When Is Wicked Coming Out? The Broadway musical Wicked has become an iconic part of modern theater, captivating audiences with its compelling story, beautiful music, and stunning performances. Based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, the musical is a prequel to The Wizard of Oz. With its themes of friendship, love, betrayal, and the fight for personal identity, Wicked has gained a dedicated fanbase worldwide.
In recent years, fans of the musical have been eagerly awaiting the release of its highly anticipated movie adaptation. As the question “when is Wicked coming out?” becomes more urgent, this article will dive into the release date, production details, and everything else you need to know about the upcoming movie.
The Origins of Wicked: From Stage to Screen
Before we dive into the release date, it’s important to understand the legacy of Wicked as a Broadway show. The musical premiered on Broadway in 2003, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman. The show quickly became a massive success, earning numerous Tony Awards and attracting millions of theatergoers.
The musical’s story centers on the untold story of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and her unlikely friendship with Glinda, the Good Witch. It explores the themes of political corruption, societal expectations, and the pursuit of justice, all set against the backdrop of L. Frank Baum’s beloved Oz universe.
When Is Wicked Coming Out? Release Date Confirmed
As of now, the official release date for the movie adaptation of Wicked is November 27, 2024. The movie will be released in theaters globally, just in time for the holiday season. This release date has been eagerly anticipated, as it marks the culmination of nearly two decades of rumors, announcements, and delays since the initial film adaptation was discussed.
This release date is significant because it falls on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving in the United States, which traditionally marks the beginning of the holiday movie season. Universal Pictures is likely hoping that the movie will have a strong opening weekend, attracting a wide audience of fans eager to see the long-awaited adaptation of the beloved musical.
The Cast of Wicked: Who Will Be Playing Elphaba and Glinda?
One of the most exciting aspects of the Wicked movie adaptation is the casting of the main roles. In 2021, the production confirmed the casting of Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda. This announcement was met with widespread enthusiasm, as both Erivo and Grande are highly talented performers with massive fan followings.
Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba
Cynthia Erivo, known for her incredible vocal range and powerhouse performances, was cast as Elphaba, the complex and misunderstood protagonist of the story. Erivo is no stranger to the world of musical theater, having earned Tony, Grammy, and Emmy Awards for her work in The Color Purple. Her casting has been widely praised, with many fans excited to see how she will bring the role of Elphaba to life on the big screen. Erivo’s powerful voice and acting chops make her an excellent choice to portray the character’s emotional depth and inner turmoil.
Ariana Grande as Glinda
Ariana Grande, one of the most successful pop stars of her generation, was announced as the casting choice for Glinda, the bubbly and beloved “Good Witch.” Grande’s vocal abilities have earned her critical acclaim, and her fans have eagerly awaited the chance to see her take on a role in musical theater. As Glinda, she will need to balance the character’s sweetness and lightness with a deeper vulnerability and growth throughout the story. Fans of Grande’s music are excited to see her transform her vocal talents into a character that will likely captivate audiences on screen.
Supporting Cast
In addition to the leads, the Wicked movie will feature a talented supporting cast. Notable cast members include:
Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard of Oz: The Wizard is a key figure in the story, and Goldblum’s charismatic presence will bring a new layer of depth to the character.
Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible: Madame Morrible is the headmistress of Shiz University and one of the antagonists in the story. Yeoh’s powerful acting will add to the character’s menacing yet complex nature.
Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero: Fiyero is a key character in the story, and Bailey’s casting as the love interest of both Elphaba and Glinda has been met with excitement.
The Director and Production Team
Chu’s previous experience directing musical films has generated excitement among fans, as he is expected to bring his expertise in blending engaging storytelling with musical numbers to the big screen.
The screenplay is being adapted by Winnie Holzman, who also wrote the book for the original musical, ensuring that the heart of the stage show will be retained in the film. The movie is being produced by Marc Platt, who has been involved with the Broadway production of Wicked for many years.
FAQs
When is the Wicked movie coming out?
The highly anticipated Wicked movie adaptation is scheduled to be released on November 27, 2024. This date is especially significant as it falls just before Thanksgiving in the United States, kicking off the holiday season for moviegoers. Fans can expect the movie to premiere in theaters worldwide on this date. With the anticipation surrounding the movie, it’s expected to be a major box office hit.
Why is the Wicked movie release date so far away?
The wait for the Wicked movie has been long due to multiple delays and changes in production over the years. Originally, the project was announced in 2016, but production didn’t fully kick off until a few years later. As with most large-scale movies, creating a film as intricate as Wicked takes time, especially when it involves building elaborate sets, costumes, and special effects. Additionally, the film has undergone several casting changes and other logistical challenges, all of which contributed to the extended timeline.
Who is in the cast of the Wicked movie?
The Wicked movie boasts an incredible cast, featuring some of Hollywood’s biggest names. Cynthia Erivo, known for her powerhouse vocals and acting, has been cast as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West. Ariana Grande, pop superstar and Broadway veteran, will portray Glinda, the Good Witch. Both of these actresses have been highly praised for their talents, and fans are excited to see how they will bring these iconic roles to life.
Other notable cast members include Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, and Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero. With such a stellar cast, Wicked is sure to be a visual and musical spectacle.
What is the plot of the Wicked movie?
The Wicked movie will follow the same basic storyline as the Broadway musical, which is a prequel to The Wizard of Oz. The plot centers on the unlikely friendship between two witches, Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West) and Glinda (the Good Witch). It explores their origins, their contrasting personalities, and the challenges they face while navigating their complicated relationship with the world around them.
The movie will delve into themes of power, identity, and the societal forces that shape the characters’ destinies. It also explores the political corruption in the land of Oz, highlighting the impact of the Wizard’s reign and the moral ambiguity of Elphaba’s character.
Will the Wicked movie include the songs from the musical?
Yes! The movie will feature most, if not all, of the iconic songs from the Broadway musical. Fans can look forward to hearing beloved tunes such as Defying Gravity, Popular, For Good, and No One Mourns the Wicked. The movie adaptation will incorporate these classic musical numbers, which are a major part of what made the stage production so successful.
However, it’s likely that the movie will also have a few new elements, such as additional visual effects and cinematic renditions of the musical numbers. While the film is expected to stay true to the original musical’s score, the movie will give fans a fresh, visually stunning experience.
In Summary
The release of the Wicked movie adaptation is one of the most highly anticipated events in the world of musical theater. With a confirmed release date of November 27, 2024, fans can look forward to a star-studded cast, stunning visuals, and unforgettable musical numbers. While we wait for the movie’s debut, there’s plenty of material to revisit, from the Broadway show to the original novel, to keep the excitement alive.
So, whether you’ve been a long-time Wicked fan or are just discovering the magic of Oz, the movie is sure to bring the beloved story to a new generation of viewers. When is Wicked coming out? The wait is almost over—mark your calendars for November 27, 2024, and prepare to experience the magic once again.
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