Highlights
- Universal Pictures has released the latest trailer for Wicked, the highly anticipated adaptation of the hit Broadway musical, which you can watch below.
- This trailer examines the movie’s central relationships, including the dynamic between Elphaba and Glinda and Elphaba and Fiyero.
- The film is slated to hit theaters this fall.
Cinema audiences will learn the untold story of the Witches of Oz when Universal Pictures’ film adaptation of the Broadway musical Wicked hits theatres. While the musical is (very) loosely based on Gregory Maguire’s novel, the newest trailer indicates the film will faithfully follow the musical’s narrative.
Our Introduction to Oz
Backtracking quickly, you’ll remember that 1939’s The Wizard of Oz recounts Dorothy Gale’s (Judy Garland) journey through Oz, told by Glinda (Billie Burke), the Good Witch of the North, to find the Wizard (Frank Morgan).
Once they reach the Emerald City, the Wizard directs her and her traveling companions to retrieve the Wicked Witch of the West’s (Margaret Hamilton) broomstick for him. Getting it involves melting the Witch of the West with water. In the end, the Wizard’s attempt to take Dorothy home fails, so Glinda shows her how to use the slippers to go on her own. This begs the question: why didn’t Glinda just send her home when the slippers popped onto Dorothy’s feet upon her arrival? Anyhow, moving on…
Wicked
Wicked acts as a prequel to Dorothy’s entire adventure, setting the stage she arrives on, house and all. A classic school story, it provides nuanced context for the relationships and personalities beyond “good”, “wicked”, and “wizard.” The newest trailer begins with Glinda (now played by Ariana Grande) declaring the Witch of the West dead. She then offers to tell her listeners the whole story of how their paths first crossed.
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The privileged and pampered Galinda, destined to become Glinda the Good, arrives at Shiz University and ends up roommates with the strangely unflappable green girl Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo). What begins as a toxic test of popularity grows into an academic rivalry and eventually a grudging respect.
The trailer below spends more time than previous peeks examining that central relationship. As well, we glimpse a bit of Elphaba’s time with Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey), the charming prince-chieftain of the Arjikis, a fellow Shiz student.
Only the Beginning
Director Jon M. Chu crafted the production as “the first chapter of a two-part immersive, cultural celebration.” Audiences will have to wait until November 2025 for the conclusion of Elphaba’s story.
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Twelve years in the making, Wicked boasts an A-star ensemble cast with Michelle Yeoh playing the Headmistress of Shiz University and Peter Dinklage voicing Doctor Dillamond, a Goat and Professor of History.
All the Oz-ian elements are accounted for — Munchkins, flying monkeys, giant mechanical talking head. The trailer makes spectacular use of epic cityscapes, sweeping landscapes, and spectacular moments of magical experimentation. Hat and broomstick in hand, Elphaba’s ready to take on the world.
Limitless
As a holiday release, Wicked looks to clean up among The Wizard of Oz fans as well as fans of the Wicked musical. From the trailer, it looks like the first film’s finale will dovetail with the musical’s intermission break, ending with Elphaba discovering her ability to fly with the heart-stirring number “Defying Gravity.” This will leave the second film to show her war with the Wizard and Dorothy’s arrival. Fascinating.
The first Wicked film hits theatres on November 22, 2024.
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