For viewers who haven’t seen the musical, this is their chance to see the world of Oz and Emerald City. This time, Dorothy is not the main focus (or is she?). The film offers a more personal view of Emerald City’s characters and their relationship. Elpheba, who is traditionally known as the Wicked Witch of the West, is getting a spotlight in this film as the focus shifts away from the classical protagonist and more into her personal journey.
The trailer also revealed big personalities. While Ariana Grande plays Glinda, much of the singing comes from other vocalists. Jeff Goldblum (Thor: Ragnarok) will play the sinister Wizard of Oz and Michelle Yeoh (Everything Everywhere All at Once) as Madame Morrible.
In addition to the spectacular cast, the teaser also shows intricate major set design which would be a feast for the eyes. In comparison to the Broadway Musical, the film fleshes out the environment of Oz in greater detail. Some glimpses in the trailer also showed iconic objects from the World of Oz, including the iconic ruby slippers Dorothy receives from Glinda.
Wicked will be the first of a two-part film. However, viewers will still have no clue of how the story is cut. The film is an adaptation of a musical adaptation. This musical adaptation draws inspiration from the 1995 novel “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West” written by Gregory Maguire.
Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Broadway’s The Color Purple) as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart.
The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Glinda’s unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba’s determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
Wicked will premiere on November 27, 2024.
Below are the casts of Wicked;
- Cynthia Erivo
- Ariana Grande
- Michelle Yeoh
- Jeff Goldblum
- Jonathan Bailey
- Bowen Yang
- Bronwyn James
- Ethan Slater
- Keala Settle
- Marissa Bode