The captivating tale of Wicked began its journey in 1995 when Gregory Maguire daringly reimagined L. Frank Baum’s cherished novel, The Wizard of Oz, giving birth to a literary phenomenon. Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz offered a fresh perspective, delving into the narratives of Oz’s witches. This novel’s magic soon leaped from page to stage in 2003, thanks to producers Marc Platt and David Stone, writer Winnie Holzman, and composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz. Their Broadway musical adaptation, starring Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel, became an instant sensation. Now, in 2024, director Jon M. Chu is bringing Wicked to the silver screen with a two-part film adaptation, promising an immersive cultural experience. Wicked: Part One is set to premiere on November 22, 2024, with Wicked: Part Two following on November 21, 2025.
The Literary Genesis of Wicked: Gregory Maguire’s Novel
Nearly a century after L. Frank Baum introduced The Wizard of Oz to the world in 1900, Gregory Maguire revisited this magical realm in 1995 with his bestselling novel, Wicked. This novel ventured into the untold histories of Elphaba and Glinda, the witches of Oz, setting the stage years before Dorothy’s iconic arrival. Maguire’s Wicked quickly became a literary phenomenon, captivating readers with its innovative take on a classic story. It explored the complexities of good and evil, challenging preconceived notions about the characters we thought we knew. The novel posed a central question: what is truly wicked? Is it appearance, reputation, or something deeper within? This exploration of moral ambiguity is at the heart of Wicked‘s enduring appeal.
Wicked Takes the Broadway Stage: A Theatrical Phenomenon
The enchantment of Wicked transitioned to Broadway in 2003, as producers Marc Platt and David Stone, along with composer Stephen Schwartz and writer Winnie Holzman, aimed to mesmerize audiences across generations. Inspired by the creative team’s dedication, Universal established a theatrical production division to realize Wicked‘s stage adaptation. The studio’s commitment was so profound that the very first table read for the musical occurred at Universal Studios Lot, marking the beginning of a theatrical legacy.
Produced by Marc Platt, who also helms the film adaptation, the original Wicked production debuted on Broadway at the Gershwin Theatre in October 2003, following pre-Broadway engagements at San Francisco’s Curran Theater earlier that year. The Broadway premiere garnered significant acclaim, winning three Tony Awards and seven Drama Desk Awards, while its original cast album received a Grammy Award. Wicked‘s Broadway triumph led to global productions, including a long-running show in London’s West End. It has consistently shattered box office records globally and in 2017, Wicked surpassed The Phantom of the Opera to become Broadway’s second-highest-grossing musical, second only to The Lion King.
This groundbreaking reimagining of Baum’s century-old narrative has redefined modern musical theatre. Wicked has amassed over $6 billion in global revenue and attracted 65 million viewers across more than 100 cities in 16 countries. The musical continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, largely because it delves into themes of prejudice, friendship, and challenging societal norms – asking audiences to consider what is wicked in their own world.
Jon M. Chu’s Vision for Wicked: From Stage to Film
For years, producer Marc Platt had received inquiries about adapting Wicked for film, but the timing never felt right. However, when the stars aligned, Platt knew it was time to bring Elphaba and Glinda’s story to a wider audience. Platt emphasizes that the film medium allows for an expanded exploration of the Wicked universe, exceeding the limitations of the stage.
To translate the musical to film, Platt reunited with the original stage show’s creative team: Winnie Holzman, the musical’s book writer, and Stephen Schwartz, the Grammy and Oscar-winning composer and lyricist. Filmmaker Jon M. Chu, known for Crazy Rich Asians and In The Heights, was selected to direct. Unbeknownst to Platt, Chu was a long-time admirer of Wicked, having seen early performances in San Francisco. “Jon has a skillset as a visual director,” Platt notes, “But what I love the most is his heart and humanity. Wicked is a story of humanity, about people, and Wicked wears its heart on its sleeve; so does Jon. He was born to direct these films. With the brilliant creative vision of Jon, Stephen and Winnie, together, we have ventured to create a world that can only be realized on film.”
