Universal Pictures has officially released the first trailer for the highly anticipated film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical Wicked. Starring Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, the three-and-a-half-minute trailer teases fans with iconic songs like “Popular” and “Defying Gravity.”
The trailer offers theater enthusiasts a glimpse into the prequel to The Wizard of Oz, showcasing the events leading up to Dorothy’s famous journey down the yellow brick road. The story delves into the origins of Elphaba, who is ostracized for her green skin and becomes the Wicked Witch of the West, and her complex relationship with Glinda, which evolves from friendship to rivalry.
Starting with the thought-provoking question, “Are people born wicked, or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?”, the trailer sets the tone for Elphaba’s journey. It begins at Shiz University, where Elphaba meets her roommate Glinda and receives her signature black witch hat. As Elphaba discovers her powers, she ventures to the Emerald City to confront the Wizard, portrayed by Jeff Goldblum. The trailer hints at the brewing conflict as Oz’s citizens are turned against Elphaba, while she boldly declares, “It’s the Wizard who should be afraid of me.”
Directed by Jon M. Chu of Crazy Rich Asians fame, the film features an impressive cast including Michelle Yeoh as Shiz University headmaster Madame Morrible, Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Ethan Slater as Boq, and Bowen Yang as Pfannee. Wicked will be released in two parts, with the first installment premiering on November 27, 2024, and the sequel arriving on December 25, 2025.
Fans of the musical can look forward to a visually stunning and emotionally captivating adaptation, promising to bring the magic of Wicked to the big screen.
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