Wicked Cast & Character Overview: Meet the Stars of the Film
After countless delays and much anticipation, the first installment of Jon M. Chu’s ambitious two-part cinematic adaptation of “Wicked” is finally set to grace theaters. This iconic Broadway musical, derived from Gregory Maguire’s unique take on “The Wizard of Oz,” is garnering considerable excitement as it approaches its release. Chu has curated an impressive cast to showcase Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman’s beloved production.
“Wicked” reimagines L. Frank Baum’s classic narrative by centering on Elphaba, a girl born with green skin, who grapples with her identity at the esteemed Shiz University and eventually transforms into the infamous Wicked Witch of the West, previously portrayed by Margaret Hamilton in the classic 1939 film. So, who’s stepping into these pivotal roles decades after Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth made them iconic on stage? The casting is nothing short of star-studded, featuring pop icons, Broadway veterans, and award-winning actors as they dive into the magical world of Oz. Here’s a breakdown of the cast for “Wicked: Part One.”
Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Thropp
Cynthia Erivo takes on the challenge of portraying Elphaba Thropp. From her striking green skin, which she refers to as “verdigris,” to her tumultuous experiences at Shiz University, Elphaba’s journey is anything but easy. Her complex backstory includes the emotional weight of her family’s past, including her mother’s affair that led to her unique appearance. Initially ostracized, Elphaba finds herself rooming with Galinda Upland, a popular yet initially judgmental student who eventually grows to become her closest ally. Musical theater fans are particularly thrilled about Erivo’s casting, as she won a Tony Award for her performance in “The Color Purple” and has garnered widespread acclaim for roles in films like “Harriet,” which earned her an Oscar nomination.
Ariana Grande as Galinda Upland
Ariana Grande is set to portray Galinda Upland, bringing her vast vocal talents to the role. When Galinda first encounters Elphaba, she timidly embodies the societal prejudices against Elphaba’s green skin. As their journeys intertwine, Galinda famously tricks Elphaba into a humiliating fashion disaster at a dance—a turning point in their relationship. Grande’s transition from pop stardom to acting resonates well, particularly as she is just coming off a remarkable career on Nickelodeon and her chart-topping music career with hits like “Thank U, Next.” While this film marks her first major movie role, her comedic performances on “Saturday Night Live” suggest she’s more than ready for the challenge.
Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible
The role of Madame Morrible, a character who evolves from a seemingly stern educator to a key player in Oz’s political schemes, is being portrayed by Michelle Yeoh. Initially, Morrible recognizes Elphaba’s magical potential and offers her mentorship—but as the plot thickens, her true motives align with the corrupt Wizard of Oz. Veterans of the film industry will recognize Yeoh from her diverse roles in films ranging from “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” to “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” where she made history by becoming the first Asian woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress.
Jeff Goldblum as The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
In a casting coup, Jeff Goldblum takes on the role of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, a character whose façade of power shatters as the truth about his origins comes to light—he’s just an ordinary man who crashed into Oz. Goldblum’s extensive résumé includes iconic performances in “Jurassic Park,” “Independence Day,” and “Thor: Ragnarok.” His charisma and presence are sure to elevate the Wizard’s character, whose facade we see peel away as he interacts with Elphaba.
Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero Tigelaar
Jonathan Bailey steps into the role of the charming Fiyero Tigelaar, a royal prince whose arrival at Shiz captures Galinda’s attention. However, as the narrative unfolds, it’s Elphaba with whom Fiyero discovers a real connection—leading to a complicated love triangle. Known for his heartthrob status in “Bridgerton,” where he delivered a captivating performance alongside Simone Ashley, Bailey also holds an impressive theatrical portfolio, having won a Laurence Olivier Award for his role in a London production of “Company.”
Ethan Slater as Boq Woodsman
Ethan Slater brings Boq Woodsman to life, a Munchkin enamored with Galinda who unwittingly finds his path intertwined with Elphaba’s sister, Nessarose. Slater’s portrayal will extend beyond the initial setup, as Boq’s character arc unfolds throughout the story. Known for his performance in “The Spongebob Musical,” this marks Slater’s first major film role, and fans will surely remember his vibrant energy from previous stage performances.
Marissa Bode as Nessarose Thropp
Marissa Bode takes on the role of Elphaba’s sister, Nessarose Thropp, who navigates life with her own challenges. The character’s deeper significance resonates with those familiar with the original tale from “The Wizard of Oz.” Bode is breaking ground as the first actor in a wheelchair to portray this character, adding authenticity to the story. As the film progresses, audiences can anticipate Bode’s character gaining prominence alongside Boq.
Peter Dinklage as Doctor Dillamond
Adding a layer of depth to the narrative is Peter Dinklage, lending his voice to Doctor Dillamond, a goat caught up in the rising anti-animal sentiment in Oz. Dillamond’s predicament highlights a significant theme of the plot—Elphaba’s commitment to advocating for Animals often leads her down a perilous path. Dinklage, recognized for his Emmy-winning role in “Game of Thrones,” again showcases his talent in a unique character that combines classic storytelling with poignant social commentary.
Bowen Yang and Bronwen James as Pfannee and ShenShen
The characters of Pfannee and ShenShen, Galinda’s friends, are being portrayed by Bowen Yang and Bronwen James. Their roles are expanded in the film, providing more insight into the social dynamics at Shiz. Yang is known for his appearances on “Saturday Night Live,” while James has made notable appearances in various television series.
“Wicked” is set to enchant audiences when it opens in theaters on November 22, 2024. With an extraordinary cast and a story deeply embedded in themes of friendship, political intrigue, and social justice, this adaptation looks to honor the beloved musical while presenting a fresh take on its timeless narrative.
