A Wicked Concept
By Sioph LealUniversal’s film adaptation of Wicked, a Tony-winning Broadway musical, is already one of the most highly anticipated musical adaptations. Based on the 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire, the movie musical will see Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba.
Director Jon M. Chu has teased more details of the project, teasing two images of Glinda and Elphaba as well as the fact that the movie will be split into two parts. Given that Chu doesn’t want to cut down on too many of the musical numbers, having the movie split into two gives this movie musical a fair chance of being true to the beloved Broadway musical. Part one of Wicked has been moved up, with a new release date of November 27th, 2024, and the second and final part being released the following year.
Wicked tells the incredible story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two young women: the blonde and very popular Glinda (Ariana Grande) and a misunderstood green girl named Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo). Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard, their friendship reaches a crossroads, and their lives take very different paths. Glinda's unflinching desire for popularity and love sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba's determination to remain true to herself and those around her will have unexpected and shocking consequences for her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destiny as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
Maguire’s book takes a much darker turn compared to the Broadway hit as it explores Elphaba’s childhood, social ostracism, and death at the hands of Dorothy Gale. Thanks to Maguire, the Wicked Witch of the West was given a more sympathetic view, using Elphaba’s journey to explore what is good and evil and if people were truly born wicked or had wickedness thrust upon them through various themes of propaganda that are included in the show.
Elphaba movie concept
Elphaba, the believed daughter of the governor of Munchkinland, is ostracized for her electric-green skin. She attends the University of Shiz in the magical land of Oz. When Elphaba arrives, she is mercilessly shunned for being different. Fighting for animal rights, Elphaba learns the value of speaking up for others who are ostracized in Oz, just as her powers attract the attention of the Wonderful Wizard.
Adapting the musical is no easy feat, but I would hope that Chu manages to combine the darker, grittier themes of Maguire’s 1995 book into the movie, mostly through Elphaba’s turbulent childhood and the complex relationships within her family dynamic
Glinda movie concept
Although she only made a few appearances outside of the Shiz setting in the novel, her role was expanded for the musical. As in the book, Glinda is known as Galinda Upland (a native of the Upper Uplands) and is distinguished by her popularity and ambition. Glinda is a highly outgoing, cheery, and well-liked young lady. In contrast to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, she wears a blue dress rather than a pale pink one and has blonde hair rather than red.
Though briefly mentioned in Maguire’s book, the musical did a fantastic job of adding more to Glinda’s character. Through her friendship with Elphaba, Glinda was shown to be a compassionate, though equally stubborn, friend who is blinded by her own ambitions and the influence of others.
Fiyero movie concept
Casting Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero Tiggular is one of the best casting decisions in a movie musical. Bailey showcased his singing talents in 2016's London play of The Last Five Years, where he played the lead role of Jamie. With his effortless charm and on-screen chemistry with almost any scene partner, Bailey makes the perfect choice as the Winkie Prince.
Fiyero Tiggular is Elphaba's love interest in the Brodway musical, though he first caught the attention of a certain good witch. While this was a small factor in the Broadway musical, there is hope that the writer, Winnie Holzman (also the writer for the stage musical), stays away from the cliche love triangle trope.