Take a look at the beginning of the evolving relationship between Ariana Grande's Glinda and Cynthia Erivo's Elphaba as they meet as classmates at Shiz University.
- May 16, 2024
AceShowbiz - Universal Pictures has unleashed a new trailer for "Wicked", taking fans into the magical world of the Land of Oz. Starring Ariana Grande as Glinda, who later becomes Glinda the Good, and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, who later becomes the Wicked Witch of the West, it delves into the poignant story of the two's friendship.
A prequel to "The Wizard of Oz", the movie recounts events that happened before Elphaba, ostracized for her green skin, became the Wicked Witch of the West. It shows Elphaba and Glinda, who first meet as classmates at Shiz University. "Are people born wicked, or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?" the trailer asks at the beginning.
Sharing a room, Glinda gives Elphaba her signature witch hat, originally as a joke. Often teasing Elphaba over her different appearance, Glinda gradually grows closer with her roommate as she sympathizes with her. Their close friendship becomes more apparent as Elphaba travels with Glinda to the Emerald City and comes face-to-face with the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum).
"The best way to bring folks together is to give 'em a really good enemy," the Wizard says, planning to test them. As Glinda encourages Elphaba to embrace her true self, Elphaba later counters their common enemy, "It's the Wizard who should be afraid of me."
The trailer also offers sneak peek at the musical performances in the film as the actresses sing two of the show's anthems "Popular" and "Defying Gravity".
According to the official synopsis, " 'Wicked', the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Erivo as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart."
It continues, "The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Glinda's unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba's determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West."
The film also stars Michelle Yeoh as Shiz University's regal headmistress Madame Morrible, Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, a roguish and carefree prince, Ethan Slater as Boq, an altruistic Munchkin student, and Marissa Bode as Nessarose, Elphaba's favored sister.
The cast of characters also includes Pfannee and ShenShen, two conniving compatriots of Glinda played by Emmy nominee Bowen Yang and Bronwyn James, and a new character created for the film, Miss Coddle, played by Keala Settle.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jon M. Chu, "Wicked" is the first chapter of a two-part film adaptation of the stage musical of the same name. It is slated to open in theaters on November 27. "Wicked Part Two" is scheduled to arrive in theaters on November 26, 2025.
