When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Ariana Grande’s Defying Gravity: The Curtain Rises on Wicked – Release date, cast, & Everything we know About the Special

Published
Written by:
Isha Das
Isha Das
Entertainment Writer
Edited by:
Ishita Chatterjee
Ishita Chatterjee
Entertainment Editor
Defying Gravity: The Curtain Rises on Wicked (Credit- NBC)

Excitement is building as Wicked approaches its theatrical debut, and NBC is adding to the buzz with a special surprise for fans. The network has announced a new behind-the-scenes event titled “Defying Gravity: The Curtain Rises on Wicked,” which promises to take viewers on a captivating journey through the making of this highly anticipated adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical. 

Featuring insights from stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, this hour-long special is set to enhance the excitement surrounding the film's release.

In addition to exclusive cast interviews, fans can expect to see behind-the-scenes moments and personal anecdotes that shed light on the film's production. The special serves not only as a celebration of the upcoming film but also as an opportunity to deepen the connection fans have with the story and its characters.

This article will explore everything you need to know about Defying Gravity: The Curtain Rises on Wicked, from its enchanting features to the standout cast and the latest behind-the-scenes revelations. 

Stay tuned for ongoing updates and exclusive insights that will surely heighten your anticipation for this enchanting cinematic experience!

Release date & Where to Watch

Defying Gravity: The Curtain Rises on Wicked is set to premiere on NBC on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, at 10 pm ET, just three days before the film's global release. Viewers can catch the special on Peacock starting Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. Meanwhile, the Wicked film will hit theaters on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024.

Pro Tip

To watch Defying Gravity: The Curtain Rises on Wicked on Peacock you need to be in the US. But if you are traveling outside the country, you might encounter geo-restrictions due to copyright laws. However, you can easily overcome these barriers by using a capable VPN like NordVPN. A VPN alters your IP address, effectively masking your real location and making it seem like you’re accessing the internet from within the US. This way, you can stream the special securely and effortlessly from anywhere in the world.

Plot

Defying Gravity: The Curtain Rises on Wicked is an hour-long television special filmed on the dazzling Emerald City set of the upcoming film. The event showcases interviews with key cast members, including Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba), Ariana Grande (Glinda), and Jeff Goldblum (the Wizard), who share personal anecdotes, intimate video diaries, and insights into their experiences during the making of the film.

Viewers can also look forward to an exclusive sneak peek of an unseen scene from the movie, alongside Wicked-themed advertisements from sponsors like Lexus and Target. 

With behind-the-scenes footage and candid moments from the all-star cast—including Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, and more—the special aims to immerse fans in the magical world of Wicked while teasing the profound themes of friendship and destiny that lie at the heart of the story.

Cast

Is There a Trailer for Defying Gravity: The Curtain Rises on Wicked?

A trailer has not been released yet, but we will provide updates here as soon as it becomes available.

What is the Wicked film About?

Directed by Jon M. Chu, Wicked reimagines the first act of the famed musical, set in the Land of Oz. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo star as Glinda and Elphaba, two students assigned as roommates at Shiz University. The story explores their early friendship, ultimately leading them on paths where they’re later known as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West. Universal is also set to release Wicked Part Two on Nov. 21, 2025, continuing the story through the second act of the musical.

Filming

The special was filmed on Wicked's Emerald City set and includes an exclusive, never-before-seen scene from the film. During the one-hour broadcast, NBC and Peacock will feature Wicked-inspired content from brand partners Lexus and Target throughout the commercial breaks.

Behind the Scenes

Defying Gravity: The Curtain Rises on Wicked is produced by Monkey, a division of Universal International Studios. Rob Bagshaw and Andy Charles Smith are executive producers. NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution manages international sales.



For a better user experience we recommend using a more modern browser. We support the latest version of the following browsers: For a better user experience we recommend using the latest version of the following browsers: