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

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.

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo are ready to take you behind the scenes on a magical journey through Oz! ✨

Defying Gravity: The Curtain Rises on Wicked, produced by Universal International Studios’ Monkey, flies onto NBC on November 19 at 10/9c, streaming next day on Peacock. pic.twitter.com/F5wkr1tot1

— Universal International Studios (@UniIntlStudios) October 29, 2024

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

• Cynthia Erivo 
• Ariana Grande 
• Jeff Goldblum 
• Michelle Yeoh 
• Jonathan Bailey 
• Winnie Holzman
• Stephen Schwartz
• Jon M. Chu

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.