Jon M. Chu’s adaptation of ‘Wicked’ is generating immense excitement ahead of its two-part release, set for the holiday seasons of 2024 and 2025. This musical spectacle will feature Ariana Grande in the role of Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, supported by a stellar cast that brings iconic characters from the magical land of Oz to life.
Originally, ‘Wicked Part One’ was scheduled for a Christmas Day premiere in 2024. However, the film’s release has been adjusted, and it is now slated to debut on November 22, 2024, just in time for Thanksgiving. This move positions it against Paramount’s ‘Gladiator II’, featuring a star-studded lineup including Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington.
The second installment, ‘Wicked Part Two’, will be released a little earlier than initially planned, now set for November 21, 2025. The casting choices for ‘Wicked’ are impressive. In addition to Grande and Erivo, the film will include Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, and Ethan Slater. Notably, Bailey will portray Prince Fiyero, while Slater takes on the role of Boq, Glinda’s obedient companion. Yeoh’s character, Madame Morrible, is the powerful headmistress of Shiz University, alongside Goldblum’s portrayal of The Wizard.
Jon M. Chu stepped in as director after Stephen Daldry left the project in October 2020. The film’s script is crafted by Winnie Holzman, who adapted the original musical from Gregory Maguire’s acclaimed novel, with Stephen Schwartz contributing as executive producer. Longtime collaborators Marc Platt and David Stone are also on board as producers.
The narrative of ‘Wicked’ serves as a prelude to the classic ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’, delving into the background of Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the good witch who ultimately welcomes Dorothy to Oz. Fans can await the release of the film’s soundtrack, which is scheduled to coincide with the film’s premiere.
Excitingly, two trailers for ‘Wicked Part One’ have already been unveiled, providing fans with glimpses of the story and characters, including a sneak peek of Bailey as Prince Fiyero. Anticipation continues to build as the film’s release dates approach, with the potential to become one of the most talked-about cinematic events in recent years.
