We have some exciting news for all the Wicked fans out there! The hit Broadway musical is being adapted into two films, and it seems that Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba Thropp, is thrilled about the expansion of the story onto the big screen.
In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Erivo expressed her excitement about the film adaptations of Wicked. She highlighted how the stage version offers a glimpse into the transformation of the Wicked Witch of the West but is limited by the time constraints of a live performance. However, with the two movies, the storytelling possibilities are greatly expanded.
Cynthia Erivo, a talented performer who has already achieved Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Awards, portrays the iconic character of Elphaba with her vivid green skin. She shares the screen with Ariana Grande, who brings Glinda Upland to life. Together, they delve into the complex friendship and journey of these two iconic witches.
Wicked is based on Gregory Maguire's novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, published in 1995. The story provides a captivating backstory for the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch before Dorothy Gale's arrival in Oz. The Broadway play has been captivating audiences since 2004 and has been instrumental in launching the careers of renowned actresses Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth.
The first film, Wicked Part One, sets the stage for the origin of Elphaba and Glinda's friendship as they slowly evolve into witches. It explores the experiences and events that shape Elphaba, leading to her transformation into the Wicked Witch of the West. According to Erivo, this movie provides an opportunity to delve deeper into Elphaba's character and her motivations.
The film adaptation allows the audience to follow the two women behind the scenes, providing a greater understanding of their relationship and the dynamics between them. Erivo emphasizes the importance of expanding on their friendship, a significant aspect of the stage production that is now further explored on screen. As she states, 'We've got something really special.'
Fans got a sneak peek during the Super Bowl LVIII, with the premiere of the first trailer for Wicked. The short clip showcased Erivo as Elphaba and Grande as Glinda. We catch a glimpse of Oz and hear the familiar notes of the beloved musical's signature song, 'Defying Gravity.' The trailer also introduces other cast members such as Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Michelle Yeoh, Bowen Yang, and Keala Settle.
In the teaser, Glinda is astonished by Elphaba's green appearance, while Elphaba warns of the darkness that lurks within her. The anticipation for these films is building, as audiences eagerly await the release of both Wicked Part One on November 27, 2024, and Wicked Part Two on November 25, 2025.
The film adaptation of Wicked promises to be a magical journey, expanding the beloved story from the stage onto the silver screen. With a talented cast and the opportunity to explore the characters and their friendship in more depth, fans are in for a treat. So mark your calendars and get ready to defy gravity once again, as Wicked takes flight in a whole new cinematic experience!