Chu’s vision is to fully immerse viewers in Oz and its characters, offering an unprecedented experience. “I want people who saw it on the stage to experience it in a way they never have,” Chu explains. This cinematic adaptation promises to explore the nuances of Wicked‘s characters and world, potentially shedding new light on what is considered wicked within Oz and beyond.
Meet the Key Players in Wicked: Characters and Cast
Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo)
Elphaba Thropp, Governor Thropp’s eldest daughter, is born with green skin and uncontrollable magical abilities, setting her apart from everyone except her sister, Nessarose. As Oz’s only green-skinned individual, Elphaba faces constant prejudice and becomes an outcast, building strong defenses. Beneath her tough exterior lies a compassionate heart. Her journey in Oz leads her to embrace her destiny as the Wicked Witch of the West. Cynthia Erivo, a celebrated Broadway actress and Tony and Grammy Award winner for The Color Purple, embodies Elphaba’s complex nature. Elphaba’s story is central to the question of what makes someone wicked – is it her appearance, her powers, or societal perception?
Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba in Wicked, portraying the misunderstood character challenging perceptions of wickedness.
Galinda / Glinda (Ariana Grande)
Glinda the Good, originally Galinda Upland, is characterized by her infectious confidence. She values popularity and fashion, coming from a privileged background, but her true desire is magical power, something beyond material wealth. Ariana Grande, a Grammy-winning global superstar who began her career on Broadway at 15, fulfills her childhood dream role of Glinda. Grande’s casting adds star power to the film and highlights Glinda’s journey from popularity-seeking to understanding true goodness, contrasting with Elphaba’s perceived “wickedness” and prompting reflection on what truly defines wickedness and goodness.
Ariana Grande as Glinda in Wicked, embodying the initially superficial character who learns deeper meanings of goodness.
The Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum)
Known as “wonderful,” the Wizard is aware of a more complex reality. Jeff Goldblum, a beloved actor, takes on this role, originated on Broadway by Oscar winner Joel Grey. Goldblum’s lifelong affection for The Wizard of Oz, especially Dorothy and Toto, adds a layer of homage to the classic tale. The Wizard’s character in Wicked is crucial to understanding the political and social landscape of Oz, and his manipulations and secrets contribute to the narrative’s exploration of what is wicked in power and deception.
Jeff Goldblum as The Wizard of Oz in Wicked, depicting the enigmatic ruler whose actions raise questions about true wickedness.
Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey)
Prince Fiyero Tigelaar of Winkie County initially presents himself as a carefree, commitment-averse individual, focused on fleeting pleasures. Jonathan Bailey, an Olivier Award winner and Emmy nominee, portrays Fiyero, revealing layers beneath his superficial charm. Fiyero’s transformation throughout Wicked is significant, as he challenges societal expectations and develops a deep connection with Elphaba, demonstrating that appearances of “wickedness” or frivolity can be deceiving, and that true character lies beneath, further questioning what is inherently wicked.
Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero in Wicked, illustrating the character’s evolution beyond initial perceptions of superficiality.
Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh)
Dean of Sorcery Studies at Shiz University, Madame Morrible is admired for her elegance and insight. She is the first to recognize Elphaba’s magical potential. Michelle Yeoh, Academy Award winner and star of Crazy Rich Asians, was Jon M. Chu’s ideal choice for this role. Madame Morrible’s influence and manipulations, often subtle and sophisticated, reveal a different facet of “wickedness” – the wickedness of ambition and control, prompting consideration of what kind of actions are wicked even if seemingly refined.
Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible in Wicked, portraying the sophisticated dean whose guidance carries hidden agendas and moral complexities.
