Universal has released brand-new behind-the-scenes featurette for WICKED that shows Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande talking about their auditions to Elphaba Thropp and Galinda Upland, respectively and the tearful reactions they gave when director Jon M. Chu confirmed their casting.
The featurette splits its time between the two main stars and the direction, all three of whom share how it was a dream of theirs to be a part of a cinematic imagining of Wicked. Each talk about their personal experiences with the show whether it was original or a with a new cast, and how much the musical means to them, how it taught them to embrace their individuality, and how helps them whenever they needed an escape.
The film also stars Oscar® winner Michelle Yeoh as Shiz University’s regal headmistress Madame Morrible; Jonathan Bailey (“Bridgerton,” “Fellow Travelers”) as Fiyero, a roguish and carefree prince; Tony nominee Ethan Slater (“Broadway’s Spongebob Squarepants,” “Fosse/Verdon”) as Boq, an altruistic Munchkin student; Marissa Bode in her feature-film debut as Nessarose, Elphaba’s favored sister; and pop culture icon Jeff Goldblum as the legendary Wizard of Oz.
The cast of characters includes Pfannee and ShenShen, two conniving compatriots of Glinda played by Emmy nominee Bowen Yang (“Saturday Night Live”) and Bronwyn James (“Harlots”); a new character created for the film, Miss Coddle, played by Tony nominee Keala Settle (“The Greatest Showman”) and four-time Emmy winner Peter Dinklage (“Game of Thrones”) as the voice of Dr. Dillamond.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jon M. Chu (“Crazy Rich Asians,” “In the Heights”), Wicked is the first chapter of a two-part immersive, cultural celebration. Wicked Part Two is scheduled to arrive in theaters on November 26, 2025.
Here’s the official plot synopsis for “Wicked:”
After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen as a spectacular, generation-defining cinematic event this holiday season.
Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Broadway’s The Color Purple) as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart.
The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Glinda’s unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba’s determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
