Ariana Grande stood out in a stunning pink ensemble, while Cynthia Erivo opted for a vibrant green look. The stars of “Wicked” captivated a crowd of theater owners, showcasing their enchanting performances for what could be the most highly anticipated holiday film of the year.
During a presentation for “Wicked” at CinemaCon, the conference for movie theaters and studios, Grande expressed her inability to describe the entire experience in words.
Director Jon M. Chu and producer Marc Platt unveiled an exciting extended trailer, lasting four minutes, for the highly anticipated Broadway stage adaptation and prequel to “Wizard of Oz.” In this new trailer, we are introduced to Elphaba (played by Erivo), who is the woman before she becomes the Wicked Witch of the West. Elphaba arrives at Shiz University and finds herself at odds with the popular girl Glinda (played by Grande).
Elphaba, with her green skin, may be considered a social misfit, but she possesses immense magical abilities. Despite their stark differences, Elphaba and Glinda form a close friendship, leading Elphaba to bring Glinda along to Oz upon receiving a summons from the less-than-wonderful Wizard, played by Jeff Goldblum. However, this is only the start of their journey, which will unfold across two magnificent musical films. The release date for the second installment of “Wicked” is set for November 26, 2025.
Jeff Goldblum, looking sharp as ever, began the event after an entertaining introduction featuring his massive Oz head. With his signature wit, he exclaimed, “I must say, I’ve seen my fair share of talking craniums, but this one takes the cake!” Throughout his illustrious career, which spans several decades, he has encountered dinosaurs, transformed into a fly, and even ventured into the depths of an alien spaceship. However, he expressed his excitement at being part of this unique and enchanting film, remarking that it is a brand new kind of magic for him.
Michelle Yeoh, who portrays the role of Shiz headmistress Madame Morrible, joined forces with her “Crazy Rich Asians” director, Chu, for the film “Wicked.” Yeoh admitted that Chu pushed her out of her comfort zone by making her sing in the movie, which she found quite daunting. Chu humorously remarked, “You played a literal rock in a movie, so I had to give you some challenge.”
Grande and Erivo are given the lion’s share of belting in this movie, with memorable performances of beloved songs like “Popular” and the showstopping “Defying Gravity.” During a conversation, the two talented performers reflected on their early encounters with “Wicked.” Grande shared that she was just 10 years old when she first experienced the magic of the Broadway show, while Erivo reminisced about taking herself on a special “date” to see it, never imagining she would one day have the opportunity to portray the iconic Wicked Witch.
Elphaba and Glinda hold significant importance in our lives, as Erivo pointed out. Both Grande and Erivo felt a strong sense of responsibility towards these roles and dedicated their hearts, souls, and countless hours to perfecting every aspect, from the lashes to the wands. They poured their everything into these characters, leaving no stone unturned.
According to Platt, who produced the original stage production of “Wicked” in 2003, he believes that the characters will continue to leave a lasting and meaningful impression on audiences for many years to come. Chu also praised the two stars, stating that they exceeded all expectations and will be adored by not only you but also your children and future generations.
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo have poured their hearts into the musical movie magic of ‘Wicked’.
