Universal Pictures’ two-part Wicked film adaptation has sent waves of excitement through fans all over as they eagerly await the holiday seasons of 2024 and 2025. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the movie musical will feature Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, alongside other notable names taking on beloved roles in the whimsical land of Oz. Wicked Part One has experienced a few changes in release dates but has found its current spot in November 2024, followed by Part Two in November 2025.
The star-studded cast of Wicked includes Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, and Ethan Slater alongside Grande and Erivo. Bailey is set to portray Prince Fiyero, boasting a character description revolving around being “self-absorbed” and “deeply shallow,” with immense pride. Slater, on the other hand, will take on the role of Boq, a character dedicated to fulfilling all of Glinda’s requests. Michelle Yeoh will embody Madame Morrible, the headmistress of Crage Hall at Shiz University, and will share the screen with Goldblum’s portrayal of The Wizard of Oz. Peter Dinklage is also slated to appear as Dr. Dillamond. Additionally, Marissa Bode, Bowen Yang, and Bronwyn James joined the cast in December 2022, each bringing unique characters to life.
The transition of directorial duties from Stephen Daldry to Jon M. Chu was a pivotal moment for the Wicked film adaptation. Chu assumed the role in February 2021, following Daldry’s departure in October 2020. Winnie Holzman, the book writer responsible for adapting the stage musical from Gregory Maguire’s novel, is credited for the script along with songwriter Stephen Schwartz, who also serves as an executive producer. The lineup of producers includes Marc Platt and David Stone, who collaborated on the original musical production.
Rooted in L. Frank Baum’s classic novel, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” which later inspired the iconic 1939 MGM movie, Wicked serves as a prequel narrative exploring the origins of the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba, and the transformation of Glinda into the beloved good witch who crosses paths with Dorothy upon her arrival in Oz.
The upcoming film adaptation of Wicked has generated substantial buzz among fans and critics alike, promising a visual and auditory spectacle that will captivate audiences upon its release. With a stellar cast, seasoned creatives behind the scenes, and a compelling narrative, Wicked appears poised to bring the magic of Oz to life in a new and unforgettable way.
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