Movies - Wicked: The Visionary Cast and Crew Bringing the Broadway Classic to Cinemas

By Mulder, 15 november 2024

The highly anticipated cinematic adaptation of the Broadway musical Wicked is set to enchant audiences worldwide as it brings to life the untold story of the witches of Oz. Directed by the visionary Jon M. Chu, known for Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights, this ambitious film captures the magic, complexity, and heart of the original stage production. Featuring a star-studded cast, including Academy Award winner Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and pop icon Ariana Grande as Glinda, the film promises to deliver a spectacular visual and emotional experience. The first part of the two-film saga, Wicked: Part I, will hit theaters in the United States on November 22, 2024, with its sequel slated for release on November 21, 2025. The film premiered at the State Theatre in Sydney, Australia, on November 3, 2024, igniting global excitement.

Set in the vibrant and fantastical Land of Oz, Wicked explores the complex and transformative journey of two young women—Elphaba, a misunderstood outcast with green skin who eventually becomes the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, a privileged and ambitious student who evolves into the Good Witch of the North. The film delves deep into their unlikely friendship, forged during their time at Shiz University, and the eventual divergence of their paths as their beliefs and loyalties are tested. Wicked weaves a tale of identity, power, and the fragile nature of truth, posing questions about morality and the societal constructs of good and evil. The story unfolds as Elphaba’s fierce determination to stay true to her principles leads her to defy the corrupt Wizard of Oz, setting the stage for her infamous transformation.

The film’s production is as grand as the narrative it seeks to tell. Universal Pictures and Marc Platt, producers of the original Broadway show, embarked on this ambitious journey in 2012, with Jon M. Chu taking the helm as director in 2021. To honor the expansive and intricate storytelling of the stage musical, the creative team made the bold decision to split the adaptation into two films. This choice allows for a deeper exploration of the characters, their relationships, and the world of Oz itself, ensuring that no song, moment, or plotline is sacrificed. The filmmakers have also introduced new scenes and character arcs that enrich the narrative, giving audiences a fresh perspective while staying true to the essence of the beloved musical.

Filming began in December 2022 at the newly built Sky Studios in Elstree, England, but the production faced significant challenges, including delays caused by the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Despite these obstacles, the dedication of the cast and crew brought the project to fruition, with principal photography wrapping in early 2024. The film boasts breathtaking sets and practical effects, including a life-sized Yellow Brick Road, nine million colorful tulips surrounding the Munchkinland set, and an art deco-inspired train dubbed "The Unlimited One" that transports Elphaba and Glinda to the Emerald City. Jon M. Chu has cited cinematic classics like The Truman Show and Pleasantville as inspirations for the film’s thematic portrayal of awakening and rebellion in the Land of Oz.

The cast of Wicked features some of the most celebrated talents in Hollywood. Cynthia Erivo’s portrayal of Elphaba is expected to be a career-defining performance, bringing depth and nuance to the character’s struggles and triumphs. Ariana Grande, known for her powerhouse vocals and magnetic stage presence, embodies the charm and wit of Glinda while capturing the character’s hidden vulnerabilities. The supporting cast includes Michelle Yeoh as the enigmatic Madame Morrible, Jeff Goldblum as the duplicitous Wizard of Oz, Jonathan Bailey as the charismatic Fiyero, and Ethan Slater as the lovestruck Boq. Marissa Bode and Peter Dinklage round out the ensemble, delivering performances that bring the magical world of Oz to life.

One of the film’s standout features is its music, orchestrated and conducted by the legendary Stephen Schwartz, who composed the original Broadway score. The cinematic adaptation includes beloved numbers like “Defying Gravity,” “Popular,” and “What Is This Feeling?” while also introducing new songs that enhance the storytelling. The recording sessions for the score featured an 80-piece orchestra, significantly expanding upon the musical arrangements of the stage version. The decision to record the actors’ vocals live on set adds an authentic and emotional resonance to the performances, showcasing the raw talent of the cast.

The marketing campaign for Wicked has been nothing short of magical, with a range of immersive experiences and promotional events capturing the imagination of fans. From interactive websites that allow users to enroll at Shiz University to an international press tour transforming iconic cities into scenes from the film, Universal Pictures has spared no effort in building anticipation. In Sydney, the premiere’s red carpet was transformed into a Yellow Brick Road, setting the tone for the fantastical journey audiences are about to embark on. Character posters and trailers have generated immense excitement, with fans eagerly dissecting every detail to uncover hints about the film’s plot and visual style.

Early reactions to Wicked: Part I have been overwhelmingly positive. Critics and industry insiders have praised the film for its stunning visuals, faithful adaptation of the source material, and the standout performances of its lead actresses. The emotional depth and complexity of the story have resonated with audiences, positioning the film as a strong contender for awards season. With its themes of self-discovery, friendship, and resistance against oppression, Wicked has also drawn parallels to contemporary political and social issues, adding another layer of relevance to its narrative.

As the release date approaches, the excitement surrounding Wicked continues to build. The film’s ability to balance spectacle with heart, coupled with its commitment to honoring the spirit of the original musical, ensures that it will be a landmark moment in cinematic history. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Broadway production or a newcomer to the world of Oz, Wicked: Part I promises to be an unforgettable experience that will leave audiences eagerly awaiting the second installment in 2025. With its enchanting story, captivating performances, and breathtaking visuals, Wicked is poised to redefine the magic of musicals on the big screen.

itw Jon M Chu

itw Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande

itw Jeff Goldblum and Jonathan Bailey

itw Marissa Bode and Ethan Salter

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