Since its Broadway debut in 2003, Wicked has become a beloved musical. Twenty years later, director Jon M. Chu and Universal Pictures are sharing this treasured story beyond the stage. The film brings Broadway alums Ariana Grande (13: The Musical) as Glinda and Tony-Award winner Cynthia Erivo (The Color Purple) as Elfaba to the silver-screen.
Wicked takes flight in the aftermath of the Wicked Witch of the West’s untimely and damp demise, as chronicled in the Wizard of Oz. Glinda, the Good Witch of the South, floats down in her bubble to deliver the news to Munchkinland. Amid jubilant cheers of “Good news, she’s dead” and a fiery celebration, Glinda is asked by a munchkin, “Is it true you were her friend?” As Glinda reflects on her Shiz University friendship with Elfaba, the Wicked Witch, the audience is immersed in the empowering story of a woman who discovered strength in what made her different.
Erivo shines as Elfaba, a character who is ostracized by her family and community for her green colored skin and untamed sorcery skills. The cinematic medium reveals a layer to Erivo’s award winning acting that amplifies subtleties that are difficult to convey on stage. Close-up shots capture the emotions brewing and bubbling beneath Elphaba’s surface, such as in a poignant moment following the performance of “Popular.” As Elphaba gazes into a mirror while Glinda praises her beauty, the emotion behind Elfaba’s eyes shifts from joy to pain, recalling the taunts of her youth.
Grande gives an equally impressive performance as Glinda, the ditzy yet endearing beauty of Shiz. A lifelong Wicked fan, Grande fulfilled a childhood dream by taking this role. Kristen Chenoweth, the original Glinda on Broadway, recently shared on Late Night with Seth Meyers that a 10-year-old Grande once visited her backstage and declared, “I want to play Glinda.” Grande’s meticulous and compassionate portrayal shows she’s been preparing for this moment her entire life. Her previous role as Cat Valentine on Nickelodeon’s Victorious mirrors Glinda in many ways as both characters are often dismissed as shallow, but are infused with heart and depth under Grande’s care.
As a musical, it would be a disservice not to comment on the vocals delivered by Erivo and Grande. The bar was already set high for Erivo, who blew audiences away with her portrayal of Celie Harris in The Color Purple, and her impressive “I’m Here” performance at the 70th Annual Tony Awards. As Elfaba, it’s safe to say she defies expectations. She showcases her range as she seamlessly transitions from the gentleness of “I’m Not That Girl” to the soaring “Defying Gravity.” Grande, an established pop/R&B artist, proved skeptics wrong as she effortlessly joins Erivo gliding through operatic vocals with the same ease that Glinda’s bubble floats through the air. The real magic happens when their voices are joined together in harmony, at times melding together as one.
Christopher Scott’s inventive choreography, paired with Chu’s dynamic cinematography and direction compliment the soundtrack. Every movement of the cast and camera syncs perfectly with the beat, creating a visually stunning experience.
Other stand out performances include Jonathan Bailey as the charming Fiyero, Jeff Goldblum as the disarming and manipulative Wizard, Michelle Yeoh as the devious headmaster Madame Morrible, and Peter Dinklage as the distinguished professor Dr. Dillamond. There are also some surprise cameos for fans of the original production.
One notable disappointment was the departure from the iconic steampunk aesthetic that has become synonymous with the stage production. Shiz University, reimagined with European-style carved stone and mosaics, while beautiful, is out of place in the world of Wicked.
Wicked opens in theaters on November 22, 2024, with Part 2 slated for release in November 2025. For those who want to belt “Defying Gravity” along with Erivo, Universal will be offering sing-alongs in theaters across North America beginning on Dec. 25.