Summary
- The highly-anticipated Wicked movies are set to release in two parts, with Grande and Erivo taking on iconic roles.
- Grande and Erivo's close bond off-screen has fans excited for the chemistry between Glinda and Elphaba on screen.
- The film adaptation promises to stay true to the original musical while potentially improving upon it, sparking anticipation from fans.
A recent interview with Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo about the upcoming Wicked films revealed some great news for the highly-anticipated musical adaptation. The Wicked movies are an adaptation of the hit 2003 musical based on the Gregory Maguire novel of the same name. After nearly 15 years of plans, delays, and developmental issues, Wicked: Part One is scheduled to be released on November 27, 2024. In November 2021, the stars of the Wicked cast were announced with Grande playing Glinda the Good Witch and Erivo playing Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West.
There are numerous The Wizard of Oz characters in Wicked along with original characters created by Maguire. Joining Grande and Erivo in the Wicked cast are Jonathan Bailey (Fiyero), Michelle Yeoh (Madame Morrible), Jeff Goldblum (The Wonderful Wizard of Oz), Ethan Slater (Boq), and more. Wicked takes the original story of The Wizard of Oz and turns it on its head by forcing viewers to question everything they know about the characters. It serves as an origin story for both Glinda and Elphaba, explaining how one became good and the other became wicked.
Ariana Grande Said She & Cynthia Erivo Bonded Like Sisters On The Wicked Set
Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo Grew Incredibly Close Through Filming
Since being cast in Wicked, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo have attended multiple events together, including the Academy Awards and the Met Gala. In an interview with Variety on the Met Gala red carpet, Grande and Erivo spoke about the Wicked movies and their experiences filming. Grande, who got her start in theatre before transitioning into acting and recording, has previously shared how Glinda is a dream role for her and called her first day on set “the most emotional day of [her] life.”
The experience for Grande was made even more special by getting to do it alongside her co-star. Grande said she and Erivo formed a strong friendship while filming Wicked, which helped grow the natural chemistry that already existed between them. Grande even referred to them as “sisters” as they praised each other’s performances. Part of what made the original Broadway production of Wicked so successful was the perfect casting of Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth. Grande and Erivo carrying on their legacy is a good sign for the Wicked movies.
Wicked's Cast Faces A Major Challenge After How Perfect It Got It 21 Years Ago
The Wicked musical made many perfect decisions back in 2003, but the upcoming movie adaptation risks falling short of the high standards it set.
Glinda & Elphaba's Chemistry Is Vital To The Success Of Wicked
Glinda & Elphaba Have The Most Important Relationship In Wicked
At the core of Wicked is the relationship between Glinda and Elphaba. They start the story as reluctant roommates and eventually become best friends before splitting off in different directions. Even though they end up on opposite sides of a war, their bond is still strong, as evidenced by the show’s most emotional song, “For Good.” The chemistry between the lead actresses in Wicked can make or break the show, and it appears as though it will work in Grande and Erivo’s favor in the film adaptations.
The Wicked two-part movie plan also provides more time for their chemistry to be on display. The stage version of Wicked is about 2 hours and 45 minutes with one 15-minute intermission. Not only would trying to make Wicked into one film likely mean cuts in story and songs, but it would suffer the same problem as the Broadway production by rushing Glinda and Elphaba’s friendship.
There isn’t much time between the song “What Is This Feeling,” when Glinda and Elphaba sing about how much they loathe each other, and “Popular,” when they first become friends. By splitting Wicked into two parts, the movies can spend more time developing their friendship and chemistry. The Cinemacon footage of Wicked focused on Glinda and Elphaba’s relationship, proving the benefit of added time.