Photo Courtesy of Universal Pictures
The time has come for Wicked to jump from the Broadway stage onto the big screen! Since the musical’s Broadway debut back in 2003, it has been known as a cultural phenomenon. As the movie prepares to premiere, fans prepare to experience the reimagining of the tale of Glinda and Elphaba.
Wicked is based on the best-selling novel written by Gregory Maguire, which was inspired by the iconic The Wizard of Oz. The novel tells the story of Elphaba and her journey on how she became the wicked witch on The Wizard of Oz, as a prequel to the original story.
The New York Theatre Guide states that “Wicked is about female friendship, discrimination, governmental corruption, and the musical shows how the iconic characters in The Wizard of Oz (not just the witches…) came to be.”
Since its Broadway debut, Wicked has traveled to different stages around the world, such as Japan and London. Other notable performances include an NBC special and a PBS special.
Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, the original actors of Elphaba (‘The Wicked Witch’) and Glinda (‘The Good Witch’), host these two events. Held on different occasions, NBC aired this tribute in 2018 to commemorate 15 years since its Broadway debut, while PBS aired its Wicked concert special in 2021.
Originally, Stephen Daldry was taking on the role to direct the film adaptation of Wicked. However, he dropped this role in October of 2020. Soon enough, Jon M. Chu, the director of the film adaptation of Lin Manuel Miranda’s Broadway musical In the Heights, signed to take on this role in February 2021.
Moreover, a few people who worked on the original Broadway musical returned to aid in the making of the film adaptation.
It has been revealed that the film adaptation of Wicked will be released in two parts. The first part depicts Act 1 of the musical. This is expected to be released Nov. 22, 2024. This first part includes all songs from the first act of the musical, as well as new songs.
The movie runs about 2 hours and 40 minutes long, an hour longer than the first act in the musical. The second movie — and the second act of the musical — is set to release in 2025.
Playing as Elphaba in the film adaptation is Cynthia Erivo and playing as Glinda is Ariana Grande. Both Menzel and Chenoweth acknowledged the new actors on social media.
Menzel posted on her Instagram saying, “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 @arianarande! The best Glinda you will be with @cynthiaerivo by your side…I love you!!”
Chenoweth also posted on X, then Twitter, and said, “Congrats to two amazing women. May it change your lives for the better forever and ever as it has for us. So much love.”
Wicked is set to release on Nov. 22, 2024.
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