Cynthia Erivo Gives a Major Update on the “Wicked” Movie

After more than a decade of attempts, the “Wicked” movie is finally happening. Back in November 2021, director Jon M. Chu (who directed “Crazy Rich Asians” and “In the Heights”) announced that the film will star Ariana Grande as Glinda the Good Witch and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West.

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Since then, both women have expressed their excitement over the project. During the Grammys on April 3, Erivo spoke about how things are coming along. “I’m relearning everything,” she told Variety about preparing for the part. “I want to go and see it again. . . . When I get to New York, at some point, I’ll pop in and see the show again. That’ll be my fifth time.”

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Cast in Wicked Film Adaptation

The movie is set to begin filming this summer, and according to Erivo, the team is still hashing out their vision for the movie. “We’re sort of at the beginning — we’re all having conversations about what we want, what we want to do, like the style of it,” she told Variety. “I spoke to Paul Tazewell, who’s our costume designer and just recently Oscar-nominated, and Jon, who is our director, who’s incredible, and we’re all sort of talking about how we want it to feel.”

Here’s everything we know so far about the “Wicked” film, including cast, release date, trailers, music, and more.

Who Is Directing the “Wicked” Movie?

The “Wicked” movie will be directed by Jon M. Chu, who has an impressive record of hits. He directed 2018’s “Crazy Rich Asians” and helmed the 2021 movie musical “In the Heights.”

Producer Marc Platt is also attached to the project, which has fans wondering if his son – actor and singer Ben Platt – will join the cast.

Who Is in the “Wicked” Cast?

The musical “Wicked” is bursting with characters, but so far, only two actors have been announced. Singer Ariana Grande will play Glinda, a role she’s had her eyes on for years – back in 2011, she tweeted that it was her dream role. Meanwhile, Tony winner Cynthia Erivo will play Elphaba. It’s anyone’s guess at this point who will be cast as Fiyero, Boq, Nessarose (aka the Wicked Witch of the East), the Wizard, and Madame Morrible.

If you want a preview of Grande and Erivo’s vocal performances, you’re in luck. Grande performed “The Wizard & I” (which is one of Elphaba’s songs) during an NBC “Wicked” special in 2018, and Erivo performed “For Good” during an appearance of “The Late Late Show With James Corden” in March.

What Music Will Be in the “Wicked” Movie?

Stephen Schwartz, who wrote the music for the original Broadway production, is attached to the project, with rumors that he’ll be writing new songs for the movie. Fans will have to wait and see what songs Schwartz adds, but they can’t question his résumé: in addition to “Wicked,” Schwartz wrote the music for “Godspell,” “Pippin,” “Pocahontas,” “The Prince of Egypt,” and “Enchanted.”

What Is the “Wicked” Movie Based On?

The “Wicked” movie is an adaptation of the Broadway show of the same name, which was based on Gregory Maguire’s novel “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West.” The novel is much darker than the more family-friendly stage show, but it’s possible the movie will draw from some of the more adult themes of the source material.

A new release date has yet to be announced, but given that filming hasn’t yet started, it’s likely to be released sometime between late 2023 to early 2024

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Adam Regan: Deputy Editor

Features and account management. 7 years media experience. Previously covered features for online and print editions.

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