After years of anticipation and delays, the first installment of Jon M. Chu’s cinematic adaptation of “Wicked”—the acclaimed Broadway musical inspired by Gregory Maguire’s retelling of “The Wizard of Oz”—is finally set for theater release. Chu has brought together an impressive cast to bring Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman’s beloved musical to life on the big screen.
“Wicked” reimagines L. Frank Baum’s classic story that follows Dorothy’s journey through Oz, focusing instead on Elphaba, a young woman with green skin who struggles with her identity at Shiz University. Elphaba eventually transforms into the iconic Wicked Witch of the West, a role famously played by Margaret Hamilton in the original 1939 film. With this movie adaptation, audiences are eager to discover who’s stepping into these iconic roles, especially following the performances of Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth in the stage version.
Cynthia Erivo takes on the role of Elphaba Thropp. The striking green hue of her skin—referred to as “verdigris” in one of the musical’s songs—makes her an outcast in Shiz University. The roots of her character’s struggle are deep, stemming from her mother’s past and her father’s resentment towards her. Despite the initial bullying from her roommate, Galinda Upland, played by Ariana Grande, Elphaba and Galinda eventually form a strong bond that will be tested later by the political tensions in Oz.
Grande, known for her incredible vocal abilities, is ready to showcase her acting skills in this film. Galinda’s transformation from bully to best friend mirrors her character’s growth, and Grande’s humor and emotional depth will be evident in her performance.
In a role that seems tailor-made for her talent, Michelle Yeoh embodies Madame Morrible—a seemingly strict but fair teacher who is embroiled in the deeper, darker political schemes of Oz. Yeoh’s extensive resume includes renowned films such as “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” the latter earning her an Academy Award for Best Actress.
Jeff Goldblum portrays The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, a character whose facade as a benevolent ruler masks his true identity—a mere man from Nebraska who stumbled into power. Goldblum’s charm and comedic timing are expected to add a unique flair to this character.
Jonathan Bailey joins the ensemble as Fiyero Tigelaar, a charming prince whose initial attraction to Galinda evolves into a profound connection with Elphaba. Having gained attention through his role in “Bridgerton,” Bailey’s ability to portray intense romantic dynamics will undoubtedly engage audiences.
Ethan Slater plays Boq Woodsman, a lovesick Munchkin desperate for Galinda’s affection, inadvertently setting the stage for a more complex narrative surrounding his character. This is Slater’s major film role, coming off an acclaimed performance in “The Spongebob Musical.”
Marissa Bode, making her film debut as Nessarose Thropp, Elphaba’s sister, brings authenticity to the role as the first actor in a wheelchair to portray this character. Bode’s focus on inclusivity is a significant addition to the film’s vision.
Voicing Doctor Dillamond, Peter Dinklage lends his voice to a CGI character. Dinklage, widely recognized for his role in “Game of Thrones,” brings depth to a subplot involving speaking Animals in Oz, who face growing discrimination.
Bowen Yang and Bronwen James join the cast as Pfannee and ShenShen, characters who are expanded and modernized for the film. Yang’s comedic presence from “Saturday Night Live” and James’s work in “Harlots” will add layers to these new interpretations.
“Wicked” is set to hit theaters on November 22, 2024, and promises to be a unique blend of star power and storytelling that both honors and transforms the source material.
