Quote from Oladosun Joshua Segun on November 10, 2024, 9:30 PM

The excitement is buzzing as fans mark their calendars for the much-anticipated film “Wicked.” Movie drops at ODEON and sets to hit Theaters on November 22, 2024, this adaptation of the hit Broadway musical promises to bring a fresh twist to the beloved story of friendship, ambition, and magic.

"Wicked" explores the untold story of the witches from The Wizard of Oz. It dives into the complicated relationship between Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the Good Witch. This tale isn't just about good versus evil; it's about understanding each other and finding your own path. With themes of acceptance and identity, it resonates with audiences of all ages.

Green-skinned from birth, Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) is shy, geeky, misunderstood and the product of a broken home. She couldn’t be further than perky, popular and pink-clad Glinda Upland (Ariana Grande). Despite this personality clash, the pair end up roommates at Shiz University, where the formidable Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh) rules all.

Her magical talents get her noticed. But an encounter with the Wizard Of Oz turns Elphaba into a fugitive and pariah – and Glinda must decide whether their friendship is worth fighting the status quo for.

Casting is key in making this story resonate on the big screen. The film features an exciting lineup of talented actors:

• Cynthia Erivo stars as Elphaba. Known for her powerful voice and acting chops, Erivo is set to deliver a stunning performance that captures Elphaba's journey of self-acceptance.
• Ariana Grande plays Glinda. With a background in musical theater and a massive fan base, Grande is sure to bring charm and charisma to the role of the bubbly and optimistic Glinda.
• Jeff Goldblum takes on the role of The Wizard. His quirky style and experience will add depth to this complex character who holds much power in the land of Oz.
• Other notable cast members include Michelle Yeoh, who plays Madame Morrible, and Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Elphaba's love interest. Their performances are eagerly anticipated, adding even more excitement to the film.

Jon M. Chu narrated how Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo insisted on singing live (“Those girls were like, ‘[screw] the pre-records!’”). With Grande having covered "Popular" on her 2013 album, Yours Truly, you know Glinda’s showstopper is in safe hands. But listen out for the belting "Defying Gravity", which Erivo sings while spinning on a wire – without missing a note!

“First of all, it’s difficult to [sing] that on the ground, let alone in the air,” Chu shared. “But she has a masterful command over her air delivery, how she can breathe and execute those notes for that long.”

With a star-studded cast and rich story, fans can expect a visually stunning film filled with memorable songs from the original musical. While the musical captured audiences on stage, the cinematic version aims to take it up a notch with breathtaking visuals and innovative effects. Imagine the vibrant colors of Oz paired with elaborate sets taking you deeper into this enchanting world.

"Wicked" isn't just a story; it's a phenomenon. It flips the narrative of familiar tales, showing that there’s more than one side to every story. The journey from misunderstood witch to a symbol of strength has given hope to many. As we near the release date, fans are ready to see how this classic will be reimagined for the screen.

“I want people to see Wicked and experience it in a way they’ve never experienced before,” says director Jon M. Chu. “I want them to feel what I felt going into that movie theatre for the first time. I want to make them laugh, to make them sing, to make them feel that after they’ve watched it, they’ve been changed for good.”

So, who’s excited? The countdown to November 22, 2024 has officially begun! Mark your calendars and get ready to witness the magic of "Wicked" come alive. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the story, this film is bound to captivate and inspire.

Some stories are too big to bite off in one go – so director Jon M. Chu is preserving Wicked Part 2 for November 2025. “As we prepared the production over the last year, it became impossible to wrestle the story of Wicked into a single film without doing some real damage to it,” Chu explained.

“As we tried to cut songs or trim characters, those decisions began to feel like fatal compromises to the source material that has entertained us all for so many years. We decided to give ourselves a bigger canvas and make not just one Wicked movie but two!”