This weekend, “Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo will receive the Gold Ally honor at the Gold House Gold Gala, and filmmaker Jon M. Chu will present the award to her.
Ahead of the Gala, Chu spoke with Variety celebrating his leading lady. He recalls the first time he met her over Zoom while casting for his upcoming movie musical “Wicked.”
Based on Gregory Maguire’s novel that inspired Broadway’s acclaimed musical of the same name, “Wicked” precedes Dorothy’s arrival in Oz and tells the legend of the world and the story behind Elphaba, (Erivo) the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda (Ariana Grande), who becomes the good witch.
Chu shares insight into the performance that blew him away, and why Erivo receiving the Gold Ally award has special meaning for him.
What’s your earliest memory of meeting Cynthia?
It was meeting her over Zoom. She was in...
Ahead of the Gala, Chu spoke with Variety celebrating his leading lady. He recalls the first time he met her over Zoom while casting for his upcoming movie musical “Wicked.”
Based on Gregory Maguire’s novel that inspired Broadway’s acclaimed musical of the same name, “Wicked” precedes Dorothy’s arrival in Oz and tells the legend of the world and the story behind Elphaba, (Erivo) the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda (Ariana Grande), who becomes the good witch.
Chu shares insight into the performance that blew him away, and why Erivo receiving the Gold Ally award has special meaning for him.
What’s your earliest memory of meeting Cynthia?
It was meeting her over Zoom. She was in...
- 5/10/2024
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Ariana Grande hasn’t performed live much these last few years, but on Monday, she delivered a rare set at the 2024 Met Gala. Obviously, that’s a hard (practically impossible) ticket to get, but the pop star has since shared a bunch of videos from her set on TikTok.
Grande opened her seven-song set in the most apt way possible, with a cover of the 1959 Sleeping Beauty tune, “Once Upon a Dream,” to match the Met Museum Costume Institute’s spring exhibit, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.”
@arianagrande
once upon a dream…...
Grande opened her seven-song set in the most apt way possible, with a cover of the 1959 Sleeping Beauty tune, “Once Upon a Dream,” to match the Met Museum Costume Institute’s spring exhibit, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.”
@arianagrande
once upon a dream…...
- 5/8/2024
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Broadway star Lindsay Mendez and her beau J Alex Brinson have tied the knot!
The couple, who met on the set of the CBS series All Rise, got married on Monday (April 22) in New York City, and were sure to include friends in their special day.
Those friends, her Merrily We Roll Along co-stars Daniel Radcliffe and Jonathan Groff, who both served special duties on the big day.
Keep reading to find out more…
According to EW, and images from the ceremony shared to social media, Daniel served as ring bearer and Jonathan was the officiant!
Tony-winning composer Stephen Schwartz was also in attendance for the big day. If you didn’t know, he wrote the music for Wicked, which Lindsay starred in as Elphaba in 2013 and 2014.
In addition to tying the knot, Lindsay and J also recently announced that they are expecting their first child together. She is also mom to a three-year-old daughter,...
The couple, who met on the set of the CBS series All Rise, got married on Monday (April 22) in New York City, and were sure to include friends in their special day.
Those friends, her Merrily We Roll Along co-stars Daniel Radcliffe and Jonathan Groff, who both served special duties on the big day.
Keep reading to find out more…
According to EW, and images from the ceremony shared to social media, Daniel served as ring bearer and Jonathan was the officiant!
Tony-winning composer Stephen Schwartz was also in attendance for the big day. If you didn’t know, he wrote the music for Wicked, which Lindsay starred in as Elphaba in 2013 and 2014.
In addition to tying the knot, Lindsay and J also recently announced that they are expecting their first child together. She is also mom to a three-year-old daughter,...
- 4/24/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
What's the best Disney villain song? I love Scar's devious rallying call "Be Prepared" from "The Lion King." For the feminine villains, "Mother Knows Best" from "Tangled" (sung by Tony winner Donna Murphy as Gothel) is deliciously theatrical.
