Universal Pictures has unveiled the first full trailer for the much-anticipated movie adaptation of the Broadway hit, Wicked. Set to release on 27 November, the film marks a significant entry in this year’s holiday movie lineup. Directed by Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights), Wicked features Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, delving into the origins of the witches from the land of Oz.
The Wicked trailer, released on Wednesday, showcases the elaborate world of Oz and hints at the tumultuous relationship between the two main characters, who meet as students at Shiz University. It depicts their journey from roommates to complex figures within the magical realm, against the backdrop of the iconic tunes Popular and Defying Gravity, sung by Grande and Erivo respectively.
The film also stars Michelle Yeoh as Shiz University’s headmistress, Jonathan Bailey as the charming Fiyero, and Ethan Slater as Boq, with Jeff Goldblum portraying the Wizard of Oz. Newcomer Marissa Bode makes her feature debut as Nessarose, Elphaba’s sister, adding to the dynamic cast.
Wicked explores the depth of the witches’ characters before the arrival of Dorothy in Oz. The narrative unfolds around Elphaba, who, despite her green skin and misunderstood nature, possesses significant power yet to be realized. Glinda, on the other hand, grapples with her ambition and desire for popularity, which leads her down a path of profound self-discovery.
The adaptation brings to life Gregory Maguire’s novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, itself a creative retelling of L. Frank Baum’s classic The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. This film version promises a detailed look at the politics and battles within Oz, setting the stage for the iconic events known from both the novel and the 1939 film.
Anticipation for Wicked has been building since its stage version became a theatrical phenomenon, known for its deep narrative and striking music. The film’s production involves Wicked‘s original Broadway producers Marc Platt and David Stone, ensuring that the cinematic rendition remains true to the beloved musical while introducing the enchanting world of Oz to a new generation.
The release of Wicked is set to coincide with Disney’s Moana 2, positioning the film as a major contender for the holiday season’s box office. With its rich storytelling and star-studded cast, Wicked aims to captivate audiences, promising a magical cinematic experience.
Wicked opens in cinemas on 27 November.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.
