Everything We Know About ‘Wicked’ Part 1

Samantha Olson
a couple of people wearing clothing
Everything We Know About ‘Wicked’ Part 1Universal


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The magic of the beloved Broadway musical Wicked is finally making its way to the silver screen (in two parts, no less). The movie's production has been delayed multiple times due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Writers Guild and SAG-AFTRA strikes, but we can officially look forward to it hitting theaters this Thanksgiving. The project is stacked with star power, from Crazy Rich Asians director Jon M. Chu to its leading ladies Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Important to note: Ari has literally been manifesting the role of Glinda her entire career (see: teen tweets, this sample of "Popular," and this live performance).

Wicked is being released in two installments, which means we get to see the live show fully play out in this screen adaptation that's been a long time coming. So, without further ado, let's get into all the details of Wicked Part 1.

When does Wicked Part 1 come out?

After several production delays, the first part of Wicked hits theaters just in time for Thanksgiving on November 27, 2024. Streaming details are under wraps for now, but we'll keep ya updated once we hear more.

'Wicked' Movie Tickets Right This Way 🧹✨

Is there a Wicked trailer?

Yep! A first-look trailer dropped during the Super Bowl on February 11, 2024, and dear reader... it's absolutely incredible:

Who's in the cast of Wicked?

One thing about Jon M. Chu? He *loves* a Twitter update. In 2021, he confirmed that he was set to direct the film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical with a post. "It's time. So... Twitterverse, who should we cast?" he wrote.

In November 2021, Jon and his leading ladies, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, posted heartfelt clips and photos breaking the news about their roles as Elphaba and Glinda.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ariana Grande (@arianagrande)

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A post shared by Cynthia Erivo (@cynthiaerivo)

Oh, did we mention this cast is ✨stacked✨? Feast your eyes on the ensemble:

  • Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero

  • Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible

  • Bowen Yang as Pfanne

  • Marissa Bode as Nessarose

  • Bronwyn James as ShenShen

  • Keala Settle as Miss Coddle

  • Aaron Teoh as Avaric

  • Colin Michael Carmichael as Nikidik

  • Ethan Slater as Baq

What a lineup! 😮💨

What's Wicked about?

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A post shared by Jon M Chu (@jonmchu)

In case you're new here (or need a bit of a refresher), Wicked is technically the prequel to The Wizard of Oz. Penned by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman, the story follows Elphaba (who eventually becomes the Wicked Witch of the West) and Glinda the Good Witch's origin story when they met in school. Check out the full synopsis from Broadway.com below:

A vivid reimagining of the classic The Wizard of Oz, Wicked spotlights the untold stories of Oz's most famous (or infamous) characters, namely the Wicked Witch of the West and her unlikely friend, Glinda the Good Witch. The show follows green-skinned star Elphaba from birth to college and through the life-changing events which eventually label her "wicked," introducing spoiled rich girl Glinda, local prince and heartthrob Fiyero and even the Wizard of Oz himself, a troubled man very unlike the one you may remember. As Elphaba, a passionate political activist if there ever was one, fights injustice and seeks to undo the mistakes of the past, dark secrets and personal tragedies shape the history of Oz, paying homage to the classic Wizard of Oz story while simultaneously changing fans' understanding of it forever. A cautionary tale about love, friendship and trust, Wicked effortlessly reveals that there are indeed two sides to every story.

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