Ultimately, still, the crown can't go anywhere but to "Hellfire" from "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," as Claude Frollo (the late Tony Jay) sings before a searing fireplace about his lust for Romani "witch" Esmeralda (Demi Moore). Jay's mellifluous baritone was like no other — the actor's voice was so powerful it lifted the song with its echoes.
Now, the "Hunchback" soundtrack is nothing to sneer at, but "Hellfire" is on another level of daring ambition. "Out There" (by Tom Hulce as Quasimodo) is the "yearning song" seen in many a Disney movie, a la "Part of Your World" from "The Little Mermaid" or "Belle's Reprise" from "Beauty and the Beast." Esmeralda's...
Ultimately, still, the crown can't go anywhere but to "Hellfire" from "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," as Claude Frollo (the late Tony Jay) sings before a searing fireplace about his lust for Romani "witch" Esmeralda (Demi Moore). Jay's mellifluous baritone was like no other — the actor's voice was so powerful it lifted the song with its echoes.
Now, the "Hunchback" soundtrack is nothing to sneer at, but "Hellfire" is on another level of daring ambition. "Out There" (by Tom Hulce as Quasimodo) is the "yearning song" seen in many a Disney movie, a la "Part of Your World" from "The Little Mermaid" or "Belle's Reprise" from "Beauty and the Beast." Esmeralda's...
- 4/15/2024
- by Devin Meenan
- Slash Film
There’s no place like CinemaCon for Universal to debut enchanting new footage for Jon M. Chu’s adaptation of Wicked! On Wednesday, the studio dropped a house on the CinemaCon crowd at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, helping Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, to tell her side of a misunderstood story.
During Universal’s CinemaCon presentation, the studio surprised the crowd by activating lanyards and roses given out before the presentation. Like magic, the objects lit up, flashing different colors as the theater filled with music. When the Great and Powerful Oz showed up, the lights interacted with his entrance. Jeff Goldblum is Oz, and he took the stage to introduce the film. “I’ll be a ringtail flying monkey if that’s not the biggest flying cranium I’ve seen in my life,” Goldblum quipped about his character.
“I’ve been chased by dinosaurs, I...
During Universal’s CinemaCon presentation, the studio surprised the crowd by activating lanyards and roses given out before the presentation. Like magic, the objects lit up, flashing different colors as the theater filled with music. When the Great and Powerful Oz showed up, the lights interacted with his entrance. Jeff Goldblum is Oz, and he took the stage to introduce the film. “I’ll be a ringtail flying monkey if that’s not the biggest flying cranium I’ve seen in my life,” Goldblum quipped about his character.
“I’ve been chased by dinosaurs, I...
- 4/11/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
One year after debuting the first look of Wicked at CinemaCon, Universal Pictures brought members of the magical crew to Las Vegas on Wednesday to light up the festivities once again, with the team including filmmaker Jon M. Chu and his leading ladies, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who had the honor of introducing exclusive footage for theater owners.
It was an emotional presentation for the Wicked team as Chu was moved to tears as he recounted finding the two performers to topline the film, and later Grande also got choked up as well.
The electric presentation — which featured on stage remarks from cast members such as Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, Chu and producer Marc Platt — was telegraphed from the start as Colosseum staffers handed out Wicked lanyards to attendees when they walked into the theater. Other staffers instructed guests to be careful with tulips placed...
It was an emotional presentation for the Wicked team as Chu was moved to tears as he recounted finding the two performers to topline the film, and later Grande also got choked up as well.
The electric presentation — which featured on stage remarks from cast members such as Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, Chu and producer Marc Platt — was telegraphed from the start as Colosseum staffers handed out Wicked lanyards to attendees when they walked into the theater. Other staffers instructed guests to be careful with tulips placed...
- 4/11/2024
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“Wicked” stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo traveled to Las Vegas for CinemaCon, the annual convention for movie theater owners.
Dressed in their character’s signature pink and green aesthetic, the Grammy-nominated artists graced the stage at Caesars Palace to hype up “Wicked,” the big-budget movie musical that’s due in theaters around Thanksgiving.
