The film starring Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba will be split into two films
Universal’s highly anticipated film adaptation of the Tony-winning Broadway musical, Wicked, based on Gregory Maguire’s novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, has been generating excitement since it was announced in 2016. As the project progresses, more details have been revealed.
In November 2021, it was announced that Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande had been cast in the lead roles of Elphaba and Glinda, respectively. This casting news has further heightened the anticipation for the film, as both actresses are highly regarded for their talents and have proven themselves in the world of music and acting.
With such talented performers taking on the iconic roles of Elphaba and Glinda, the Wicked movie promises to be a magical and captivating experience for audiences. Fans of the beloved musical can look forward to seeing this enchanting story come to life on the big screen in a new and exciting way.
Director Jon M. Chu provided an update on the Wicked movie in April 2022, revealing that the adaptation would now be released in two parts. The decision was made to preserve the integrity of the story, ensuring that all the musical numbers and important characters could be fully explored without any compromises.
By dividing the film into two parts, the creative team aimed to provide a larger canvas to tell the story of Wicked as it was originally intended. This approach allows for a more comprehensive and faithful adaptation, giving fans the opportunity to experience the full depth and richness of the beloved musical.
While specific details about the film are still forthcoming, this development indicates a commitment to delivering a thorough and immersive cinematic experience for audiences. Fans can eagerly anticipate further announcements and updates as the Wicked movie continues to take shape.
Who is in the Wicked movie cast?
After Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande were announced as the leads for the Wicked movie, there was a positive response from the original Glinda herself, Kristin Chenoweth. Chenoweth, who originated the role of Glinda in the Broadway production of Wicked, expressed her approval of Grande and Erivo joining the cast. This endorsement from Chenoweth, who is highly regarded for her portrayal of Glinda, further generated excitement and confidence in the casting choices for the film adaptation.
“I’m not sure if I’ve ever been this proud. From the very first day I met you … you were destined for this role. Congratulations @arianagrande!” Chenoweth wrote on Instagram. “The best Glinda you will be with @cynthiaerivo by your side 💗💚 I love you!! 🧚♀️👑🪄 @wickedmovie @wicked_musical #wicked.”
Idina Menzel, the original Broadway Elphaba, also expressed her support for Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, congratulating them and wishing them a life-changing experience with the film adaptation. Menzel’s message of love and well-wishes added to the positive reception surrounding the casting choices.
In September 2022, director Jon M. Chu announced that Jonathan Bailey, known for his role in Bridgerton, would be joining the cast as Fiyero, the main love interest in the musical. Chu expressed his excitement, describing Bailey as perfect for the role and emphasizing the chemistry between the actors. The announcement of Bailey’s casting added to the anticipation and buzz surrounding the film.
Jeff Goldblum was in final negotiations to portray the Wizard, according to a report by Variety in October 2022. In December 2022, it was also reported by Variety that Michelle Yeoh was in talks to play the role of Madame Morrible. During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live in March 2023, Goldblum confirmed his participation in the film and praised the performances of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. The cast of the film also includes Ethan Slater as Boq, Marissa Bode as Nessarose, Bowen Yang as Pfannee, Bronwyn James as ShenShen, Keala Settle as Miss Coddle, Aaron Teoh as Avaric, and Colin Michael Carmichael as Professor Nikidik, as announced by Variety.
Who is directing the Wicked movie?
Originally, Tony-award winner Stephen Daldry was set to direct the film adaptation of Wicked. However, he officially left the project in October 2020. In February 2021, Jon M. Chu, known for his work on Crazy Rich Asians and the film adaptation of Broadway’s In the Heights, was announced as the new director of the film.
Several key individuals from the original Broadway musical will be involved in the film adaptation of Wicked. Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman, who collaborated on the music and lyrics for the Broadway show, are adapting the screenplay for the film. Marc Platt, who served as a producer for the Broadway production, will also be returning to produce the film.
How will the Wicked movie be different from the musical?
During the 2022 SAG Awards red carpet, Cynthia Erivo shared that the movie adaptation of Wicked will have some differences from the original Broadway production. However, specific details about the changes were not mentioned.
“I think it’s going to be unlike anything you’ve ever seen before,” she told Entertainment Tonight. “I think we’re going to enjoy the magic of it. 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.”
Will there be new music in the Wicked movie?
Schwartz previously shared that the movie will also include new music.
“I can confirm that currently, there will be around four new songs in the movie,” Schwartz stated in 2016, as reported by Playbill. He further mentioned that three of these songs are original compositions created specifically for the film adaptation, while one song had been removed from the original Broadway production. This revelation highlights the inclusion of fresh music in the movie, providing a unique experience for viewers and enhancing the storytelling aspect of the beloved musical.
In July 2022, Schwartz delighted fans by sharing a snapshot on his online fan newsletter, The Schwartz Scene. The photo featured himself, along with music director Stephen Oremus, and actors Troy Iwata, Marissa Rosen, and Wendi Bergamini, during a demo recording session for the movie. This behind-the-scenes glimpse provided a sneak peek into the creative process and showcased the collaborative efforts involved in bringing the music of Wicked to life for the highly anticipated film adaptation.
When did the Wicked movie start filming?
In her interview with ET, Erivo disclosed that she and Grande were scheduled to begin rehearsals for the film in July 2022. Building on that, Grande hinted at the imminent start of filming in October 2022 when she unveiled her new blonde hair, suggesting her transformation for the role. Confirming the progress, Chu announced in December 2022 that filming had officially commenced, marking a significant milestone in the production of the highly anticipated Wicked movie adaptation.
Has a first look at the Wicked movie been released?
In April, Chu delighted fans by releasing two stills from the upcoming two-part film adaptation. The images offered a glimpse of Grande and Erivo in their respective roles as Glinda and Elphaba, capturing their characters’ essence. Chu’s caption teased an intriguing narrative twist, hinting at a deviation from the familiar Yellow Brick Road. The first look images provided a tantalizing preview of the Wicked movie, which was then in production in the magical land of Oz.
When is the Wicked movie release date?
Due to production delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the original release date of the film, which was scheduled for December 22, 2021, had to be postponed. In April 2022, Jon M. Chu, the director, hinted that the Wicked films would be released “on successive Christmas holidays beginning December 2024.” This statement suggested that the films would be released in consecutive years during the Christmas season, starting in December 2024.
In March 2023, Ariana Grande made a revelation that the release of the Wicked film had been advanced by a month. She shared an image with a black and green design that featured the new release date: November 27, 2024. This unexpected change provided fans with the opportunity to see the highly anticipated film earlier than previously planned.
