After over a decade of starts and stops, the mega-“Popular” Broadway musical Wicked is finally making the magical jump to the silver screen, and we couldn’t be more excited! This project has had a difficult path from Broadway to Hollywood, but now that the significant parts have been filled by a pair of acting and singing powerhouses, we can say, “Thank God!”
Continue reading to learn all we know about the Wicked movie musical, including its release date, cast, and how it will be split into two parts!
It Will be Directed By Jon M. Chu
After original filmmaker Stephen Daldry walked away from the project last year, Crazy Rich Asians director Jon M. Chu has been named as the new director of the picture.
According to Deadline, Daldry, who has directed a number of Broadway and West End productions, abandoned the project because the studio wanted the film made faster than he was comfortable with.
Chu’s appointment coincides with the release of In the Heights, a musical drama based on a 2007 theatre musical by Quiara Alegria Hudes and Lin-Manuel Miranda. The film In the Heights will be released in June of this year.
Release Date For The ‘Wicked’ Film
For years, a wicked film has been in the works, with a December 2019 release date on the horizon at one time. On February 8 February 2019, the deadline was pushed back to December 22, 2021, but the pandemic struck. During the coronavirus epidemic, Universal has pushed back the release of the Wicked movie from December 22 to December 22, 2021, to make room for Sing 2, which is pushing back its release to make space for Minions: Rise of Gru.
On October 20, October 20, 2020, however, it was announced that director Stephen Daldry would be leaving the film owing to schedule issues. We received some excellent news on February 3, 2021. The good news is that we now have a new director, and the project looks to be progressing!
Jon M. Chu has been confirmed as the musical adaptation’s director (which explains his departure from Disney+’s Willow series). Universal did not provide a new release date for this picture, instead stating that it “will be redated later.” Meanwhile, stay current on Habit Movie with our posts based on recent facts.
Who Is In The Cast?
Cast members were added to the film’s production in November 2021. Glinda, the Good Witch, is played by Ariana Grande, while Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, is played by Cynthia Erivo. Ariana and Cynthia used Instagram to congratulate each other on their casting. The Oscar nominee received many flowers with a card from the Don’t Look Up actress.
“Dear Cynthia, honored doesn’t even begin to touch it,” the singer wrote. “I’m looking forward to hugging you. We will meet in Oz. “All my love, Ari,” the actress replied, “and pink works well with green.” “with a plethora of green heart emojis, More casting news is likely to be released once the primary filming for Wicked begins in the summer of 2022. Ariana started on Broadway in musical 13 before becoming a pop music superstar and gaining a spot on The Voice.
Cynthia, like Ariana, rose to prominence as a Broadway actor. For her portrayal in the theatre version of The Color Purple, the actress earned the Tony Award for Best Musical Actress.
What Is The Plot Of Wicked?
The musical centers on Elphaba and Galinda’s friendship during their time as roommates at Shiz University, with lyrics by Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman (who is also penning the script for the feature film version). Elphaba is an uncomfortable geek, while Galinda is more of a stereotypical “mean girl.” Although the two don’t always get along, their relationship is delightfully nuanced as they ultimately find common ground, if only for a short period. Expect to encounter more recognizable characters since the musical is based on Baum’s story and its famous 1939 film version starring Judy Garland.
Trailer And Release Date For Wicked
There is no footage for a trailer since shooting rehearsals have yet to begin, and it won’t be until mid-2023 at the earliest. Given the film’s size and two-part structure, it wouldn’t be shocking if the first trailer didn’t appear until early 2024, maybe around the Super Bowl or the Academy Awards.
Wicked will be published on Christmas Day, the first on December 25, 2024, and the second on December 25, 2025.
Has Filming Started Yet?
According to The Hollywood Reporter, filming in the United Kingdom will begin in June 2022. Filming was set to begin in Atlanta in March but was put back a few months and will now take place on sound stages at the newly constructed Sky Studios in Elstree, England.