Prepare to be spellbound as Wicked, one of the most beloved musicals of all time, makes its long-awaited journey from stage to screen. Universal Pictures has just released the breathtaking new trailer and captivating character posters for the cinematic adaptation, Wicked, which will debut exclusively in theaters on November 22, 2024.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights), Wicked is the untold story of the witches of Oz and promises to be a dazzling, generation-defining event for moviegoers. This release marks the first chapter of a two-part cultural celebration, with Wicked Part Two scheduled to arrive in theaters on November 26, 2025.
An Unlikely Friendship in the Land of Oz
The star-studded cast is led by Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award-winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Broadway’s The Color Purple) as Elphaba, a misunderstood young woman with emerald green skin who has yet to realize her full power. Joining her is Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a privileged and ambitious young woman whose journey will lead her to discover her true heart.
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The film follows the two witches as they meet at Shiz University and form a deep, yet complex, friendship. When the enigmatic Wizard of Oz enters their lives, the two friends are thrust down divergent paths. Glinda’s thirst for popularity pulls her toward power, while Elphaba’s loyalty to herself and those she loves sets her on a course that will see her fulfilling her destiny as the Wicked Witch of the West.
A Stellar Cast and New Faces in Oz
Joining Erivo and Grande in this magical reimagining are some of Hollywood’s most celebrated stars. Oscar® winner Michelle Yeoh (Everything Everywhere All at Once) portrays Madame Morrible, the regal headmistress of Shiz University. Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton) stars as the dashing and carefree Fiyero, while pop culture icon Jeff Goldblum takes on the role of the legendary Wizard of Oz.
The film’s ensemble cast also includes Ethan Slater (SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical) as Boq, a kindhearted Munchkin, and Marissa Bode, making her feature film debut as Nessarose, Elphaba’s cherished sister. Emmy nominee Bowen Yang (Saturday Night Live) and Bronwyn James (Harlots) play Glinda’s conniving companions, Pfannee and ShenShen, while Keala Settle (The Greatest Showman) and four-time Emmy winner Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones) lend their talents to new characters created specifically for the film.
A Legacy of Excellence
Produced by Marc Platt (La La Land, The Little Mermaid) and David Stone (Kimberly Akimbo, Next to Normal), Wicked brings together a powerhouse creative team. The film’s screenplay is written by Winnie Holzman, who adapted the story from Gregory Maguire’s bestselling novel, with music and lyrics by the legendary Stephen Schwartz. Both Holzman and Schwartz previously collaborated on the Tony Award-winning stage production, which continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
With a legacy of 46 Oscar® nominations, 58 Emmy nominations, and 36 Tony nominations across their productions, Platt and Stone are set to deliver a film that lives up to the towering success of the Broadway musical.
The Magic Is Just Beginning
As anticipation builds for this cinematic spectacle, fans can now feast their eyes on the newly released trailer and character posters. The spellbinding imagery transports viewers to the fantastical world of Oz, where the unexpected awaits around every corner. And with this being just the beginning—Wicked Part Two on the horizon for 2025—the adventure is sure to leave audiences enchanted for years to come.
Get ready to experience the magic of Wicked this holiday season, as the tale of friendship, power, and destiny unfolds on the big screen like never before.
About Wicked Part One
Release Date: November 22, 2024
Director: Jon M. Chu
Screenplay: Winnie Holzman
Executive Producers: David Nicksay, Stephen Schwartz, and Jared LeBoff
Producers: Marc Platt and David Stone
Distribution: Universal Pictures
Cast: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Bowen Yang, Bronwyn James and Keala Settle
Synopsis:
Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Broadway’s The Color Purple) as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart.
The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Glinda’s unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba’s determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
How excited are you to see Wicked make its cinematic debut? Which character are you most excited to see come to life on the big screen? Share your thoughts with us on social media and let the magic begin!
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