“We both felt such a tremendous responsibility to honor these women and to pour our hearts, our souls, our tears — so many different pairs of lashes,” said Grande, who requested to hold hands with her co-star on stage. Erivo added, “I’m really grateful for this journey that we’ve taken together.”
Though they didn’t sing (to the disappointment of many in the room), they introduced an extended featurette. Scored to “Popular” and “Defying Gravity,” the dazzling footage showcased the sweeping, brightly lit world and includes scenes of Elphaba roaming the halls of Shiz University...
Dressed in their character’s signature pink and green aesthetic, the Grammy-nominated artists graced the stage at Caesars Palace to hype up “Wicked,” the big-budget movie musical that’s due in theaters around Thanksgiving.
“We both felt such a tremendous responsibility to honor these women and to pour our hearts, our souls, our tears — so many different pairs of lashes,” said Grande, who requested to hold hands with her co-star on stage. Erivo added, “I’m really grateful for this journey that we’ve taken together.”
Though they didn’t sing (to the disappointment of many in the room), they introduced an extended featurette. Scored to “Popular” and “Defying Gravity,” the dazzling footage showcased the sweeping, brightly lit world and includes scenes of Elphaba roaming the halls of Shiz University...
- 4/11/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Tyrion Lannister is heading to the Wonderful World of Oz. Peter Dinklage has been cast in the upcoming Broadway musical adaptation “Wicked: Part One,” it was announced Wednesday.
Jim Orr, Universal Pictures President of Domestic Theatrical Distribution, announced the news on Wednesday, during the company’s CinemaCon presentation in Las Vegas. Dinklage will voice Dr. Dillamond, a goat professor at Shiz University and a mentor to the musical’s protagonist Elphaba (played in the film by Cynthia Erivo). William Youmans originated the part on Broadway in 2003.
Dinklage is best known for his acclaimed performance as Tyrion in HBO drama “Game of Thrones.” For his part as the scheming political manipulator, the actor won the Primetime Emmy Award for Oustanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series a record four times across the show’s eight seasons. Outside of “Game of Thrones,” Dinklage broke through with the 2003 indie film “The Station Agent,...
Jim Orr, Universal Pictures President of Domestic Theatrical Distribution, announced the news on Wednesday, during the company’s CinemaCon presentation in Las Vegas. Dinklage will voice Dr. Dillamond, a goat professor at Shiz University and a mentor to the musical’s protagonist Elphaba (played in the film by Cynthia Erivo). William Youmans originated the part on Broadway in 2003.
Dinklage is best known for his acclaimed performance as Tyrion in HBO drama “Game of Thrones.” For his part as the scheming political manipulator, the actor won the Primetime Emmy Award for Oustanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series a record four times across the show’s eight seasons. Outside of “Game of Thrones,” Dinklage broke through with the 2003 indie film “The Station Agent,...
- 4/11/2024
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
Universal ended its CinemaCon presentation with Wicked last year, and they continued to beat the drum for director Jon M. Chu’s feature take of the Broadway musical with a colorful spectacle. Every attendee at Caesars Colosseum was given a faux tulip that lit up in varying colors, in particular pink and green, creating a great visual before Jeff Goldblum aka the Wizard took the stage to introduce Chu and producer Marc Platt.
Chu regaled: “I was a Silicon Valley kid, and as a matter of luck, I was there when Wicked was workshopped in San Francisco. I’ll never forget it; it imprinted on me permanently.”
He was joined by Michelle Yeoh and Jonathan Bailey. Yeoh praised Chu for casting her in roles in which the filmmaker “knows her so well.”
But the big surprise came when the witches themselves, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, stepped on stage.
Grande...
Chu regaled: “I was a Silicon Valley kid, and as a matter of luck, I was there when Wicked was workshopped in San Francisco. I’ll never forget it; it imprinted on me permanently.”
He was joined by Michelle Yeoh and Jonathan Bailey. Yeoh praised Chu for casting her in roles in which the filmmaker “knows her so well.”
But the big surprise came when the witches themselves, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, stepped on stage.
