The first trailer for the movie version of the Broadway musical Wicked has been released, featuring lead stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. The film is set to be released in theatres on November 27 this year, at a cost of $145 million to make. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the movie boasts a starry cast including Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, and Peter Dinklage. The trailer gives a glimpse of classic songs like Popular and Defying Gravity, showcasing the impressive vocal talents of the lead stars.
The trailer introduces the characters of Glinda and Elphaba, played by Grande and Erivo, respectively. The two characters meet outside Shiz University, where they are studying magic. Initially, Glinda is taken aback by Elphaba’s green skin, but the two are assigned to be roommates. While their relationship starts out rocky, they end up becoming friends. A key moment in the trailer shows Elphaba defying The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, revealing his lack of real power and foreshadowing her own path to greatness.
Ariana Grande shared an emotional post about her experience shooting Wicked, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to play Glinda. She praised director Jon M. Chu for his leadership and kindness on set. Grande’s boyfriend, Ethan Slater, who plays Boq, a resident of Munchkinland, also shared insights from the set, giving fans a peek behind the scenes. The film also stars Jonathan Bailey, Bowen Yang, and Adam James, keeping many details of the shoot under wraps.
While promoting Wicked, Grande received support and praise from original Glinda actress Kristin Chenoweth. Chenoweth expressed pride in Grande taking on the role and encouraged her to make it her own. Grande has publicly shared her dream of playing Glinda for over a decade and has sought advice and guidance from Chenoweth throughout her journey with the character. The two actresses shared their excitement when Grande landed the role, with Chenoweth reminding Grande to make the character her own interpretation.
The Wicked movie adaptation, a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, is creating buzz with its star-studded cast and musical elements. With the first trailer released, fans are eagerly awaiting the full cinematic experience later this year. Grande’s portrayal of Glinda the Good Witch is a culmination of her long-held dream and dedication to the role. As details of the film’s production continue to emerge, audiences are getting a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the highly-anticipated movie.
