Movies
A first look at Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba and Ariana Grande’s Glinda in ‘Wicked’ film
Director Jon M. Chu gave a first look at the upcoming ‘Wicked’ movie on his Instagram.
‘Wicked’ is a wildly popular musical that debuted on Broadway in 2003 with Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth as the leads. It will soon be adapted into two films, both of which will be directed by Jon M. Chu who previously worked on the film adaptation of ‘In The Heights.’
While much has been kept under wraps, Chu recently gave fans a first look of ‘Wicked Part 1′ on his Instagram.
The movie will feature Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande in the lead roles of Elphaba and Glinda, respectively. Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum among others will star alongside them.
Erivo as Elphaba and Grande as Glinda
Chu shared two darkly-lit photos, one of each lead, in different environments.
“You weren’t told the whole story,” he wrote. “What happens when you veer off the Yellow Brick Road? FIRST LOOK of the #WickedMovie … currently in production in Oz.”
Erivo’s Elphaba is dawning the character’s signature witch costume and holding a broom. The background is difficult to discern, but seems to be at a high vantage point.
Grande’s Glinda is wearing a bright pink princess dress as she ascends a staircase.
What is ‘Wicked’ about?
Based on the 1995 novel, ‘Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West,’ ‘Wicked’ serves as a prequel to the original ‘The Wizard of Oz’. It follows the unlikely friendship between Elphaba and Glinda and explains how Elphaba became the Wicked Witch of the West.
Dove Cameron gives Grande her good wishes
Actress and singer Dove Cameron recently revealed that she had auditioned for the role of Glinda, but was ultimately rejected in favor of Grande.
Still, Cameron took the time to express her excitement for Grande.
“She’s a genuinely dear friend of mine,” she said. “We met when we were super young. I think she’s gonna kill it.
“I think the whole cast is phenomenal, head to toe. So, as a fan, I’m really, really excited to see it.”
‘Wicked Part 1′ is slated for a November 2024 release, with the second movie scheduled for December 2025.