, which was entirely unintended. Chu is asking audiences to instruct their local theaters toraise the sound to a 7to promote a better viewing experience. Check out his full response below:
What The Sound Issues Mean For Wicked
As A Musical, Sound Quality Is Essential
AfterWicked’s long production journey, it is disappointing to see the movie continuing to have ongoing issues. For a musical, sound quality and appropriate volume settings are an essential part of the experience. Songs designed to blast through the speakers could lack their intended effect if presented at a lower whisper.The audio problems have not caused widespread issues, however, as review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes indicates that there has been nothing but praise for the adaptation:
89%
97%
The issues could even be surprisingly good for the movie. If loyal viewers discover that their theaters are relying on the wrong audio settings, they couldreturn for another screening to see it as intended. The movie is already expected to earn $165 million globally in its opening weekend, so repeated viewers could help prevent a significant second-weekend drop. Anyone looking to seetheWickedending song, “Defying Gravity”, as the director initially planned could attend another screening. These issues were undoubtedly unintentional, but they could very well help the adaptation anyway.
Our Take On Wicked’s Sound Problems
This Should Have Been Addressed Sooner
It is difficult to identify who is at fault. If the sound quality was a massive concern, the studio should have sent detailed instructions before the movie’s release. After all, most releases do. Of course, there is a chance that theaters were properly instructed and unintentionally overlooked that issue. If so, the theaters should take the full brunt of the blame.Wicked’s ongoing sound issues undoubtedly have a cause, but it is too late to prevent the unintended consequences. Audiences will need to address that with specific theaters to resolve the issue.
Wicked
Cast
Wicked adapts the Broadway musical into a two-part film, following the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, born with green skin, and Glinda, a popular aristocrat, in the Land of Oz. As they navigate their contrasting paths, they evolve into Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
