Wicked: Part One release date, cast, plot, and everything we know so far about the movie musical. The question here is will the said adaptation of the famed musical defy gravity or get to end up as something really bad?
Wicked: Part One Release Date
“Wicked: Part One” is poised to captivate audiences as it transitions from the stage to the silver screen, marking a highly anticipated adaptation of the acclaimed Broadway musical. This musical, inspired by Gregory Maguire’s novel “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West,” offers a compelling backstory to the iconic Wicked Witch of the West, exploring her evolution from a misunderstood girl into one of Oz’s most notorious figures. This narrative divergence from the classic “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” tale has garnered immense popularity, akin to the meteoric rise of “Hamilton” in recent years, by providing a fresh perspective on a well-loved story.
Since its Broadway debut, “Wicked” has achieved remarkable success, securing three Tony Awards among other accolades, and establishing itself as a staple in the realm of musical theater. The show’s innovative storytelling and captivating music have left fans eagerly anticipating a film adaptation.
The upcoming movie, “Wicked: Part One,” promises to bring the magic of Oz to life with an experienced director at the helm, known for successful Broadway-to-film adaptations, and a cast featuring some of today’s most prominent actors and musicians. While specific details about the cast, crew, and storyline are highly awaited, the film’s announcement has already sparked excitement and speculation among fans and newcomers alike.
When Will It Come Out
“Wicked: Part One,” the eagerly awaited film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, has seen an update to its release schedule, now set to premiere on November 27, 2024. This shift moves the film’s opening up by nearly a month from its original December 25, 2024, release date. The new timing means that “Wicked: Part One” will be gracing theaters in time for the Thanksgiving holiday, providing fans of Broadway and “The Wizard of Oz” a magical addition to their festive celebrations.
This adjustment places “Wicked: Part One” in a prominent position in the holiday season’s cinematic lineup, debuting a week after another highly anticipated release, Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator 2.” The proximity of these two major films highlights a bustling period for moviegoers, offering a diverse range of cinematic experiences—from the epic historical drama of “Gladiator 2” to the enchanting musical narrative of “Wicked: Part One.”
The anticipation surrounding “Wicked: Part One” underscores the enduring popularity of the musical’s story, which reimagines the lives of Oz’s most iconic characters. With its new release date, the film is poised to captivate audiences with its spellbinding tale, stellar cast, and memorable music, contributing to a memorable Thanksgiving season for families and fans across the globe.
Will the Film Be In Streaming or Theaters?
“Wicked: Part One” is expected to premiere in theaters due to its popularity and anticipation, with streaming details yet to be announced. Since Universal Pictures is producing the film, it might stream on Peacock by early 2025.
Wicked: Part One Trailer
Currently, there is no trailer available for “Wicked: Part One,” but given the film’s significance, it’s likely that Universal will launch the marketing campaign with a trailer soon. The only promotional content released so far is a teaser poster from the 2022 Licensing Expo in Las Vegas, showcasing a large “W” against a bright green background.
Plot and Story
“Wicked: Part One” is anticipated to closely mirror the storyline of the original Broadway musical. For those unfamiliar, here’s a succinct overview without revealing any major plot points. The narrative centers on Elphaba, named after L. Frank Baum, the original author of “The Wizard of Oz.” Born with green skin, Elphaba’s unique appearance has been a source of adversity throughout her life. Despite the magical realm of Oz, filled with talking animals and soporific flora, Elphaba’s green skin marks her as different in a society that’s more complex and nuanced than previously depicted versions of Oz.
Elphaba’s journey begins in earnest when she attends Shiz University, encountering characters who will significantly impact her life. Among them are Glinda the Good Witch, who starts as a peppy rival; Prince Fiyero, an arrogant yet captivating love interest; and the formidable Wizard of Oz himself. These interactions, among others, contribute to Elphaba’s evolution into the character known as the Wicked Witch of the West, with her transformation occurring in ways that are both profound and largely unexpected.
Stars, Cast And Characters
“Wicked: Part One” brings fresh faces to the beloved characters of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch, and Glinda the Good Witch, with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande stepping into the roles originally immortalized by Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth on Broadway.
While Menzel and Chenoweth showed interest in reprising their roles for the film adaptation, the need for the characters to reflect their younger, college-student selves led to the casting of Erivo and Grande. Both bring exceptional musical talent to their parts, promising to continue the legacy of these iconic characters with a modern touch.
The film also boasts an impressive supporting cast, including Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, the formidable headmistress of Shiz University and a key antagonist. Jeff Goldblum will portray the enigmatic Wizard of Oz, adding his unique charm to the magical ruler of Oz.
The ensemble is further enriched with Jonathan Bailey as Prince Fiyero, Keala Settle as Miss Coddle, Bowen Yang as Pfannee, Bronwyn James as ShenShen, Colin Michael Carmichael as Nikidik, Ethan Slater as Boq, Marissa Bode as Nessarose, and Aaron Teoh Guan Ti as Avaric, promising a multifaceted portrayal of the story’s beloved universe.
Makers and Creators of the Film
“Wicked: Part One” has attracted attention from several renowned directors over the years, including James Mangold, J.J. Abrams, and Steven Spielberg. However, John M. Chu, celebrated for his work on “Crazy Rich Asians” (2018) and the film adaptation of “In the Heights” (2021), has been confirmed as the director. Chu’s proven track record with both romantic comedies and musical adaptations makes him an exciting choice for bringing the beloved Broadway show to the big screen.
The screenplay remains in familiar hands with Winnie Holzman, who penned the original stage show, ensuring that the film’s narrative stays true to its theatrical roots. Marc Platt, known for “La La Land,” Brian Popkin of “Requiem: If the Walls Could Talk,” and David Stone of “Swallow” are on board as producers, promising a production of high caliber and creative integrity.
The film’s visual and aesthetic aspects are entrusted to a talented crew, including cinematographer Alice Brooks, who worked on “In the Heights,” showcasing her ability to capture the dynamic energy of musical performances. Nathan Crowley, the production designer known for “The Greatest Showman,” will create the magical world of Oz, while costume designer Paul Tazewell, with his experience on “West Side Story,” will bring the characters of “Wicked” to life through their costumes. This assembly of creative talents promises a visually stunning and emotionally resonant adaptation of the iconic musical.
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