'Wicked': Main cast, supporting actors, release date- everything to know
Universal Studios recently unveiled the first full-length trailer for its highly anticipated adaptation of the Broadway musical, Wicked. The three-minute-long footage showcases pop star Ariana Grande as Glinda and Emmy Award winner Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba. The trailer offers a sneak peek into the prequel to The Wizard of Oz, recounting events leading up to Dorothy's journey on the iconic yellow brick road. Here's everything to know about the Hollywood film.
'Wicked' explores the origins of the Wicked Witch
The story of Wicked revolves around Elphaba, a young woman ostracized for her green skin, who later becomes the Wicked Witch of the West. The narrative delves into her unlikely friendship and eventual rivalry with Glinda, whom she first meets at Shiz University. The central question posed in the storyline is: "Are people born wicked, or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?"
Elphaba's journey and the Wizard's deception unveiled
In the trailer, viewers see Elphaba receiving her signature black witch hat and discovering her powers. She travels with Glinda to the Emerald City, where they meet the Wizard, portrayed by Jeff Goldblum. The plot thickens as trouble brews in Oz when the Great and Terrible devises a plan to turn citizens against Elphaba. Upon realizing that the Wizard lacks real magical abilities, Elphaba retorts, "It's the Wizard who should be afraid of me."
Enjoy the trailer here
'Wicked' directed by Jon M. Chu features star-studded cast
Directed by Jon M. Chu, known for Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights, Wicked features a star-studded cast including Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Michelle Yeoh as Shiz University headmaster Madame Morrible, Ethan Slater as Boq, and Bowen Yang as Pfannee. The first installment is set to release on November 27, with the sequel following on December 25, 2025. The film began production in 2022 but was paused due to the actors' strike.
Grande and Erivo reflected on 'Wicked' experience
Before the trailer's debut, Universal released a featurette titled "Passion Project," where Chu and his leading actors reflected on their experiences making the films. Grande shared her connection to the musical, stating, "I had the incredible privilege of seeing the original Broadway cast of Wicked when I was 10, and I just felt an immediate bond." Erivo expressed her gratitude for being part of the project, saying, "It's been a really long journey here, and I'm really grateful for it."
The plot and screenwriter credits
IMDb describes the film's plot as, "After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen as a spectacular, generation-defining cinematic event this holiday season." The screenplay has been written by Winnie Holzman, who has earlier been associated with projects such as Curb Your Enthusiasm, Thirtysomething, and Once and Again, among others.
