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Wicked

October 21, 2024

Wickedly Wonderful: The Epic Journey from Broadway to Big Screen, Drama, and Oscar Buzz

The highly anticipated film adaptation of Wicked, set to premiere in November 2024, has captured the attention of both musical theater fans and moviegoers. The film, directed by Jon M. Chu, brings to life the beloved Broadway musical, which has enjoyed tremendous success since its 2003 debut. The movie, which will be released in two parts, is based on Gregory Maguire's Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. It retells the story of The Wizard of Oz from the perspective of Elphaba, the misunderstood young woman who becomes the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the Good Witch of the North.

Main Characters and Cast

Elphaba - Cynthia Erivo

Wicked - Elphaba

Cynthia Erivo stars as Elphaba, the central character of Wicked. Known for her stunning performances in theater and film, Erivo has already achieved Tony, Grammy, and Emmy awards and may be on her way to securing an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Elphaba.

Erivo's Elphaba is a young woman with green skin who is ostracized from society because of her appearance and misunderstood magical abilities. The character transforms from a hopeful, empathetic student to a figure painted as evil by the political forces in the land of Oz. Erivo has expressed how she connects with the character's journey, drawing parallels between Elphaba's resilience and her experiences as a Black woman in the entertainment industry.

Erivo's powerful voice will bring to life some of the musical's most iconic songs, including "Defying Gravity" and "The Wizard and I." Fans and critics alike are eager to see how she interprets this iconic role on the big screen, with early reviews suggesting that Erivo delivers a performance that could put her in contention for major awards.

Glinda - Ariana Grande

Wicked - Elphaba and Glinda

Glinda, Elphaba's counterpart, is portrayed by Ariana Grande, who rose to fame as a pop star and actress. Known for her vocal range and comedic timing, Grande is a natural fit for the role of Glinda, a bubbly and somewhat shallow character who evolves throughout the story. Grande has demonstrated her commitment to the role, receiving vocal training specifically to prepare for the challenging score. The film offers an opportunity for her to showcase her acting and singing abilities, particularly in numbers like "Popular," where she displays Glinda's playful and manipulative side, and later in "For Good," where she reveals Glinda's more profound emotional growth.

Early reviews have praised Grande's portrayal. Vanity Fair's Chris Murphy notes that she brings unexpected depth to the role, evolving from a comedic figure to a sympathetic and relatable character. Her chemistry with Erivo is another highlight, with the two leading ladies expected to dominate award conversations.

Fiyero - Jonathan Bailey
Jonathan Bailey, best known for his role in Bridgerton, plays Fiyero, the charming and carefree love interest of both Elphaba and Glinda. Bailey's casting was met with excitement, as he brings a balance of charisma and vulnerability to the role. Fiyero starts as a frivolous character but grows in complexity as he becomes entangled in Oz's political turmoil, and his feelings for Elphaba deepen. Bailey has proven his musical chops in West End productions like Company, and fans are eager to see his take on Fiyero.

Madame Morrible - Michelle Yeoh
Oscar-winner Michelle Yeoh takes on the role of Madame Morrible, the scheming headmistress of Shiz University, where both Elphaba and Glinda attend school. Yeoh's presence adds gravitas to the role of the manipulative and power-hungry character, who plays a pivotal part in turning the citizens of Oz against Elphaba. Yeoh's ability to portray elegance and menace makes her a perfect fit for Madame Morrible.

The Wizard of Oz - Jeff Goldblum

Wicked - Wizard of Oz

Jeff Goldblum stars as The Wizard of Oz, a role that perfectly aligns with his eccentric and charismatic acting style. Goldblum's Wizard is a deceptive leader who uses his charm to manipulate the people of Oz while maintaining control through fear and propaganda. His portrayal is expected to bring whimsy and dark undertones to the character, adding a new layer to the familiar figure from the original Wizard of Oz.

Poster Controversy

Wicked - Elphaba and Glinda

The film hasn't been without its controversies. In October 2024, a promotional poster featuring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda sparked backlash when a fan-edited version began circulating online. The original poster, which paid homage to the iconic Broadway artwork, showed Erivo's face clearly, with her eyes visible beneath her signature hat. However, a fan's edited version hid Erivo's eyes to mimic the original Broadway poster, which led to Erivo publicly condemning the edit as "deeply hurtful." She expressed that it erased her identity, stating, "To edit my face and hide my eyes is to erase me." This sparked discussions about the representation of actors and the fine line between paying tribute to the past and creating something new.

Early Reviews and Critical Reception
Despite the poster controversy, early reviews for Wicked have been overwhelmingly positive. Critics have praised the film for its visually stunning cinematography, immersive set design, and emotional depth. Many have pointed out that the movie has successfully translated the magic of the stage show to the screen. The film's visual effects, particularly in scenes like Elphaba's famous "Defying Gravity" moment, are Oscar-worthy.

Chris Murphy of Vanity Fair highlighted Ariana Grande's performance as a standout, noting that her comedic timing and emotional depth make her a strong contender for a Best Supporting Actress nomination. Cynthia Erivo's portrayal of Elphaba has also been lauded, with some critics speculating that she could be in the running for an Oscar. The film's exploration of complex themes like friendship, power, and the nature of good and evil has resonated with early viewers, suggesting that Wicked could be a significant player in the upcoming awards season.

In summary, Wicked is shaping to be a monumental cinematic experience, offering a fresh yet faithful adaptation of a beloved story. With a talented cast, a visionary director, and stunning production values, the film is poised to become a critical and commercial success. As they return to the magical land of Oz, fans of the Broadway show and newcomers alike have much to look forward to.




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