Grande...
- 4/11/2024
- by Nancy Tartaglione and Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
"Wicked" began its life as a playful, lore-rich 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire, which imagined deep backstories and complex relationships between the characters from "The Wizard of Oz." By Maguire's imagining, the green-skinned Wicked Witch of the West was merely misunderstood and marginalized. In 2003, lyricist Stephen Schwartz and dramatist Winnie Holzman adapted Maguire's novel into a Broadway musical that almost instantly became a runaway hit. "Wicked" won three Tonys, and had since set up camp on Broadway, becoming one of the longest-running shows in the history of the Great White Way. As of this writing, "Wicked" has surpassed "Cats" in number of performances.
Due in theaters on November 27, 2024, is the first part of a massive two-film adaptation of "Wicked" directed by the venerable Jon M. Chu. Although the stage version of "Wicked" only runs about two and a half hours, Chu has elected to expand it into a "Dune"-sized event,...
Due in theaters on November 27, 2024, is the first part of a massive two-film adaptation of "Wicked" directed by the venerable Jon M. Chu. Although the stage version of "Wicked" only runs about two and a half hours, Chu has elected to expand it into a "Dune"-sized event,...
- 3/26/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Thankfully, the Wicked movie will be arriving soon!
Almost ten years after plans to adapt the hit musical was first announced, two stars, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, are finally attached to the project. If you have been following the latest entertainment news, you may have been privy to the fact that a movie adaptation of the popular Broadway musical Wicked is in the works. Although a lot of fans were expecting some acclaimed celebrities to take on the iconic roles of Elphaba and Glinda, the casting decisions may cause a few to raise their eyebrows.
Instead of casting megastars such as Jennifer Lopez, Renee Rapp, Katy Perry, Amanda Seyfried, Dove Cameron, Lea Michele, or even the Jonas Brothers, the production team chose lesser-known actors for the lead roles.
Grande in a still from her upcoming movie Wicked (2024)
Cynthia Erivo will play Elphaba, while Ariana Grande will take on the...
Almost ten years after plans to adapt the hit musical was first announced, two stars, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, are finally attached to the project. If you have been following the latest entertainment news, you may have been privy to the fact that a movie adaptation of the popular Broadway musical Wicked is in the works. Although a lot of fans were expecting some acclaimed celebrities to take on the iconic roles of Elphaba and Glinda, the casting decisions may cause a few to raise their eyebrows.
Instead of casting megastars such as Jennifer Lopez, Renee Rapp, Katy Perry, Amanda Seyfried, Dove Cameron, Lea Michele, or even the Jonas Brothers, the production team chose lesser-known actors for the lead roles.
Grande in a still from her upcoming movie Wicked (2024)
Cynthia Erivo will play Elphaba, while Ariana Grande will take on the...
- 3/22/2024
- by Siddhika Prajapati
- FandomWire
Exclusive: The legendary 1972 Toronto production of the musical Godspell – a staging that launched the careers of Martin Short, Eugene Levy, Gilda Radner, Victor Garber, Paul Shaffer, Andrea Martin and Dave Thomas, among others – will be the subject of a feature length documentary exec produced by Judd Apatow.
“As a bona fide comedy nerd,” said Apatow in a statement, “I’ve long wondered what exactly brought that amazing group of people together to produce not just a fantastic theatrical event, but what came after: Second City Toronto, Sctv, and of course Saturday Night Live – not to mention a host of movies and TV from Splash to The Three Amigos to Schitt’s Creek and Only Murders in the Building. None of that would have happened in the way that it did without the Toronto Godspell.”
The film will be produced, directed and co-written (with Jane Mendelsohn) by Nick Davis, whose most recent film,...
“As a bona fide comedy nerd,” said Apatow in a statement, “I’ve long wondered what exactly brought that amazing group of people together to produce not just a fantastic theatrical event, but what came after: Second City Toronto, Sctv, and of course Saturday Night Live – not to mention a host of movies and TV from Splash to The Three Amigos to Schitt’s Creek and Only Murders in the Building. None of that would have happened in the way that it did without the Toronto Godspell.”
