Universal Pictures has unveiled the inaugural trailer for its highly anticipated film adaptation of the immensely popular Broadway musical, Wicked, during the Super Bowl. As an ardent enthusiast of both the musical itself and the timeless tale of The Wizard of Oz, my intrigue for this cinematic rendition has been palpable, and director Jon M. Chu seems to have crafted a compelling and visually captivating movie.
Originating from the ingenious literary work by Gregory Maguire, this three-time Tony Award-winning musical serves as a prequel to The Wizard of Oz. It intricately weaves the narrative threads, unraveling the enigmatic transformation of the green-skinned Elphaba into the notorious Wicked Witch of the West, juxtaposed with the evolution of Glinda, ultimately celebrated as the Good Witch.
The casting choices for Wicked are nothing short of stellar, with Cynthia Erivo assuming the role of Elphaba and Ariana Grande gracing the screen as Glinda. Jonathan Bailey, renowned for his roles in Broadchurch and Crashing, takes on the character Fiyero, while the distinguished Michelle Yeoh embodies Madame Morrible, the formidable headmistress of Crage Hall at Shiz University. Adding an extra layer of intrigue, the legendary Jeff Goldblum steps into the shoes of The Wizard.
Under the directorial helm of Jon M. Chu, the cinematic adaptation will unfold in two parts, a decision motivated by the desire to provide a more expansive canvas for the rich narrative. Scripted by Winne Holzman, the original book writer for the stage show, and Stephen Schwartz, the composer-lyricist, this adaptation promises to delve into the heart of Wicked’s tale, offering depth and surprises in the journeys of these beloved characters.
Speaking about the ambitious two-part project, Chu expressed, “We decided to give ourselves a bigger canvas and make not just one Wicked movie but two! With more space, we can tell the story of Wicked as it was meant to be told while bringing even more depth and surprise to the journeys for these beloved characters.”
Mark your calendars as Wicked: Part 1 is set to make its grand debut exclusively in theaters on Friday, November 27th, 2024, promising audiences an immersive and enchanting cinematic experience.
