Get ready to defy gravity because Wicked on Broadway is going to be a movie! The Tony-winning Broadway show is getting its own screen adaptation with direction by Jon M. Chu. Theater fans will finally see the black hat and sparkly wand on the silver screen. Here is everything we know about the Wicked movie, from the plot, cast, and release date. Plus, you’ll get the inside scoop on why this Broadway musical deserves a film adaptation.
Editor Update: Reports announced that Michelle Yeoh will play that role of Madame Morrible, Jeff Goldblum will play the Wizard, and Spongebob Broadway actor Ethan Slater will play Boq. Deadline announced on December 9 that Marissa Bode will play Nessarose (Elphaba’s sister), and Bowen Yang and Bronwyn James will play classmates of Elphaba and Glinda.
What is the Wicked movie about?
Wicked the musical is based on the 1995 novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire. In the stage adaptation, the show follows the backstories and friendship between Glinda (the Good Witch) and Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West). The movie will follow a similar plot, with Jon M. Chu announcing via Twitter that the film will be 2 parts to bring “even more depth and surprise to the journeys of these beloved characters.”
Special #Wicked Movie Announcement… ✌🏼🎬🧹🌸💚sent from my OzPhone: pic.twitter.com/4qPpvVD4rR
— Jon M. Chu (@jonmchu) April 26, 2022
Wicked has run on Broadway for 15 years
The first Broadway production of Wicked took place in 2003, with the iconic Idina Menzel as Elphaba and the lovable Kristen Chenoweth as Glinda.
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Throughout the years, new actresses have replaced Idina Menzel and Kristen Chenoweth from the likes of Shoshana Bean, Eden Espinoza, Stephanie J. Block, Megan Hilty, Laura Bell Bundy, and more.
Currently, Talia Suskauer plays the role of Elphaba while Brittany Johnson plays Glinda. The rest of the cast includes Sharon Sachs as Madame Morrible, Cleavant Derricks as the Wizard, James D. Gish as Fieyro, and Jordan Barrow as Boq.
While casts have changed, the magic and message of the show has stayed the same. Nothing is more important than female friendship.
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Wicked film cast so far
In November, Jon M. Chu dropped the major news that Cynthia Erivo would star as Elphaba while Ariana Grande would play Glinda.
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Cynthia Erivo is known for her time on Broadway, including her Tony-winning performance as Celie Harris Johnson in the 2015 production of The Color Purple. She’s also starred in films including Widows and Harriet. Ariana Grande is a household name in the music world but began her career on Broadway as a teenager in the show 13. Her acting credits include Victorious, Sam & Cat, and Scream Queens.
On September 21, director Jon Chu announced the long-awaited news that Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey will be playing the role of the charming love interest Fiyero.
He’s perfect, they’re perfect. They’d be perfect together. Born to be forever….. I am too excited to pretend this hasn’t been happening. We have a Fiyero!!!! #JonathanBailey #Wicked https://t.co/meT51cGqDe
— Jon M. Chu (@jonmchu) September 21, 2022
While he is most known for his role as the suave Anthony, he has musical and theatrical experience, winning the Laurence Olivier Award for his role as Jamie in Company in London.
Twitter is pretty excited about the news.
Literally doesn’t matter what else happens today the Jonathan Bailey Fiyero news has made this a banner day pic.twitter.com/K1t7Pyis75
— caroline (Taylor’s Version) (@wannabecari) September 21, 2022
Catch Wicked on Broadway as we wait for the film
Wicked the movie will soar to theaters in December of 2024. While that’s several months away, there’s no stopping you from going to see the live stage production. You’ll be able to experience the true story of Elphaba the Wicked Witch and Glinda the Good Witch, and the ultimate star power the Broadway cast brings. Then when, you see the movie in theaters, you’ll be all ready to experience the movie magic.
