Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Shine in First Look at Wicked Film Adaptation

The highly-anticipated film adaptation of Wicked has unveiled its first teaser trailer, showcasing Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba. Directed by Jon M. Chu, known for his work on In the Heights, the movie musical is set to be released in two parts, with Part One hitting theaters on Nov. 27, 2024, and Part Two following on Nov. 26, 2025.

A prequel to the events of The Wizard of Oz, Wicked delves into the origin story of Elphaba, a green-skinned woman who eventually becomes the iconic Wicked Witch of the West. The adaptation is based on the Tony-winning musical by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman, derived from Gregory Maguire‘s popular 1995 novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West.

The star-studded cast includes Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero Tigelaar, Ethan Slater as Boq, Bowen Yang as Pfannee, and Jeff Goldblum as the enigmatic Wizard of Oz.

Chu’s film adaptation of Wicked stays true to the grandeur of the original Broadway production, promising viewers an immersive experience with elaborate musical numbers and captivating action sequences. The Super Bowl debut of the first teaser trailer provided a glimpse into the magical world of Oz and the complex bond between Elphaba and Glinda.

Original Broadway actresses, Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, who played Elphaba and Glinda respectively, left an indelible mark on the roles, with Menzel capturing a Tony Award for her portrayal of the green-skinned heroine. Reflecting on the 15th anniversary of Wicked in 2018, both actresses expressed their deep connection to the characters and the profound impact the musical had on their careers.

With Wicked: Part One set to enchant audiences later this year, fans can anticipate a fresh take on the timeless tale that explores the complexities of female friendship, power, and destiny. Chu’s vision for the film adaptation aims to bring a new perspective to the beloved story while honoring its Broadway roots and the essence of the original narrative.