Attention, Oz enthusiasts! The wait is finally over as director Jon M. Chu shares a captivating sneak peek of Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda in the highly anticipated movie adaptation of “Wicked.”
Chu took to Instagram to unveil the captivating images, accompanied by the caption, “You weren’t told the whole story. What happens when you veer off the Yellow Brick Road? FIRST LOOK of the #WickedMovie … currently in production in Oz.”
In the mysterious and dimly lit photos, Erivo is seen embracing her role as Elphaba with a quintessential witch hat and broom in hand, while Grande, with her stunning blonde hair, stuns in a striking pink gown as she gracefully ascends a staircase.
“Wicked,” a prequel to “The Wizard of Oz,” delves into the events that unfolded before Dorothy’s unforgettable journey down the iconic yellow brick road. The story explores the unexpected friendship between Elphaba, who later becomes the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, recognized as the Good Witch. Fans will also learn the origin of the Wicked Witch’s signature pointy hat. (Quite the fashion statement, isn’t it?)
The all-star ensemble features Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, and Ethan Slater as Boq.
The original “Wicked” production made its debut in 2003 with Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth in the leading roles, and it continues to be one of Broadway’s longest-running and most beloved shows.
Stephen Schwartz, the mastermind behind the music and lyrics of the Broadway production, is teaming up with Winnie Holzman to adapt the screenplay. Fans can look forward to classic tunes such as “Defying Gravity” and “Popular,” as well as at least two new songs exclusive to the two-part movie version.
Prepare for a magical journey as the first “Wicked” movie hits theaters on November 27, 2024, followed by the second installment on December 25, 2025.
