Universal’s official trailer for Wicked opens by asking the key question: “Are people born wicked or did they have wickedness thrust upon them?” Next, the trailer reveals Elphaba and Glinda’s first meeting, followed by headmistress Madame Morrible assigning them as roommates at Shiz University. Glinda immediately feels put upon as she was promised a private suite, but Elphaba takes it in stride.
Days pass, songs are sung, and Elphaba’s impressive magical talents are revealed. Which means she’s the one the Wonderful Wizard of Oz has been waiting for.
Emmy, Grammy and Tony-winner Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Broadway’s The Color Purple) stars as Elphaba and Grammy-winner Ariana Grande stars as Glinda. The cast also includes Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, and Bowen Yang. Plus, Bronwyn James, Keala Settle and Peter Dinklage also star in the much-anticipated musical event.
Jon M. Chu (In the Heights) directs from a screenplay by Winnie Holzman, based on the musical Wicked, music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, book by Winnie Holzman, from the novel by Gregory Maguire. Mart Platt and David Stone produce, with David Nicksay, Stephen Schwartz and Jared LeBoff executive producing.
Wicked opens in theaters on November 27, 2024. Wicked Part Two follows on November 26, 2025.
The Wicked Plot, Courtesy of Universal Pictures
Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and 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.
The film also stars Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh as Shiz University’s regal headmistress Madame Morrible; Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton) as Fiyero, a roguish and carefree prince; Tony nominee Ethan Slater (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.
