Fans of the beloved Broadway musical “Wicked” were treated to an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming film adaptation. The featurette, released Monday, offers a tantalizing glimpse into the world of Oz, showcasing the star-studded cast, snippets of musical numbers, and the creative forces bringing this magical story to life on the big screen.
The cast is led by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who take on the iconic roles of Elphaba and Glinda, respectively. They are joined by a talented ensemble including Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Ethan Slater as Boq, Peter Dinklage as Dr. Dillamond, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, Jeff Goldblum as The Wizard, and newcomer Marissa Bode as Nessarose. The film also introduces new characters played by Keala Settle, Bowen Yang, Bronwyn James, Aaron Teoh, and Colin Michael Carmichael.
At the helm of this ambitious project is director Jon M. Chu, known for his vibrant work on “In the Heights”. The screenplay is written by Winnie Holzman, the book writer of the original musical, ensuring the film stays true to its roots. Tony Award winner Paul Tazewell has designed the costumes, while Stephen Schwartz, the composer and lyricist of “Wicked”, has contributed new songs to the film’s score.
The first part of this two-part film series is slated to hit theaters this Thanksgiving, with the second part following in Thanksgiving 2025. A new trailer is scheduled for release on Wednesday, May 15, and fans can also anticipate a behind-the-scenes special titled “Defying Gravity: The Curtain Rises on Wicked”, which will air on NBC on November 25.
