Premiere - Wicked: A Spellbinding Mexico Premiere at Palacio de los Deportes

By Mulder, Mexique, Mexico, Palacio de los Deportes, 11 november 2024

The magic of Oz descended upon Mexico City on November 11, 2024, as the much-anticipated movie adaptation of Wicked premiered at the iconic Palacio de los Deportes. This event wasn’t just a celebration of the cinematic reimagining of the beloved Broadway musical but also a heartfelt homage to the Mexican stage production that left an indelible mark on audiences over a decade ago. The venue was meticulously transformed into the Enchanted City, with its vibrant decor and magical atmosphere transporting attendees into the fantastical world of Oz. This immersive setting set the tone for an evening filled with nostalgia, glamour, and moments of pure theatrical wonder, solidifying the film’s place as a cultural phenomenon even before its theatrical release.

One of the night’s most poignant highlights was the reunion of the original Mexican cast of Wicked, including Danna Paola and Ceci De La Cueva, who portrayed Elphaba and Glinda, respectively, in the 2013 Spanish-language production. Their attendance created a powerful bridge between the original stage performances and the film adaptation, drawing applause from longtime fans of the musical. The emotional weight of the reunion deepened further when Paola and De La Cueva met their cinematic counterparts, Ariana Grande (Glinda) and Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba). This symbolic meeting of the two Elphabas and two Glindas resonated as a celebration of the universal appeal of Wicked, a story that continues to captivate audiences worldwide across languages and mediums. The mutual respect and camaraderie shared among the actresses added to the magical essence of the evening.

Ariana Grande, known for her powerful vocals and stage presence, was the undeniable star of the evening, receiving a rapturous welcome from her Mexican fans. Upon arriving on the green carpet, Grande was greeted with chants of ¡Ariana, hermana, ya eres Mexicana!—a heartfelt declaration of acceptance that visibly moved the star. Dressed in a stunning strapless Atelier Versace gown with an iridescent sheen, Grande perfectly embodied the grace and charm of Glinda. Complementing her was Cynthia Erivo, whose ensemble captured the spirit of Elphaba in a custom Thom Browne Couture dress that married haute couture with a theatrical edge. The black sparkling gown, adorned with intricate crystal and beadwork, was accented by a cropped hooded jacket and sculptural witch hands, evoking Elphaba’s mystique and dark enchantment. The costumes worn by the stars underscored the fusion of Broadway’s theatricality and Hollywood’s cinematic flair, ensuring the premiere was as much a visual spectacle as it was a celebration of artistry.

The event was not without its challenges, as the overwhelming enthusiasm of Wicked’s fanbase led to unexpected security issues. A large crowd gathered outside the venue hours before the premiere, with some fans reportedly camping overnight for a chance to witness history. As the anticipation reached a fever pitch, barricades were knocked over, and security personnel worked tirelessly to maintain order. While the chaos underscored the passion of Wicked’s devoted following, it also highlighted the film’s massive cultural impact, as fans of all ages eagerly vied for a glimpse of their favorite stars and a chance to be part of the landmark event. Despite these moments of disorder, the evening proceeded smoothly, with the cast and crew warmly engaging with attendees and embracing the vibrant energy of the crowd.

The reunion of the Mexican cast and the presence of international stars weren’t the only elements that made the evening unforgettable. The film’s director, Jon M. Chu, known for his visually stunning works like Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights, shared insights into the journey of adapting Wicked for the big screen. The production, which began in December 2022, faced numerous challenges, including delays due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, but ultimately wrapped in January 2024. Chu’s vision to split the adaptation into two films allowed for a richer exploration of the story, ensuring that no song or narrative thread from the beloved stage production was sacrificed. The decision to incorporate live-recorded vocals and expand the orchestral arrangements added layers of authenticity and grandeur to the music, promising an experience that stays true to the heart of Wicked while embracing the cinematic medium.

The global excitement surrounding Wicked is palpable, as early reactions to the film have been overwhelmingly positive. Critics have praised the movie’s lush visuals, emotionally resonant performances, and faithfulness to its source material. The story’s central themes of identity, friendship, and resistance against societal norms have struck a chord with audiences, drawing parallels to contemporary issues while retaining the timeless allure of Gregory Maguire’s original novel and the Broadway musical it inspired. With a star-studded cast that includes Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, and Ethan Slater, alongside Grande and Erivo, the film’s ensemble has been lauded for bringing the vibrant world of Oz to life with depth and nuance. Grande’s portrayal of Glinda and Erivo’s commanding performance as Elphaba have been singled out as transformative, with both actresses infusing their characters with a raw emotional power that elevates the narrative.

As the release date for Wicked: Part I approaches, the Mexico City premiere stands as a testament to the film’s ability to unite audiences across cultures and generations. From the nostalgic reunion of the Mexican cast to the electrifying fan enthusiasm, the event captured the spirit of what makes Wicked such an enduring phenomenon. Whether you’re a longtime admirer of the Broadway show or new to the magical world of Oz, the upcoming film promises to be a cinematic experience unlike any other, leaving audiences spellbound and eagerly awaiting the second installment in 2025. With its bold storytelling, breathtaking visuals, and unforgettable music, Wicked is poised to redefine the landscape of musical films and reaffirm the universal power of storytelling through song.

You can discover the official photos in our Flickr page

Synopsis :
Wicked follows the path of the legendary witches of the World of Oz. Elphaba, a young woman misunderstood because of the unusual color of her green skin, doesn't even suspect the extent of her powers. At her side is Glinda, who, as popular as she is privileged, still doesn't know the true nature of her heart. Their meeting at the University of Shiz, in the fantastic world of Oz, marks the beginning of an unlikely but profound friendship. However, their relationship with The Wizard of Oz is to put a strain on this friendship and see their paths drift apart. While Glinda, thirsting for popularity, allows herself to be seduced by power, Elphaba's determination to remain true to herself and to those around her will have consequences as unfortunate as they are unexpected. Their extraordinary adventures in the Land of Oz will ultimately lead them to fulfill their destinies, becoming respectively the Good Witch and the Wicked Witch of the West.

Wicked
Directed by Jon M. Chu
Written by Winnie Holzman, Dana Fox
Based on Wicked by Stephen Schwartz, Winnie Holzman, Wicked by Gregory Maguire
Produced by Marc Platt, David Stone
Starring  Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Marissa Bode, Peter Dinklage
Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum
Cinematography : Alice Brooks
Edited by Myron Kerstein
Music by John Powell, Stephen Schwartz
Production companies : Universal Pictures, Marc Platt Productions,
Distributed by Universal Pictures
Release dates : November 3, 2024 (State Theatre), November 22, 2024 (United States)
Running time : 160 minutes

Photos: Getty images / Universal Pictures