5 Reasons We Are Excited For The “Wicked” Movie

Audiences have been eagerly awaiting a “Wicked” movie for well over a decade, ever since the Broadway musical became a cultural phenomenon after its 2003 debut. The film adaptation has been a long time coming, with pre-production marked by years of anticipation, casting speculation, and creative challenges. Universal Pictures first acquired the rights to Wicked in 2004, but the project faced numerous delays, with several directors attached and then departing over the years.

Stephen Daldry was initially set to direct, but due to scheduling conflicts and the desire to perfect the adaptation, production was pushed back multiple times. In 2016, the film was initially slated for a 2019 release, but it continued to be postponed as the creative team sought to balance honoring the original musical while adapting it for the big screen.

After finally settling on “In the Heights” director Jon M. Chu in 2021, the project gained momentum, and with star-studded leads like Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande cast, fans have been anxiously awaiting a first glimpse of Oz on the big screen. The long and arduous pre-production process has only fueled anticipation, making “Wicked” one of the most awaited musical films of recent years.

The casting of Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda has brought even more excitement to the “Wicked” movie, appealing to a wide range of audiences. Erivo, a Tony, Emmy, and Grammy Award-winning performer, is renowned for her powerful vocals and commanding stage presence, making her a perfect fit to play the misunderstood Elphaba. Her dramatic depth promises to bring a new level of emotional intensity to the role, captivating fans of both the original musical and broader film audiences.

On the other hand, Ariana Grande, a global pop sensation with a massive fanbase, adds mainstream appeal to the project. Known for her impressive vocal range and bubbly personality, Grande embodies the charm and charisma required for Glinda, ensuring her portrayal will resonate with long-time fans of the character and newer viewers alike. Together, Erivo and Grande create a dynamic pairing that unites musical theater lovers and pop culture enthusiasts, expanding the film’s reach and amplifying the anticipation surrounding its release.

The “Wicked” movie is set to dazzle audiences with its stunning production design, which blends the magic of practical sets with modern visual effects. Unlike many modern blockbusters that heavily rely on CGI, “Wicked” features intricately designed, real-world sets that transport viewers straight into the enchanting world of Oz.

Ariana Grande, who plays Glinda, emphasized this during her appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon”, saying, “But the funniest thing is, people saying, ‘It must be so weird to see it with all the VFX now. Isn’t that weird?’ And I’m like, ‘Well, yes, they did add some flying monkeys and some animals, but these were really practical sets that we were so blessed to be a part of.'”

The decision to build these immersive, large-scale sets not only enhances the film’s authenticity but also gives the actors a tangible environment to perform in, making their portrayals even more grounded and real. From the emerald hues of the Emerald City to the vibrant landscapes of Oz, the production design is set to play a key role in bringing this iconic musical to life like never before.

The music in “Wicked” has always been one of its most iconic elements, and the excitement surrounding the film’s soundtrack is palpable. Fans are eagerly anticipating hearing Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande take on beloved songs like “Defying Gravity” and “Popular,” showcasing their powerhouse vocals in these highly anticipated renditions.

Erivo’s rich, soulful voice combined with Grande’s signature range and vocal agility promises to deliver fresh takes on these timeless tracks, adding new dimensions to the already beloved score by Stephen Schwartz.

Adding to the buzz is the possibility of original songs being included in the film, as teased by the creative team. These new tracks are expected to complement the already iconic numbers and could offer further insight into the characters or plot, making the musical experience even richer. With Erivo and Grande at the helm, the “Wicked” movie soundtrack is shaping up to be a defining musical moment, blending nostalgia with innovation.

Fans of “Wicked” are buzzing with hope for potential cameos from Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, the original Broadway stars who brought Elphaba and Glinda to life in the musical’s debut. Their portrayals left a cultural mark on theater history, and many are eager to see them make appearances in the highly anticipated film adaptation.

Ariana Grande, who is a longtime fan and close friend of Chenoweth’s, having worked with her on various projects, has only fueled this excitement. While neither Menzel nor Chenoweth has officially confirmed a cameo, both have been supportive of the movie’s casting and direction in interviews.

Chenoweth, in particular, expressed her joy at seeing Grande take on the role of Glinda, but she has remained coy when asked about a possible appearance. Menzel appeared with Erivo at the 2024 Tony Awards to present an award which further fueled excitement. Fans continue to speculate and hope that the two icons will make surprise cameos, adding a special nod to the legacy of “Wicked” and honoring the original performances that helped the musical become a global phenomenon.

As the release of “Wicked” draws closer, the excitement surrounding the film is undeniable. With its star-studded cast, breathtaking production design, and beloved music, the movie has all the ingredients for a blockbuster moment reminiscent of the “Barbie” (2023) phenomenon. The anticipation for the accompanying press tour, where stars like Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, and Jon M. Chu will share behind-the-scenes stories and insights, is already building.

Social media buzz is expected to soar, with fans eagerly following the cast’s every move, creating a viral moment that could propel “Wicked” into a cultural milestone. The combination of nostalgia, fresh talent, and modern filmmaking makes “Wicked” poised to dominate both the box office and the online conversation, promising a magical cinematic event for all.