Building anticipation for one of the most eagerly awaited cinematic events of the year, the featurette ‘Building The World of Wicked’ offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the making of Wicked, set to engage UK audiences from November 22, 2024. This preview highlights the extraordinary effort and artistry that has gone into bringing the magical world of Oz to life on the big screen.
The film, Wicked, reimagines the untold story of the witches of Oz, headlined by Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda. Erivo, a decorated actress with Emmy, Grammy, and Tony accolades, portrays the green-skinned Elphaba, a misunderstood young woman discovering her true power. Grande, a global pop sensation, steps into the shoes of Glinda, the ambitious and popular student who must confront her own heart’s desires. Their journey begins at Shiz University, setting the stage for a deep, transformative friendship that faces challenges upon their encounter with the Wizard of Oz.
The narrative follows their diverging paths—Glinda’s relentless pursuit of popularity and power, and Elphaba’s steadfast commitment to her principles—culminating in a dramatic evolution into their iconic roles as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West. Their story explores themes of identity, friendship, and the cost of societal acceptance.
Adding to the film’s appeal is an impressive supporting cast. Michelle Yeoh stars as Madame Morrible, the dignified headmistress of Shiz University, while Jonathan Bailey takes on the role of Fiyero, a dashing and carefree prince. Ethan Slater brings life to Boq, a compassionate Munchkin student, and Marissa Bode makes her film debut as Nessarose, Elphaba’s cherished sister. Jeff Goldblum embodies the enigmatic Wizard of Oz, adding his distinctive flair to the legendary character.
New and familiar faces alike enrich the story, with Bowen Yang and Bronwyn James as Glinda’s scheming associates, Pfannee and ShenShen, and Keala Settle introducing the new character Miss Coddle. Under the direction of Jon M. Chu, known for his work on Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights, Wicked promises to be a visually stunning and emotionally resonant journey, setting the stage for its highly anticipated sequel, slated for release in November 2025.
Produced by Marc Platt and David Stone, who have a storied history with the original Wicked stage musical, the film benefits from their seasoned touch. With a production team boasting numerous Oscar, Emmy, and Tony nominations, the adaptation stays true to the beloved source material while promising fresh, cinematic magic. The screenplay, crafted by Winnie Holzman and composer Stephen Schwartz, preserves the essence of Gregory Maguire‘s bestselling novel and the celebrated Broadway production.
As the release date approaches, fans and newcomers alike are invited to immerse themselves in the complex universe of Wicked, a story that transcends its origins to address themes of acceptance, power, and friendship. Mark your calendars for this compelling adventure that is set to redefine the world of Oz.Mark your calendars for this compelling adventure that is set to redefine the world of Oz.
