By Mikkel Hyldebrandt
Photos courtesy of Universal Pictures
It’s been two decades since Wicked swept onto Broadway, redefining what musicals could be. Now, the untold story of the witches of Oz is finally making its long-awaited journey to the big screen. Directed by the brilliant Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights), Wicked is more than just a movie—it has the potential to become a generation-defining cultural celebration. And with the first chapter of this two-part cinematic event dropping this holiday season (with part two scheduled for November 2025), it’s time to dust off your broomsticks and prepare for a glittering and wickedly wonderful return to Oz.
At the heart of Wicked’s success is its absolutely brilliant casting. Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Broadway’s The Color Purple) and Ariana Grande, global pop sensation and LGBTQ+ icon, take on the iconic roles of Elphaba and Glinda. Erivo brings her powerhouse vocals and raw emotional depth to Elphaba, the misunderstood, green-skinned girl whose journey of self-discovery speaks to anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider. Grande steps into Glinda’s bubble with her signature charm and ample hair flips, delivering a nuanced performance that reveals layers of ambition, vulnerability, and eventual growth.
Together, their chemistry is electric, with plenty of moments that will bring a tear or two to your eye, and their duet “Defying Gravity” is the crowning jewel of the epic story. Grande’s crystal-clear soprano perfectly complements Erivo’s soulful depth, proving their casting wasn’t just brilliant—it was destined because it is hard to imagine anyone else in these two roles.
While these two superstars will undoubtedly command the spotlight, the film is packed with a lineup that makes it a true ensemble masterpiece. Michelle Yeoh (Everything Everywhere All At Once) lends her regal grace to Madame Morrible, the headmistress of Shiz University, while Bridgerton’s Jonathan Bailey brings charm and complexity to Fiyero, the roguish prince torn between Elphaba and Glinda. Broadway darling Ethan Slater (SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical) plays Boq, and newcomer Marissa Bode shines as Nessarose, Elphaba’s sister. And let’s not forget Jeff Goldblum, whose take on the Wizard of Oz is sure to be as enchanting as it is delightfully eccentric. Bowen Yang (Saturday Night Live) and Bronwyn James (Harlots) also shine as Glinda’s mischievous accomplices, Pfannee and ShenShen, while Keala Settle (The Greatest Showman) and Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones) add texture and intrigue as Miss Coddle and the voice of Dr. Dillamond. Every actor brings a fresh perspective to their role, ensuring the world of Oz feels richer and more relevant than ever.
For longtime fans, the film also promises an impactful wink to its Broadway roots. Without giving too much away, keep your eyes peeled for a magnificent cameo that original Wicked fans will cherish and will tie the past and present worlds of Wicked together, creating a moment of pure cinematic magic.
Based on Gregory Maguire’s bestselling novel and adapted by the legendary Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman, Wicked stays true to its Broadway roots while taking full advantage of its big-screen platform. Expect lush visuals, dazzling costumes, and breathtaking musical numbers—all while exploring themes of identity, power, and the enduring strength of friendship. With all the new life that director Jon M. Chu has put into this new adaptation, it’s no wonder that it needs to be two parts!
For the LGBTQ+ community, Wicked has always been more than a story about witches—its story about belonging, embracing who you are, and finding family in the most unexpected places has been spotted miles away by members of the LGBTQ+ community since it first hit Broadway, and it rings ever true today. This adaptation feels like a gift to the fans who’ve been humming “Popular” and “For Good” for years. It reminds us that sometimes, the things that make us different are the things that make us extraordinary.
So, this holiday season, grab your friends, don your best emerald green, and prepare to be spellbound. Wicked is the movie event we’ve been waiting for—and it’s ready to defy expectations, one soaring note at a time.
