Jon M. Chu, the director of the upcoming two-part musical movie that serves as a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, said that ‘destiny’ led him to cast Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo as the lead roles of Glinda and Elphaba. He mentioned how personal experiences have been integrated into the film by himself, Grande, and Erivo, and how the musical Wicked has impacted his life dating back to his college days. Chu expressed his long-held belief that Wicked could be successfully adapted for the big screen based on his own vision of the characters and scenes from the musical.
Chu revealed that releasing the movie in two parts was a deliberate decision to maintain the essence of the theatrical experience and to keep fans engaged. He discussed the importance of emotional satisfaction in each part of the movie and how Ariana Grande has been contributing her expertise to ensure the integrity of the story. The director and cast members, including Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum, spoke at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, showcasing their excitement for the film’s release over the next two Thanksgivings. Chu emphasized Grande’s deep connection to Wicked and her commitment to honoring the characters in the film adaptation.
The cast and crew have been actively involved in promoting the movie, sharing behind-the-scenes moments and the challenges of bringing the beloved characters to life on the big screen. The process of casting, creativity in adapting the Broadway hit, and production challenges were discussed during the showcase at Caesars Palace, with Grande and Erivo both expressing gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the project. The film’s release dates of November 27, 2024, and November 26, 2025, have been set, with anticipation building for fans of the franchise and musical genre.
Throughout the creative process, Chu attributed the success of casting Grande and Erivo to destiny, based on the connections they shared and their individual contributions to the project. He highlighted the significance of bringing personal emotions and experiences to the film, along with the impact that Wicked had on his life from a young age. The decision to split the film into two parts was made to ensure a satisfying experience for viewers, with Grande playing a key role in maintaining the authenticity of the story and dialogue from the original musical.
Grande and Erivo’s participation in promoting the film at CinemaCon showcased their dedication to their roles and the responsibility they felt in honoring the characters. Universal’s chair and CEO expressed excitement over the project and the enduring popularity of Wicked, with the cast bringing their talents and enthusiasm to the stage during the event. The continuing development and production of the movie, with notable cast members like Dinklage, Yeoh, and Goldblum, have generated anticipation for audiences awaiting the cinematic adaptation of the iconic musical.
The journey of bringing Wicked to the big screen has been marked by significant milestones, from securing the lead roles of Glinda and Elphaba, to the casting of key characters like Dr. Dillamond. The dedication of the cast and crew to maintaining the integrity of the story and characters, as well as the emotional and personal connections they bring to the project, have shaped the production process. With the release dates set for two consecutive Thanksgiving seasons, the anticipation and excitement surrounding the film’s arrival in theaters continue to grow, promising an epic musical experience for fans and audiences alike.
