A behind-the-scenes featurette gives audiences a taste of the cinematic magic from the upcoming film adaptation of “Wicked”—and the timeless significance its story holds.
Casual moviegoers and musical theater fans alike are waiting in bated breath for the release of the highly-anticipated film adaptation of the critically-acclaimed musical, Wicked—and they won’t have to wait for long. The film will soon be hitting theaters on November 20, 2024, the first of a two-part series, with Wicked: Part 2 set to premiere on November 26, 2025.
Set mainly in the magic school Shiz University, the film takes off from the musical and Gregory Maguire book it took inspiration from, chronicling the origin story of the witches of Oz from Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz novel, detailing their lives as students.
To whet audiences’ appetites, Universal Pictures Philippines released a touching two-minute featurette that not only gave a sneak peek into the film’s cinematic magic, but also interviewed its key cast members, who shared why its story continues to resonate with them and many others.
READ ALSO: Back To Oz: 2024 Film Adaptation Of ‘Wicked’ Hits Cinemas On November 20
An Exploration Of Belonging, Authenticity, and Friendship
“As a fan, as a person who has loved this for twenty years, I know that this fights for the truth and the complexities of being misunderstood,” explains Ariana Grande in the featurette. The renowned singer-actress stars as Glinda Upland in the film adaptation.
Cynthia Erivo, who stars beside Grande as Elphaba Thropp—the green-skinned and incredibly powerful main protagonist of the story—also discusses how she relates with her character. “Wicked truly resonates with me because it lands on the idea that the possibilities in any person are endless,” Erivo shares.
“It’s all about identity, I think, and finding yourself and aligning what your belief system is with your actions,” elaborates actor Jonathan Bailey, who plays Elphaba’s charming love interest, Fiyero.
Meanwhile, Jeff Goldblum and Michelle Yeoh—who play the Wizard of Oz and headmistress Madame Morrible respectively—weigh in on what Wicked is all about.
“It’s very much a story about discovery; fighting for who you are,” Yeoh says.
Goldblum adds: “Wicked is about your relationship with other people; and the quality of those relationships can transform your life.”
Its acclaimed director John M. Chu (whose film credits include Crazy Rich Asians and another adaptation of the musical In The Heights), also shared his thoughts on working on such a film, and how he connected to it.
“It touched on things that I love and know: going to college, meeting friends, saying goodbye to friends. It’s a magical place, and life there is exciting. It’s a place where your dreams begin,” he explains.
Chu continues: “That undying spirit is at the heart of Wicked. To have this film, at this moment, urgently at this moment, means the world.”
Join the cast of characters and discover the power and magic inside of you, as “Wicked” arrives in Philippine theaters on November 20. Follow Universal Pictures PH on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates on the film.
Photos courtesy of Universal Pictures Philippines (unless stated).
