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Wicked: Trailer, Release date, Cast, & Everything we know so far About the Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo film
Published on September 6, 2024
Get ready for the magic to unfold! The highly anticipated adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical Wicked has recently dropped a brand-new trailer, sending fans into a frenzy of excitement. With stunning visuals and an enchanting soundtrack, this adaptation promises to capture the hearts of both new audiences and longtime fans of the stage show.
Based on Gregory Maguire's bestselling novel, Wicked offers a captivating backstory to the legendary witches of Oz, focusing on Elphaba, the misunderstood Wicked Witch of the West, and her unlikely friendship with Glinda, the Good Witch. Their journey from rival roommates at Shiz University to political adversaries, all while vying for the affections of the charming Fiyero, explores themes of power, friendship, and identity.
With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman, the film adaptation is sure to bring the same magic that made the musical a sensation. As anticipation builds, we’ll delve into character insights, plot twists, and everything you need to know about this cinematic spectacle. Stay tuned for updates as we unveil more thrilling details about this enchanting tale!
Release date & Where to Watch
Wicked Part One is set to hit theaters on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, while Wicked Part Two will follow a year later, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2025.
Plot
Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, features Emmy, Grammy, and Tony winner Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a misunderstood young woman with green skin who has yet to discover her true power. Joining her is Grammy-winning artist Ariana Grande as Glinda, a privileged and ambitious young woman searching for her true heart.
Their journey begins at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz, where they form an unlikely but profound friendship. However, an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz forces them to confront their diverging paths. While Glinda is drawn to the allure of popularity and power, Elphaba remains committed to her authenticity, leading to shocking consequences for both.
The story, based on Gregory Maguire’s bestselling novel, explores their evolution from college roommates to the iconic figures known as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
The film is expected to cover their college years and the events that shape their destinies, including unexpected encounters with familiar characters from The Wizard of Oz. The narrative structure will pose challenges, as the musical starts later in the timeline and then flashbacks to earlier events, making it essential for the adaptation to navigate this complexity effectively.
Cast
- Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Broadway’s The Color Purple) as Elphaba
- Ariana Grande as Galinda
- Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible
- Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton, Fellow Travelers) as Fiyero Tigelaar
- Ethan Slater (Broadway’s Spongebob Squarepants, Fosse/Verdon) as Boq
- Marissa Bode as Nessarose
- Jeff Goldblum as the legendary Wizard of Oz
- Bowen Yang (Saturday Night Live) as Pfannee
- Bronwyn James (Harlots) as ShenShen
- Keala Settle (The Greatest Showman) as Miss Coddle
- Colin Michael Carmichael as Professor Nikidik
- Peter Dinklage as Dr. Dillamond
- Andy Nyman as Frexspar Thropp
Official Trailer
To build excitement for the upcoming blockbuster, a new trailer for Wicked has been unveiled. This latest teaser centers on Jonathan Bailey's Fiyero, portraying him as a self-absorbed and shallow individual. Yet, Elphaba perceives the more complex and scheming character hidden beneath his surface.
Previously in May, a new full trailer for Wicked was released, offering fans more glimpses of the beloved musical's soundtrack. Set to the iconic "Popular," this trailer highlights the budding friendship between Galinda and Elphaba and showcases the film's stunning visuals. While the story and music are familiar to fans, the trailer emphasizes that the Wicked movie is a feast for both the eyes and ears.
Six months ago, the first look at Wicked debuted during the 2024 Super Bowl, and the long-awaited trailer did not disappoint. It revealed key story elements and showcased the music, prominently featuring “Defying Gravity” to highlight Elphaba’s struggle and its connection to The Wizard of Oz. Although just a minute long, the trailer promises even more excitement ahead.
Songs
All songs from the Wicked musical will remain in the movie adaptation, with Stephen Schwartz confirming that no tracks will be removed. Excitingly, the film will also introduce new songs not featured in the original stage production, although details about these new tracks and the characters who will perform them remain under wraps.
Given that the first movie is expected to conclude with the iconic “Defying Gravity,” most of the new songs will likely debut in Wicked Part Two. Schwartz noted that "Defying Gravity" is intentionally designed to bring down the curtain, and any subsequent scene without a break would feel anticlimactic, hinting that this beloved number will close Wicked Part One. While the two-part format risks being front-loaded with familiar songs, there's no doubt that the new compositions will shine, thanks to Schwartz’s creative influence.
How many Wicked Movies will there be?
Wicked, a tale of friendship, embraces the idea that two is better than one—both on-screen and behind the scenes. In a bold move, the filmmakers and Universal have split the musical into two movies. Director Jon M. Chu shared in a statement on Twitter.
What has the Original Wicked cast said About the film?
Kristin Chenoweth, who originated the role of Glinda in Wicked back in 2003, shared a perfect throwback moment to celebrate Ariana Grande stepping into the role. On Instagram, Chenoweth posted a series of photos, including a screenshot of a 2011 tweet from Grande, where she wrote, “Loved seeing Wicked again… amazing production! Made me realize again how badly I want to play Glinda at some point in my life! #DreamRole.”
The next slide featured an adorable black-and-white photo of Kristin Chenoweth with a young Ariana Grande. In the caption, Chenoweth expressed her pride, writing, "I’m not sure if I’ve ever been this proud. From the very first day I met you (swipe to see!!), you were destined for this role. Congratulations @arianagrande! The best Glinda you will be with @cynthiaerivo by your side. I love you!!"
Grande responded in the comments, saying, "words don’t suffice. i love you more than i can say, i always have and always will. and her. thank you for holding my hand.”
Production
Production for Wicked began in June 2022 on sound stages at the newly built Sky Studios in Elstree, England. By April 3, 2023, Ariana Grande shared that they were halfway through filming.
On April 16, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo gave fans a first glimpse of their Wicked characters on Instagram.
Production was put on hold in July 2023 due to the writers' and actors' strike. Director Jon M. Chu shared in a tweet that although they were just days away from completion, they had to "pause until the strike is over and we can finish the last pieces of the movie." Despite the delay, he assured fans that the release date remains unchanged.
All things, good and bad, must come to an end, and that included the strike and filming. On Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande marked the completion of their time on set by sharing photos to announce that production had officially wrapped. Both stars posted pictures of their shadows cast against a wall, clearly resembling their iconic characters.
Behind the Scenes
Directed by Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights), Wicked is produced by Marc Platt (La La Land, The Little Mermaid), whose projects have garnered numerous accolades, including 46 Oscar nominations, 58 Emmy nominations, and 36 Tony nominations. Platt co-produces with multiple Tony winner David Stone (Kimberly Akimbo, Next to Normal), with whom he previously collaborated on the Wicked stage musical. Executive producers include David Nicksay, Stephen Schwartz, and Jared LeBoff.
Adapted from Gregory Maguire’s bestselling novel, the film's screenplay is written by Winnie Holzman, who also penned the stage production, and features music by Grammy and Oscar winner Stephen Schwartz. The Broadway musical was originally produced by Universal Stage Productions, Marc Platt, the Araca Group, Jon B. Platt, and David Stone.