The highly anticipated two-part film adaptation of the hit musical Wicked has an exciting addition to its cast: Jeff Goldblum will be starring as the Wizard. The 70-year-old actor confirmed the news during a recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
While discussing his time on the set in London, Goldblum mentioned that his sons, Charlie, 7, and River, 5, had joined him. He shared that he had shown them The Wizard of Oz, one of his favorite movies, but his children found it too scary. “The witch is terrifying. Margaret Hamilton, terrifying,” he said.
The Wicked movie boasts a star-studded cast, with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande taking on the lead roles of Elphaba and Glinda, respectively. Jonathan Bailey, known for his role in Bridgerton, was announced as the main love interest, Fiyero, in September 2022.
Goldblum didn’t reveal too many details about the movie, but he did share an interesting personal tidbit. While filming, he experienced a resurfacing of his childhood fear of witches, which was triggered by a recurring nightmare. In the dream, a “very scary witch” tied him to a tree and threatened to chop off his head. This fear caused him to tear up on set, and he opened up to his costar Cynthia Erivo about the experience.
Mark your calendars: the first installment of the Wicked film adaptation is set to hit theaters on November 27, 2024.
