Wicked, one of the most beloved and longest-running musicals of the last two decades, is finally making its long-awaited big-screen debut on November 21, set to be a spectacular and multi-generational cinematic event: check out the new official trailer, and below we present a new official behind-the-scenes look. The untold story of the witches of Oz features the award-winning Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Broadway’s The Color Purple), an Emmy, Grammy, and Tony winner, as Elphaba, a misunderstood young woman because of her unusual green skin, still unaware of her true power. Alongside her is Ariana Grande, a Grammy-winning global superstar and multi-platinum artist, portraying Glinda, a popular young woman adorned with privilege and ambition, still searching for her true self.
The two meet as students at Shiz University in the enchanting Land of Oz, where they forge an unlikely yet profound friendship. After an encounter with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship takes a dramatic turn, and their lives head in very different directions. Glinda’s thirst for popularity leads her to be seduced by power, while Elphaba’s determination to stay true to herself and others has unexpected and shocking consequences for her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz ultimately lead them to fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
The film also stars Oscar-winner Michelle Yeoh as the regal headmistress of Shiz University, Madame Morrible; Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton, Crashing) as Fiyero, a handsome and carefree prince; Tony-nominee Ethan Slater (Broadway’s Spongebob Squarepants, Fosse/Verdon) as Boq, a kind-hearted Munchkin student; Marissa Bode making her film debut as Nessarose, Elphaba’s favored sister; and pop culture icon Jeff Goldblum as the legendary Wizard of Oz.
The cast includes Pfannee and ShenShen, two clever companions of Glinda played by Emmy-nominee Bowen Yang (Saturday Night Live) and Bronwyn James (Harlots), along with a new character created for the film, Miss Coddle, played by Tony-nominee Keala Settle (The Greatest Showman).
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights), Wicked marks the first chapter of an exciting cultural event. The second part of Wicked is set to hit theaters in November 2025. Wicked is produced by Marc Platt (La La Land, The Little Mermaid), whose films, TV shows, and theatrical productions have collectively earned 46 Oscar nominations, 58 Emmy nominations, and 36 Tony nominations, alongside David Stone, a multi-Tony winner (Kimberly Akimbo, Next to Normal), with whom Platt produced the blockbuster musical Wicked. The executive producers are David Nicksay, Stephen Schwartz, and Jared LeBoff.
Based on Gregory Maguire’s bestseller, Wicked is adapted for the screen by writer Winnie Holzman and renowned Grammy and Oscar-winning composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz. The Broadway musical is produced by Universal Stage Productions, Marc Platt, the Araca Group, Jon B. Platt, and David Stone.