Sneak Peek: Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Star in Wicked Movie Adaptation

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After years of eager anticipation, fans of the beloved musical "Wicked" are finally getting the film adaptation they've been waiting for. Director Jon M. Chu, who previously brought the musical "In the Heights" to the big screen, is returning to the world of movie musicals with "Wicked." The first part of the film is set to release on Thanksgiving Day, 2024, with a star-studded cast that includes Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo in the lead roles.

First Glimpse of the Leading Ladies

On April 17, 2023, Chu took to social media to unveil the first look at Grande and Erivo in their roles as Glinda and Elphaba, respectively. The director wrote on Instagram, "You weren't told the whole story.

What happens when you veer off the Yellow Brick Road? FIRST LOOK of the #WickedMovie ... currently in production in Oz." Erivo also shared her excitement, commenting, "It's been wonderful making magic with you."

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An Impressive Cast of Characters

In addition to the leading ladies, the film will feature an ensemble cast including Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Ethan Slater as Boq, Bowen Yang as Pfannee, Marissa Bode as Nessarose, Keala Settle as Miss Coddle, Bronwyn James as ShenShen, Aaron Teoh as Avaric, Colin Michael Carmichael as Professor Nikidik, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, and Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard.

Two Parts, A Comprehensive Story

Initially, "Wicked" was slated for a December 25, 2024 release, but Chu announced that the film would be released in two parts, with the first part coming to theaters on November 27, 2024.

In a statement, the director explained, "As we prepared the production over the last year, it became impossible to wrestle the story of 'Wicked' into a single film without doing some real damage to it...We decided to give ourselves a bigger canvas and make not just one 'Wicked' movie but two!

With more space, we can tell the story of 'Wicked' as it was meant to be told while bringing even more depth and surprise to the journeys for these beloved characters." The film adaptation of "Wicked" is sure to be a hit with its talented director and all-star cast. Fans can look forward to an immersive and captivating retelling of the beloved musical.