Wicked Part 1 Release Date, Cast, Storyline, Trailer Release, And Everything You Need to Know
The Land of Oz is about to be transformed in new and dazzling ways with the highly anticipated release of “Wicked Part 1” in late 2024. This long-awaited film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical promises to captivate audiences with its stunning visuals, soaring vocals, and an intimate look at the backstories of some of Oz’s most iconic characters. As a prequel to the classic Wizard of Oz tale, “Wicked Part 1” will transport viewers to a rich and magical world, revealing the unlikely friendship between green-skinned Elphaba and the popular Galinda – two young witches whose paths will ultimately diverge epically and tragically.
Wicked Part 1 Release Date:
After years of development and pandemic-related delays, “Wicked Part 1” is finally slated to hit theaters on November 27, 2024 – just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday. This first installment of the two-part film series will be followed by “Wicked Part 2” on November 26, 2025, giving audiences ample time to immerse themselves in this captivating world fully. The decision to split Wicked into two parts was strategic, allowing director Jon M. Chu and the creative team to faithfully adapt the complex, multi-layered story without making painful cuts or compromises.
Wicked Part 1 Storyline:
At the heart of “Wicked Part 1” is the evolving relationship between Elphaba, the misunderstood young woman destined to become the Wicked Witch of the West, and Galinda, the famous and privileged young witch who will eventually transform into Glinda the Good. The film takes place mainly before the arrival of Dorothy Gale from Kansas, exploring the two women’s time as students at Shiz University.
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Initially, Elphaba and Galinda are unlikely roommates and rivals, with the green-skinned Elphaba facing discrimination and judgment from her peers. However, Galinda slowly begins to see past Elphaba’s unusual appearance, and the two form an unlikely friendship, supporting each other as they navigate the social and political complexities of Oz. Their bond is further tested by the arrival of the dashing prince Fiyero, who is drawn to both witches.
As the story progresses, audiences will witness the events and choices that set Elphaba and Galinda on their divergent paths – one towards heroism and the other towards villainy. The film will also introduce other beloved Oz characters, such as the Wizard himself, Madame Morrible, and Elphaba’s paraplegic sister Nessarose. Fans can expect a rich tapestry of drama, magic, and music as the stage is set for the iconic battle between good and evil.
Wicked Part 1 Cast Members:
“Wicked Part 1” boasts an incredibly talented ensemble led by the powerhouse duo of Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Galinda/Glinda. Erivo, a Tony, Emmy, and Grammy winner, brings her impressive vocal range and dramatic chops to the role of the misunderstood Elphaba. At the same time, Grande, a pop superstar with a lifelong passion for musical theater, channels her bubbly charm and magnetic stage presence into the part of Galinda.
Joining them are:
- Jonathan Bailey as the dashing prince Fiyero
- Michelle Yeoh as the intimidating Madame Morrible
- Jeff Goldblum as the mysterious Wizard of Oz
- Ethan Slater as the lovesick Munchkin Boq
- Marissa Bode as Elphaba’s paraplegic sister, Nessarose
- Bowen Yang and Bronwyn James as Malinda’s sycophantic friends, Pfannee and Shenzhen
- Keala Settle as the kind-hearted Miss Coddle
- Peter Dinklage as the voice of the Goat professor, Dr. Dillamond
i cannot express the happiness & excitement this brings me & it’s not even out yet. 🥹🩷💚 https://t.co/Lc8oRG6gQ8
— alora is defying gravity🩷💚 (@longlivelpss) June 17, 2024
This ensemble of seasoned performers and rising stars promises to bring the beloved characters of Oz to vivid life on the big screen.
Wicked Part 1 Creators Team:
“Wicked Part 1” is directed by acclaimed director Jon M. Chu. His previous musical adaptations, such as “In the Heights” and “Crazy Rich Asians,” have earned him a reputation for blending stunning visuals with heartfelt storytelling. Chu’s passion for the project is evident, as he fought to split the narrative into two parts to fully capture the depth and complexity of the source material.
The screenplay for “Wicked Part 1” is written by Winnie Holzman, who also penned the book for the original Broadway musical. Holzman’s intimate understanding of the characters and their arcs ensures a faithful adaptation that will satisfy longtime fans while introducing new audiences to Oz.
Legendary composer Stephen Schwartz, who created the iconic music for the Broadway show, returns to oversee the film’s musical elements. Schwartz has promised to include several new songs and beloved classics like “Defying Gravity” to expand the storytelling further.
With this talented team at the helm, “Wicked Part 1” is poised to be a visually stunning, emotionally resonant, and musically triumphant cinematic event.
Where to Watch Wicked Part 1?
“Wicked Part 1” will be distributed by Universal Pictures and will have a theatrical release in the United States on November 27, 2024. The film will be shown in various formats, including standard 2D, 3D, IMAX, and Dolby Cinema. While specific streaming details have not yet been announced, the film will likely be available for home viewing on platforms such as Peacock, the NBCUniversal streaming service.
Wicked Part 1 Trailer Release Date:
The first official trailer for “Wicked Part 1” debuted during the 2024 Super Bowl on February 11, 2024, giving audiences a tantalizing glimpse of the film’s stunning visuals and the dynamic between Erivo’s Elphaba and Grande’s Glinda. This initial teaser was followed by a more extensive trailer released on May 15, 2024, which delved deeper into the story and showcased the film’s impressive musical numbers.
Wicked Part 1 Final Words:
The long-awaited arrival of “Wicked Part 1” promises to be a cinematic event that will captivate both longtime fans of the musical and newcomers to the world of Oz. With its talented cast, visionary creative team, and a commitment to honoring the source material, this first installment of the two-part film adaptation is poised to be a magical, heartbreaking, and ultimately uplifting exploration of the complex relationships and choices that shape the destinies of Elphaba and Glinda. As the curtain rises on this new chapter of the Wicked saga, audiences can look forward to being swept away by the stunning visuals, soaring music, and the timeless themes of friendship, societal prejudice, and the power of the individual to shape their fate.
