Prepare to be whisked away this autumn, as one of Broadway and the West Ends most beloved tales, Wicked, takes flight onto the silver screen!
Adapted by Universal Pictures, the movie is poised to grace theatres across the USA on November 27, 2024, promising an unforgettable cinematic experience. It’s a journey back to the iconic World of Oz but with a twist—a fresh perspective that delves into the untold origins of its enigmatic characters. Wicked is expected to explore how Elphaba becomes the villain, the Wicked Witch of the West, we know her to be and her connections with other Oz characters
Originally announced in 2016, this adaptation has sparked immense excitement among fans worldwide. With Chu’s visionary direction, Erivo and Grande’s captivating performances, and a script that delves deeper into the complexities of Oz’s iconic characters, it is set to mesmerize audiences like never before.
In this article, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about the upcoming 2024 Wicked movie: from its star-studded cast to the captivating plot, not forgetting to give you a sneak peek at the vibrant trailer that’s been keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
So, grab your broomstick and join us as we dive right in!
When are the ‘Wicked’ movies coming out?
Initially set for December 22, 2021, the Wicked movie series faced delays due to COVID-19. Teased for consecutive Christmas holidays beginning December 2024, the release of the first film was brought forward by a month to November 27, 2024, as announced by Ariana Grande in March 2023. Make sure to mark your calendars for a Thanksgiving treat with the first instalment, followed by the sequel a year later on November 26, 2025.
Who’s directing the ‘Wicked’ Movie?
Initially helmed by Tony Award winner Stephen Daldry, who departed from the project in October 2020, the directorial reins were passed to Jon M. Chu. Renowned for his directorial prowess showcased in acclaimed films like Crazy Rich Asians and the adaptation of Broadway’s In the Heights, Chu brings his unique vision to the magical world of Oz.
Joining Chu are esteemed members from the original Broadway musical production, including Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman, who are intricately involved in adapting the screenplay. Additionally, Marc Platt returns to the project as a producer, ensuring a seamless transition from stage to screen!
Which stars will appear in the ‘Wicked’ movie?
The casting decisions for Wicked have been exceptional, breathing life into the beloved characters for the silver screen adaptation. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande were the first actors to be announced for the project, who stepped into the iconic roles of Elphaba Thropp, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Galinda Upland, later known as Glinda the Good.
Their portrayal of the green-skinned and blonde-haired witches, who anchor the musical extravaganza, was met with widespread excitement and approval from fans worldwide. Original cast members like Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel have also expressed their support and admiration for Erivo and Grande’s casting. “Congrats to two amazing women. May it change your lives for the better forever and ever as it has for us. So much love,” Menzel shared on her Instagram.
Joining Erivo and Grande in this star-studded ensemble are:
- Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible
- Jeff Goldblum as the Wonderful Wizard of Oz
- Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero Tigelaar
- Ethan Slater as Boq
- Marissa Bode as Nessarose Thropp
- Bowen Yang as Pfannee
- Bronwyn James as ShenShen
- Aaron Teoh as Averic
- Grecia de la Paz as Gilligan
- Colin Michael Carmichael
The cast includes Keala Settle as Miss Coddle and Adam James as Glinda’s father, introducing two new characters crafted specifically for the movie. With such a talented and diverse cast, audiences can expect nothing short of a captivating and unforgettable cinematic experience when Wicked graces the big screen!
What’s the premise of the ‘Wicked’ movie?
The Wicked movie series, also known as Wicked: Part One and Wicked: Part Two, comprises a two-part cinematic adaptation of the renowned Broadway musical, inspired by Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel, ‘Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West’. Set in the enchanting Land of Oz, the films delve into the compelling narrative of Elphaba Thropp, who evolves into the infamous Wicked Witch of the West, and her intricate frenemy relationship with Galinda, later known as Glinda the Good.
Director Chu, addressing the delays in the movie’s release on April 26, 2022, acknowledged the challenge of encapsulating the essence of Wicked within a single film. Opting for a two-part approach, the filmmakers strive to remain faithful to the source material while offering audiences a deeper dive into the characters and preserving the integrity of the original storyline.
‘Wicked’ Movie vs. The Musical: What’s Different?
The Wicked film series will predominantly adhere to the storyline of the Broadway musical. However, Cynthia Erivo has subtly suggested a departure from the original material, offering a unique interpretation of the tale of two sisters.
In an interview at the 2022 SAG Awards, Erivo hinted at an innovative approach, describing the movie as “unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.” She expressed excitement about infusing their creative spin into the narrative, promising audiences a fresh perspective on the relationship between the two central characters. “I think we’re going to enjoy the magic of it,” Erivo remarked. “We’re going to try and put our [own] spin on what we know already and show you a story about two women who are sisters,” she added.
Will There Be New Music in the ‘Wicked’ Movie?
During the 2016 Comic-Con, composer Schwartz set the stage for anticipation by confirming the introduction of new musical pieces for the Wicked movie. Four songs were promised, consisting of three freshly composed tunes and one pulled directly from the beloved Broadway production.
However, the tune took a different turn on December 6, 2023, when Schwartz disclosed updated details. He revealed that Wicked: Part 2 would showcase two exclusive brand-new songs, custom-tailored to enrich the storyline. “There are some expansions of stuff in the first movie. The point is, that the new songs were written because of the demand of the story. The storytelling required it, and therefore they were created — the intention was that they were organic and not imposed on the movie,” he said.
Where Can You Catch a Glimpse of the ‘Wicked’ Trailer?
On April 16, 2023, Chu teased stills from the upcoming Wicked film, featuring Grande and Erivo as Glinda and Elphaba. The much-anticipated first teaser trailer premiered during the 2024 Super Bowl, offering a tantalizing taste of the movie’s atmosphere and aesthetic. Set against a backdrop of vibrant scenery and snippets of thrilling scenes, all accompanied by the iconic tune of “Defying Gravity,” the trailer promises an exhilarating cinematic experience.
Watch the official movie trailer below: