1. An Epic Story Based On A Classic
Wicked tells the story of the Wicked Witch of the West’s story and the events that led up to the Wizard of Oz. Elphaba (Cynthia Ervio) attends Shiz University where she meets Galinda (Ariana Grande). Elphaba hopes to meet the Wizard and learn to control her powers and along the way, Elphaba learns about friendship, the dark things happening in Oz, and the power within her.
2. Unmissable Showtunes
For many, the music is one of their favorite things about the musical. The songs include themes around feeling different and not fitting in which resonate deeply with many. Some of the songs are so popular that they have been heard in other movies and television shows in their own right and fans are looking forward to seeing how the iconic songs “What Is This Feeling?” and “Popular” will look and sound on the big screen.
3. The Promise Of More
The movie will end, as it does at the end of Act One, with the show-stopping number “Defying Gravity.” As fans of the show know, this song brings the house down when it is performed live and the movie will realise the characters’ passion and excitement in ways they have not been able to see before. The song leaves views wanting more, leading to Wicked, Part 2, that will be released in 2025.
4. Acting Royalty Also Take To The Stage
This will be the first time that Academy Award-winning Michelle Yeoh (Everything, Everywhere All At Once, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Crazy Rich Asians) will be heard singing in a movie as she stars as the headmistress, Madame Morrible. She will undoubtedly bring her unique charm to this character and also bring a physicality to the role that has not been seen before.
Other big names include Jeff Goldblum (The Fly, Jurassic Park, Thor: Love and Thunder) as the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, as well as Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones, Avengers: Infinity War, Elf). They join Erivo, Grande, and Bridgerton‘s Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero.
5. Jon M. Chu Takes The Wheel
This will be the second time that Jon M. Chu has directed a musical, after previously directing In The Heights. Wicked is bigger in scope as it takes place in the fantasy land of Oz that has vast depths of world-building and larger-than-life characters. Because the movies will altogether be longer than the musical, Chu will get to explore Shiz University and the Land of Oz in ways it cannot be seen on the stage.
Wicked will be released on the 22nd November, 2024 and Wicked Part 2 is set for release on the 21st of November, 2025. Find out more information here.