The film will be produced, directed and co-written (with Jane Mendelsohn) by Nick Davis, whose most recent film,...
- 3/14/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Super Bowl Sunday always has a little something for everyone, but this year's big game in Las Vegas went above and beyond in the razzle-dazzle department.
We were, of course, prepared for a celebrity-crammed spectacle due to the luxury booth presence of Travis Kelce's substantially famous girlfriend, but this gridiron rematch between last year's combatants, the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers, brought out more than just arguably the most famous pop star on the planet. The only pop star in that aforementioned argument, Beyoncé, was there with her hip-hop god husband Jay-Z! The world's greatest basketball player, LeBron James, flew in from Los Angeles for the contest! And Paul freakin' Rudd, sporting a bushy freakin' mustache that would've driven Avery Schreiber into a jealous rage, prowled the sidelines pre-game in support of his hometown Chiefs!
But if we're talking true, earth-shaking, knock-you-on-your-keister fame, let there be...
We were, of course, prepared for a celebrity-crammed spectacle due to the luxury booth presence of Travis Kelce's substantially famous girlfriend, but this gridiron rematch between last year's combatants, the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers, brought out more than just arguably the most famous pop star on the planet. The only pop star in that aforementioned argument, Beyoncé, was there with her hip-hop god husband Jay-Z! The world's greatest basketball player, LeBron James, flew in from Los Angeles for the contest! And Paul freakin' Rudd, sporting a bushy freakin' mustache that would've driven Avery Schreiber into a jealous rage, prowled the sidelines pre-game in support of his hometown Chiefs!
But if we're talking true, earth-shaking, knock-you-on-your-keister fame, let there be...
- 2/13/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
There was music in the air throughout Super Bowl Lviii. Usher wooed the masses with his singing at the halftime show, and even Ryan Gosling outed himself as a Swiftie in a brand-new trailer for "The Fall Guy." But you know the one place where there wasn't any onscreen singing? The game's first look trailer for "Wicked," "In the Heights" director Jon M. Chu's upcoming two-part film adaptation of one of the most pop-u-lar stage musicals in Broadway history.
Save for a few snippets of off-screen singing (including Cynthia Erivo belting out the show-stopping "Defying Gravity"), the "Wicked' trailer was devoted exclusively to spoken dialogue. This isn't anything new, either. "Wonka," "The Color Purple," and "Mean Girls" were almost single-handedly responsible for keeping theaters afloat in January, yet you might have not realized these films were full of singing and dancing if you went in having only watched their trailers.
Save for a few snippets of off-screen singing (including Cynthia Erivo belting out the show-stopping "Defying Gravity"), the "Wicked' trailer was devoted exclusively to spoken dialogue. This isn't anything new, either. "Wonka," "The Color Purple," and "Mean Girls" were almost single-handedly responsible for keeping theaters afloat in January, yet you might have not realized these films were full of singing and dancing if you went in having only watched their trailers.
- 2/12/2024
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
Wicked is a musical. It is, in fact, a hugely successful, award-winning, long-running stage show crammed full of memorable tunes. But you might not suspect that from this first look at the film version (or at least the first part), which like Mean Girls, The Color Purple and even Wonka before it, is promoted in such a way as to almost completely hide that. Still, this initial footage from John M. Chu's adaptation certainly has some magic to it…
Drawing from the show, which itself adapts Gregory Maguire's novel, Wicked is the untold story of the witches from The Wizard Of Oz. Here, we learn that Elphaba isn't the villain the movie makes her out to be. And Glinda (the seemingly perfect Good Witch here embodied by Ariana Grande)? Not as perfect as she appears.
With the stage book writer Winnie Holzman and composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz on hand...
Drawing from the show, which itself adapts Gregory Maguire's novel, Wicked is the untold story of the witches from The Wizard Of Oz. Here, we learn that Elphaba isn't the villain the movie makes her out to be. And Glinda (the seemingly perfect Good Witch here embodied by Ariana Grande)? Not as perfect as she appears.
