Universal Pictures has released a new trailer for its highly anticipated film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical Wicked, directed by Jon M. Chu. The trailer offers fans their most detailed look yet at the movie, showcasing Chu’s vision of a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film.

Wicked, a three-time Tony Award-winning musical, is based on the book by Gregory Maguire. It serves as a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, exploring the backstories of Elphaba, who becomes the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, who becomes the Good Witch.

Main Cast

• Cynthia Erivo stars as Elphaba, a young woman with green skin who is misunderstood and has yet to realize her full potential.
• Ariana Grande plays Glinda, a privileged and ambitious young woman who is on her journey to understanding her true self.

Plot Overview

Wicked delves into the untold story of the witches of Oz, focusing on their complex friendship and individual paths that lead to their iconic roles in The Wizard of Oz. Elphaba’s journey is marked by her struggle with her unusual appearance and discovering her magical abilities, while Glinda navigates her life of privilege and ambition to find her true heart.

Director and Vision

Jon M. Chu, known for his work on Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights, directs the film. The trailer hints at his ability to blend grandiose musical numbers with intimate character moments, promising a film that captures the essence of the beloved stage production while bringing it to life on the big screen.

Anticipation and Release

Fans of both the original Broadway musical and The Wizard of Oz are eagerly awaiting this film adaptation. The trailer has generated excitement for its faithful yet fresh take on the story, its impressive cast, and its visually stunning production design.

Wicked is set to enchant audiences with its magical tale of friendship, identity, and transformation, continuing the legacy of the Oz universe with new depth and heart. The film’s release date has yet to be confirmed, but it is highly anticipated as one of the standout musicals in the cinematic landscape.

The story begins at Shiz University in the magical Land of Oz, where two students, Elphaba and Glinda, form an unlikely but deeply meaningful friendship. Their bond faces a significant test following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, leading them down divergent paths.

Glinda is driven by an insatiable thirst for popularity, which lures her into the seductive embrace of power. In contrast, Elphaba’s steadfast commitment to staying true to herself and protecting those she loves sets her on a course with surprising and dramatic consequences.

Their remarkable adventures in Oz ultimately shape their destinies, transforming them into Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

The film features an impressive cast: Michelle Yeoh portrays Shiz University’s regal headmistress Madame Morrible; Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton, Fellow Travelers) stars as Fiyero, a carefree and charming prince; Ethan Slater (Broadway’s Spongebob Squarepants, Fosse/Verdon) plays Boq, a well-meaning Munchkin student; Marissa Bode makes her feature-film debut as Nessarose, Elphaba’s beloved sister; and Jeff Goldblum takes on the iconic role of the Wizard of Oz.

Additionally, the cast includes Bowen Yang (Saturday Night Live) and Bronwyn James (Harlots) as Pfannee and ShenShen, Glinda’s scheming allies, and Keala Settle (The Greatest Showman) as Miss Coddle, a new character created specifically for the film.

Directed by Jon M. Chu, the two-part adaptation features a screenplay by Winnie Holzman, who wrote the original stage show, and composer-lyricist Stephen Schwartz. Chu explained the decision to split the story into two films, saying, “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.”

This expanded format allows for a richer exploration of the narrative, providing audiences with a deeper understanding of the characters’ complexities and the magical world they inhabit.

Wicked: Part 1 will make its debut exclusively in theaters on Friday, November 27th, 2024.