Nessarose (Marissa Bode)
Nessarose, Governor Thropp’s younger daughter, has lived under Elphaba’s protection and seeks independence. Her unrequited love for Boq and her resulting actions contribute to her transformation into the Wicked Witch of the East. Newcomer Marissa Bode was chosen for this role after an extensive search. Nessarose’s story explores how heartbreak and longing can lead to actions perceived as “wicked,” raising questions about whether actions born from pain can be truly wicked.
Marissa Bode as Nessarose in Wicked, depicting the character’s journey driven by unrequited love and the quest for autonomy.
Boq (Ethan Slater)
Broadway star Ethan Slater, known for SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical and Assassins, plays Boq. He is caught in a love triangle, desired by Nessarose but focused on Glinda. Boq’s role highlights the ripple effects of unrequited love and how individual desires intersect and influence each other within the larger narrative, subtly touching on how selfish desires can lead to unintended “wicked” consequences.
Ethan Slater as Boq in Wicked, illustrating the character entangled in a love triangle, impacting the destinies of others.
Production and Costume Design: Crafting the World of Oz
Wicked is considered Universal’s most ambitious production to date, necessitating meticulous casting and world-building to ensure the films’ lasting impact. Creating Oz involved extensive costuming for thousands of characters and planting millions of tulips to immerse the cast and crew in a tangible magical environment. This dedication to detail sets Wicked apart in cinematic and musical history.
Six-time Oscar-nominated production designer Nathan Crowley undertook the challenge of Wicked‘s visual design with immense dedication and creativity. Crowley and his team have created a visual spectacle that both honors the beloved Broadway production and introduces a breathtakingly original cinematic experience. The production design itself contributes to the exploration of “wickedness” by contrasting the dazzling and beautiful with the darker, more unsettling elements of Oz, visually representing the story’s thematic concerns about appearances and reality, further asking what is wicked in the world they create.
The production design of Wicked showcases the elaborate sets and attention to detail, bringing the fantastical world of Oz to life.
Costume designer Paul Tazewell, an Academy Award nominee with experience in five The Wiz productions, including NBC’s The Wiz Live!, embraced the task of costuming Wicked. His approach balanced respect for Wicked‘s history with a fresh, contemporary vision. A team of 150 artisans meticulously crafted costumes, considering every detail. The costumes in Wicked are not merely decorative; they are integral to character development and world-building, visually reinforcing the themes of identity and perception and adding another layer to the question of what is wicked through visual storytelling.
Paul Tazewell’s costume design for Wicked highlights the intricate and imaginative costumes that define the characters and Oz’s aesthetic.
The Music of Wicked: Live Performances and Beloved Songs
The Wicked film features cherished songs from the stage musical by Stephen Schwartz, alongside a score by Grammy and Oscar nominee John Powell and Schwartz. Oscar-winning production sound mixer Simon Hayes and his team ensured live vocal performances on set whenever feasible, creating a Broadway-like atmosphere for the actors. The music of Wicked is central to its emotional impact, and the film’s commitment to live performances underscores the raw emotion and power of the storytelling, directly engaging with the core question of what is wicked through its powerful musical expressions.
Live singing on the set of Wicked emphasizes the raw emotion and musicality that drive the film’s storytelling.
Wicked Partnerships: A Global Brand Phenomenon
The enchanting world of Wicked has inspired numerous collaborations with over 400 brand partners, including Starbucks, Amazon, Bloomingdales, LEGO, Target, and Mattel, resulting in diverse merchandise and experiences worldwide. This extensive campaign aims to extend Wicked‘s brand beyond its theatre fanbase, creating a cultural phenomenon and driving box office success. These partnerships highlight Wicked‘s broad appeal and cultural impact, demonstrating how the themes of “wickedness” and goodness resonate across various platforms and consumer products, further cementing the question of what is wicked in popular culture.
Wicked x Target
How to Experience Wicked: Movie Tickets Now Available
Wicked will premiere domestically on November 22, 2024. Tickets are currently available for purchase through Fandango. Don’t miss the chance to witness this cinematic reimagining of Oz and explore the timeless question: What Is Wicked About?
