Wicked: release, casting, story… everything you need to know about the film adaptation of the phenomenon that has 65 million viewers

The first discussions about a film adaptation of Wicked date back to 2004. That is, not a year has passed since the release of the musical comedy that inspired him. But fans had to be patient, even when the project reappeared in 2010.

Fortunately, this time it’s (almost) there: the first images were revealed during the SuperBowl, and the release date shouldn’t be changed, unless something unforeseen happens at this point. Here’s what you need to know about John M. About the film directed by Chu.

Release date: When is Wicked coming out? Where can we see?

Return to the Land of Oz is scheduled to hit the big screen on November 27, 2024. In theaters because the feature film will be released in our theaters. But you’ll notice that its title is Wicked Part 1: The Adaptation is actually split in two, and the second part will be visible to us on December 24, 2025. Which can be a great Christmas present.

Story: What will Wicked say?

Do you think you know this story? Think again! The Wizard of Oz, a prequel to Wicked, and a story by L. Before and during the events of Frank Baum’s book (which spawned one of the greatest films in motion picture history, in 1939), here’s a look at who has so far been cast as a villain: Elphaba the Witch of the West.

Born with green skin, she stood out from a young age and it continued when she joined Shizu University. Especially since his sister, Nessarose, disabled due to a birth defect, causes more love.

Galinda’s roommate, an up-and-coming Good Witch of the South who projects a perfect image and seems to float on the ground as she walks, finds an enemy in her who gradually falls in love with her while developing her magical powers with director Madame Morrible. University.

If you’ve never seen Wicked (or read its novel adaptation), rest assured: this is a very brief recap, and we’ll end it by talking about a pivotal encounter, in more ways than one, with the Wizard of Oz, a dramatic issue. plot.

Why two movies?

“There’s a lot to learn”, says Mark Platt, producer of this adaptation. Which is not wrong, because the show lasts 2 hours 45 minutes including the intermission. “We didn’t want to come up with a four-hour show and cut songs. We want to satisfy the fans of the musical.”

Therefore, fidelity is required, in addition to the elements of cinematic language. And the separation makes more sense because the musical is split into two acts: the first serving as a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, and the second taking place at the same time.

We didn’t want to make a four-hour film and cut the songs. We want to satisfy fans of the musical

If the same logic is followed in cinema, the first film should end with the most iconic hit of Wicked. “Defying Gravity”Which we hear and get a little glimpse of in a teaser released during the SuperBowl.

Finally, note that Wicked will have absolutely nothing to do with the fantastical world of Oz, Sam Raimi’s prequel in 2013, which in its own way deals with the origin story of two wizards.

Cast: Who stars in Wicked?

For the adaptation that has been eagerly awaited by countless Wicked fans around the world, the producer has pulled out all the stops in terms of casting: pop star Ariana Grande will be G(a)Linda. and Cynthia Erivo Elphaba.

Thanks to the widows of Steve McQueen revealed in the cinema, the latter has already proven his musical talent with his participation in the musical comedies adapted from Sister Act and especially The Color Purple, which won him a Tony Award in 2016.

In front of them will be Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, headmistress of Sheez University, and Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard of Oz. Which, in terms of casting choices, is both obvious and genius.

Appearing in Broadchurch and The Bridgerton Chronicles, where he plays Anthony, Jonathan Bailey portrays Fierro, a source of tension between some of the story’s female characters. And fans of The Greatest Showman will be delighted to find Kaela Settle, The Interpreter “This is me”in the movie.

Everything is directed and choreographed by John M. Under the direction of Chu, we trust the very beautiful numbers of Sexy Dance 3.

Why is this not a movie to be taken seriously?

Recent years have shown us that it is now difficult to predict the success of a movie in cinemas. Who would have thought just a year ago that Barbie and Oppenheimer would be the big winners of the summer, going up against Transformers, Mission: Impossible and Indiana Jones?

All of this is to say that it’s still too early to predict Wicked’s path at the box office. But the potential is there: the musical, launched in 2003, has attracted more than 65 million viewers worldwide and is still the fourth most-performed show in the world in London and New York (Broadway).

And his success goes beyond theaters: The Simpsons is credited to him, as are South Park and The Griffins. It is discussed in episodes of Ugly Betty or Brothers & Sisters. And a few songs are covered in Glee (obviously!) or New Girl, and we hear the title “popular” In the soundtrack to… Welcome to Zombieland.

But that’s not all: many have noted the similarity “let go”The hit Frozen (which you should have kept in mind by now, sorry) and “Defying Gravity”, Wicked’s most iconic. Both in themes (including emancipation and self-affirmation) and singing style.

Not to mention that Idina Menzel, who sang the song in the original Disney animated film, played Elphaba in the very first production of Wicked on Broadway.

A phenomenon, a real one, which may at least open to the wider public in November.