“Wicked” Cast: Where You Know These Ozians From

Cynthia Erivo’s career has been a meteoric rise to stardom, marked by groundbreaking achievements across stage and screen. From her Tony-winning performance as Celie in “The Color Purple” to her Grammy win for the cast album, Erivo has proven herself to be one of the most versatile and powerful performers of her generation. She further cemented her status with an Oscar nomination for her role in “Harriet”, where she brought the legendary abolitionist Harriet Tubman to life with remarkable depth and conviction.

Now, in what is undoubtedly the biggest role of her career, Erivo steps into the iconic shoes of Elphaba in “Wicked”, a role that not only marks a major milestone for her but also for Hollywood. As a woman of color in the lead role, Erivo is making history in a musical that challenges conventional ideas of good and evil, and explores themes of identity, oppression, and the fight for justice—ideas that resonate deeply in today’s political climate. “Wicked” is the story we need right now, and at its heart, Cynthia Erivo is poised to deliver a performance that will inspire, empower, and transform audiences worldwide.

Ariana Grande’s journey from Broadway to global pop superstardom has been nothing short of extraordinary. With multiple Grammy wins, record-breaking streaming numbers, and being hailed as one of the greatest vocalists of her generation, Ariana has established herself as a dominant force in the music industry. However, her career began on stage, with her debut in the Broadway musical 13 before making her mark on television with the hit Nick show “Victorious”.

Now, Ariana returns to the screen in “Wicked”, a role that represents a full-circle moment in her career. Having been captivated by the musical since she first saw it at age 10, playing Glinda has long been a dream role for her. Fans and critics alike are stunned by her performance, with many praising her nuanced portrayal of the Good Witch. Ariana’s take on Glinda is not only surprising many with its depth and maturity, but it’s even sparking Oscar buzz, showing that her talents extend far beyond her chart-topping hits.

“Wicked” is the culmination of her lifelong love for musical theater, and in it, Ariana is poised to showcase a new side of her artistry, earning the respect and admiration of both theater lovers and pop fans alike.

Johnathan Bailey’s path to “Wicked” feels like the natural next step in his remarkable career, which spans stage and screen with a remarkable range of roles. Known for his work in classical theater (Othello, King Lear) and contemporary plays (The York Realist, Cock), as well as his Olivier Award-winning turn in “Company”, Bailey’s transition to musicals has been just as impressive. His portrayal of Fiyero in the “Wicked” movie has earned him further acclaim, showcasing both his stagecraft and emotional depth in a role that demands charisma and complexity.

For Bailey, “Wicked” is a long-awaited milestone—an opportunity to bring a fresh perspective to a character while embracing the fantastical, larger-than-life world of Oz. After his breakout role in “Bridgerton” and an Emmy-nominated performance in “Fellow Travelers”, “Wicked” offers him a chance to shine in a beloved, high-profile movie that combines his talent for both drama and musical performance, cementing his place as one of the most exciting actors of his generation.

Michelle Yeoh’s career has been a remarkable journey, from her early days as a Hong Kong action star to becoming one of the most respected actresses in global cinema. Known for iconic roles in “Crouching Tiger”, “Hidden Dragon” and “Crazy Rich Asians”, Yeoh’s incredible range and presence have consistently set her apart.

Her Oscar-winning performance in “Everything Everywhere All at Once” was a defining moment in her career, where she portrayed Evelyn Wang, a laundromat owner navigating a multiverse of chaos and emotional complexity. Her portrayal was praised for its emotional depth, vulnerability, and physicality, earning her the Academy Award for Best Actress and cementing her status as one of the finest performers of her generation.

Despite not being a singer, Yeoh’s inclusion in “Wicked” as Madame Morrible came through a personal invitation from director Jon M. Chu, with whom she worked on “Crazy Rich Asians”. Chu knew Yeoh’s exceptional ability to embody complex, commanding characters would make her the perfect fit for the role, marking another exciting chapter in her storied career as she embraces the world of musical theater.

Jeff Goldblum’s career spans more than five decades, making him one of Hollywood’s most iconic and versatile actors. Known for his distinct voice, quirky charm, and impeccable timing, Goldblum’s breakout roles in films like “The Fly”, “Jurassic Park”, and “Independence Day” solidified him as a beloved figure in science fiction and blockbuster cinema. His knack for blending humor with depth has also made him a standout in more dramatic roles, such as in “The Grand Budapest Hotel” and “The Lost World: Jurassic Park”.

Alongside his extensive film career, Goldblum has also demonstrated his theatrical chops on stage, with performances in productions like “The Pillowman” and “The Rocky Horror Show”, showing his ability to excel in both comedy and drama. Now, Goldblum takes on the role of the Wizard in “Wicked”, a character known for his complex mix of power and deception.

With his unique presence and unmatched ability to bring layers to any role, Goldblum is poised to add yet another unforgettable performance to his illustrious career, blending his stage experience and on-screen charisma to bring the Wizard to life in this highly anticipated musical.

Marissa Bode is making history with her role as Nessarose in the highly anticipated two-part film adaptation of “Wicked’, marking both her feature film debut and a significant step forward for representation in Hollywood. Born in 2000 in Mazomanie, Wisconsin, Bode became disabled at age 11 after a car accident, but her love for acting never wavered. She started performing in local productions at a young age and went on to graduate from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Bode’s breakthrough came when she was cast as Nessarose, becoming the first wheelchair-using actress to portray the character.

Her casting is a landmark moment, not only for disabled representation but also for disabled women of color, a group often underrepresented in major film productions. Bode has expressed her excitement about the role, highlighting the importance of representing both disabled individuals and people of color on such a large stage. Director Jon M. Chu has praised the film’s commitment to accessibility, ensuring the set was designed with a wheelchair user in mind. With “Wicked”, Bode is set to become a trailblazer, and her performance promises to bring a fresh and authentic perspective to the beloved story.

Ethan Slater’s career has been defined by his impressive stage presence and versatility, making him one of the most exciting talents in musical theater today. Best known for his Tony-nominated performance as the titular character in “SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical”, Slater’s energetic and comedic skills captured the hearts of both audiences and critics alike. His portrayal of the beloved cartoon character earned him widespread acclaim, with his voice, physicality, and infectious enthusiasm bringing the underwater world of Bikini Bottom to vibrant life.

“Wicked” marks his feature film debut, where he steps into the role of Boq, one of the key characters in the story. This transition to film is a major milestone for Slater, whose stage success has made him a household name in the Broadway community. His inclusion in the “Wicked” film promises to showcase his charm and musical talent in a whole new way on screen.

As excitement builds for the “Wicked” movie, many fans are hoping for cameos from the iconic stars who originated the roles of Elphaba and Glinda on Broadway—Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth. Given their deep connection to the musical and their beloved portrayals of the characters, it’s hard to imagine the film adaptation without them making a special appearance. Both Menzel and Chenoweth have remained highly active in the entertainment world, with Menzel gearing up for her role in “Frozen 3” and continuing her busy touring schedule, while Chenoweth has recently starred in the Netflix film “Our Little Secret”.

Both actresses have been integral to the press tour for the “Wicked” film, showing up together at the LA premiere, much to the delight of fans. Their presence at the event and their ongoing support of the film suggests they will play a meaningful role in its legacy, whether through cameos or continued involvement in the franchise. Their undeniable chemistry and love for Wicked only adds to the excitement surrounding the movie, leaving audiences hopeful for a nod to the Broadway magic that started it all.

“Wicked Part One” is out in theaters on November 22. We cannot contain our excitement! Just 9 SHORT DAYS until it is ours!