One year after unveiling the first look of "Wicked" at CinemaCon, Universal Pictures returned to Las Vegas on Wednesday, bringing members of the enchanting crew to once again illuminate the festivities. The team included filmmaker Jon M. Chu and his leading ladies, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who had the privilege of presenting exclusive footage for theater owners.
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| Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo speak onstage during the Universal Pictures and Focus Features Presentation during CinemaCon 2024. GABE GINSBERG/GETTY IMAGES |
The presentation was an emotional one for the "Wicked" team. Chu was moved to tears as he recounted the journey of finding the two performers to headline the film, and later Grande also became emotional during the event.
The electrifying presentation, featuring onstage remarks from cast members such as Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, Jon M. Chu, and producer Marc Platt, was set up from the beginning. Colosseum staffers distributed "Wicked" lanyards to attendees upon entry, setting the stage for the magical experience. Additionally, guests were advised to handle tulips placed in the cupholder of each seat with care until they were instructed otherwise.
Universal chief Donna Langley had the "privilege" of introducing the "Wicked" team in a segment that highlighted the studio's confidence in the film. A significant portion of the two-hour presentation, 30 minutes, was dedicated to the musical. Langley expressed her gratitude to the audience, stating, "You all got a taste of this stunning film at last year’s CinemaCon. And the world has loved this musical and celebrated it for more than 20 years. It’s proof that our future is unlimited — if that will give you a little bit of a tease. Thank you all for being here today. The wizard will see you now."
The theater plunged into darkness, and the previously distributed lanyards and tulips illuminated in shades of pink and green, transitioning from flashing lights to a bright glow in a breathtaking display. The screen then displayed an oversized Oz, who delivered a custom voiceover for CinemaCon. "Who are you and why do you seek me? Behold CinemaConians," Oz proclaimed. "A spectacle awaits that will glorify your palaces of light and sound this holiday season. … Remember there’s no place like Oz. There’s no place like Oz."
Following this, Jeff Goldblum, in his role as the wizard, made a grand entrance to the stage after Langley. Goldblum, known for his roles in films such as "Jurassic Park" and "The Fly," expressed his excitement about being a part of the "Wicked" movie. He praised the creative team for their work in constructing the set, creating props, and bringing the magical world to life. Goldblum described the experience as "dreamy," particularly noting that the two films were filmed concurrently.
Platt then joined Chu on stage, reminiscing about his 25-year journey with the material, which began when he first read Gregory Maguire's book and envisioned it as a film. However, at the suggestion of composer Stephen Schwartz, the project was initially developed as a stage musical, a decision that proved to be pivotal.
Chu, on the other hand, described himself as "a Silicon Valley kid" who serendipitously found himself in San Francisco during the musical's workshop phase, an experience that left a lasting impression on him. He particularly resonated with Elphaba's story, relating to someone "who was judged for the way she looks." Directing "Wicked" for the screen became a dream job for Chu.
"We dreamed very, very, very big for Wicked," Chu continued, emphasizing their commitment to honoring the source material while creating a new theatrical world. Their goal was to craft "a magical land of sights and sounds that will astonish and performances that will lift your spirits and occasionally break your heart."
Platt then delved into the casting process, a meticulous endeavor that spanned several months. "These characters are so aspirational for young people and mean so much to so many people, and we knew we had to get it exactly right," Platt emphasized. "We saw so many hopeful women from every corner of the world." However, when they encountered Grande and Erivo, they "claimed each of their roles." Platt recalled, "When we finally saw them, we knew that we landed on the right pairing. Two strong young women who were destined to play these roles."
Erivo and Grande then took the stage to thunderous applause, dressed in outfits that subtly referenced their characters. Grande wore a Loewe-style flower dress with shades of pink, while Erivo donned a green top and silver skirt. Although they did not perform, Erivo noted that it was the first time they had spoken publicly about "Wicked." "This whole experience is absolutely impossible to put into words," Grande added. She shared her journey to "Wicked," which began when she first saw the Broadway show at the age of 10. It was then that she realized playing Glinda was her dream role.
Erivo discovered "Wicked" later in life, at the age of 25, when she treated herself to a solo date to see the show. "We have performed these songs publicly and privately, and now here we are playing Elphaba and Glinda, two roles that have been so pivotal in our lives," she shared.
Grande, drawing closer to Erivo and holding her hand, reflected on their transformative experience, saying they have been changed for good. "We both felt such a tremendous responsibility to honor these women and to pour our hearts, our souls, our tears — so many different pairs of lashes," Grande expressed. Erivo added, "You and I are bonded for life."
In this adaptation, Erivo stars as Elphaba opposite Grande as Glinda, with Yeoh as Madame Morrible, Bailey as Fiyero, Goldblum as the Wizard, Settle as Miss Coddle, Slater as Boq, Bode as Nessarose, Yang as Pfannee, James as ShenShen, and Adam James as Glinda’s father. Additionally, it was announced during the presentation that Peter Dinklage has taken on the role of Dr. Dillamond.
The story unfolds as Elphaba and Glinda meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz, where they form an unlikely but profound friendship. Their bond is tested when they encounter the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, leading them down divergent paths. Glinda is tempted by power and popularity, while Elphaba remains steadfast in her authenticity, facing unforeseen consequences. Their choices ultimately lead them to fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
The exclusive footage shown only to CinemaCon attendees portrays Elphaba's arrival at Shiz University and her early interactions with Glinda. Glinda's less-than-warm welcome includes offering Elphaba a tiny space behind a rack of pink frocks. The scene captures Glinda dangling from a chandelier and plotting to give Elphaba the iconic black hat, a gesture she claims she wouldn't make for anyone else.
However, at a university dance, Glinda offers the hat to Elphaba, signaling a shift in their relationship. As Elphaba brushes off the opinions of their peers, cracks begin to appear in their friendship. The narrative progresses as Elphaba is summoned to meet the Wizard in the Emerald City.
The adaptation of the Tony-winning Broadway musical, which is based on Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West," has been in development for years. Marc Platt, a seasoned film and stage producer, is producing the film alongside David Stone. Winnie Holzman, who wrote the script for the Broadway production, also penned the screenplay for the film adaptation.
Platt and Stone also oversaw the original Broadway production, which premiered on October 8, 2003, and became a certified cultural phenomenon. It launched national and international productions and is currently the second-highest-grossing Broadway show of all time, behind "The Lion King."
In bringing the Broadway musical to the big screen, Chu aimed to create a Technicolor world that feels authentic. "I knew what this movie could be. What does it feel like to be in Oz? Be in the dirt? Feel it in your fingertips," Chu expressed in a sizzle reel shown last year at CinemaCon. He emphasized his desire for Oz to feel like a real place, using real flowers instead of CGI to cover the land. Additionally, Grande and Erivo recorded their vocals live while cameras were rolling, adding to the authenticity of the performances.
"Wicked" is set to hit theaters in time for Thanksgiving on November 27. A sequel, "Wicked Part Two," is scheduled for release on November 26, 2025.
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