Wicked (2024): The Tale of Elphaba and Galinda
Imagine stepping into the magical world of Oz where good and evil intertwine, and two unlikely friends embark on an epic journey that will change their lives forever. That’s exactly what Wicked (2024) promises to deliver.
The Story Behind the Screen
How many times have you wondered about the origins of your favorite characters? In Wicked, we get a glimpse into Elphaba Thropp’s life before she became the infamous Wicked Witch of the West. Cynthia Erivo stars as Elphaba, and Ariana Grande-Butera plays her roommate Galinda Upland.
From Stage to Screen
The film is a two-part adaptation of the Broadway musical that has captivated audiences for years. Directed by Jon M. Chu and written by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox, Wicked takes us back to Shiz University where Elphaba and Galinda’s friendship begins.
Principal Photography and Cast
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to step into the shoes of your favorite characters? For Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande-Butera, that moment came in December 2022 when principal photography began. Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, and Michelle Yeoh also joined the cast as supporting actors.
Behind-the-Scenes
The film was shot at Sky Studios Elstree, with outdoor scenes filmed at Ivinghoe Turf in Buckinghamshire. The production faced some challenges, including a SAG-AFTRA strike that temporarily halted filming. But the team persevered and wrapped up on January 26, 2024.
Visual Effects and Soundtrack
How do you bring a magical world to life? Industrial Light & Magic and Framestore provided the visual effects, with Pablo Helman serving as production visual effects supervisor. The soundtrack was composed by John Powell, ensuring that every musical number resonates with the magic of Oz.
The Music
Stephen Schwartz confirmed a new song for one of the films, adding to the rich tapestry of music that has made Wicked such a beloved story. The film’s score delves deeper into the relationships between characters and expands on the musical numbers from the stage show.
Marketing and Release
How do you prepare for something as big as this? Marketing efforts began in April 2023, with first-look pictures featuring Erivo’s Elphaba and Grande’s Glinda. The first trailer premiered during Super Bowl LVIII, setting the stage for what was to come.
The Premiere
The film premiered at the State Theatre in Sydney, Australia on November 3, 2024, before its theatrical release in the US on November 22, 2024. The sequel, Wicked Part Two, is scheduled for release on November 21, 2025.
Critical Reception and Box Office
How do you measure success? Critics praised the performances, transition from stage to screen, and visuals. The film grossed $194.9 million worldwide on a budget of $150 million. Audiences were particularly impressed with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande-Butera’s performances.
Future Installments
Author Gregory Maguire, Kristin Chenoweth, Idina Menzel, Lorna Luft, and Paul Mescal all praised the film and its cast. A direct sequel, Wicked Part Two, is scheduled for November 21, 2025, with Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman discussing possible future installments without a specific title.
Wicked (2024) is more than just a film; it’s a journey into the heart of Oz, where magic and friendship intertwine. As we step back into this magical world, let us remember that sometimes, the most unexpected friendships can lead to the greatest adventures.
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This page is based on the article Wicked (2024 film) published in Wikipedia (retrieved on November 28, 2024) and was automatically summarized using artificial intelligence.