With the stage book writer Winnie Holzman and composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz on hand...
- 2/12/2024
- by James White
- Empire - Movies
It’s going to be popular.
During Sunday’s Super Bowl, Universal debuted the first trailer for the studio’s two-part adaptation of the musical “Wicked” starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. The film, from director Jon M. Chu, is due out in theaters on November 27. Part Two of the series comes out a year later, on November 26, 2025.
Here’s the lengthy synopsis of “Wicked” provided by the studio.
“After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen as a spectacular, generation-defining cinematic event this holiday season.
Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda,...
During Sunday’s Super Bowl, Universal debuted the first trailer for the studio’s two-part adaptation of the musical “Wicked” starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. The film, from director Jon M. Chu, is due out in theaters on November 27. Part Two of the series comes out a year later, on November 26, 2025.
Here’s the lengthy synopsis of “Wicked” provided by the studio.
“After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen as a spectacular, generation-defining cinematic event this holiday season.
Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda,...
- 2/12/2024
- by Christopher Rosen
- Gold Derby
Universal Pictures has revealed the first trailer for its upcoming film adaptation of the Broadway musical Wicked, starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.
The first-look trailer offers a generous preview of the Land of Oz, including shots of Glinda (Grande) and Elphaba’s (Erivo) first meeting, flying monkeys, endless fields of poppies, the grand Emerald City, Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard of Oz, and much more. Watch it below.
“Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, [Glinda and Elphaba’s] friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths,” reads the official logline. “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 first-look trailer offers a generous preview of the Land of Oz, including shots of Glinda (Grande) and Elphaba’s (Erivo) first meeting, flying monkeys, endless fields of poppies, the grand Emerald City, Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard of Oz, and much more. Watch it below.
“Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, [Glinda and Elphaba’s] friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths,” reads the official logline. “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.
- 2/12/2024
- by Jo Vito
- Consequence - Film News
The first teaser for Wicked aired today during the Big Game.
After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen as a spectacular, generation-defining cinematic event this holiday season.
Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart.
The film opens November 27, 2024.
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...
After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen as a spectacular, generation-defining cinematic event this holiday season.
Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart.
The film opens November 27, 2024.
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...
- 2/12/2024
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Intellectual property and franchising always mean trying to use some popular I.P. and spinning it however possible. And lord knows they’ve tried all kinds of riffs on “The Wizard Of Oz.” But the most recent and popular has been Winnie Holzman and Stephen Schwartz’s stage musical “Wicked,” which itself is based on the 1995 novel “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West” by Gregory Maguire (and yes, that’s based on the original “Wizard Of Oz” book).
Continue reading ‘Wicked: Part One’ Trailer: Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande Star In This Musical Fantasy Arriving In November at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘Wicked: Part One’ Trailer: Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande Star In This Musical Fantasy Arriving In November at The Playlist.
- 2/11/2024
- by Edward Davis
- The Playlist
The Wizard of Oz musical Wicked is getting a movie adaptation from Crazy Rich Asians filmmaker Jon M. Chu, and Universal debuted the trailer during the Super Bowl tonight.
Wicked is coming to the big screen for Thanksgiving 2024. Watch the trailer below. Ariana Grande is playing Glinda in the musical movie, with Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba.
After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen as a spectacular, generation-defining cinematic event this holiday season. Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has...
Wicked is coming to the big screen for Thanksgiving 2024. Watch the trailer below. Ariana Grande is playing Glinda in the musical movie, with Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba.
After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen as a spectacular, generation-defining cinematic event this holiday season. Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has...
- 2/11/2024
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Ding dong! The wicked witch is alive and well in the first trailer for “Wicked.”
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are a vision in green and pink as they grace the fantastical land of Oz in Jon M. Chu’s upcoming movie musical. And the first look at the film, which debuted during the Super Bowl on Sunday, unfolds to the familiar strains of “Defying Gravity,” the show’s signature anthem.
“Don’t be afraid,” Grande’s Glinda reassures Erivo’s Elphaba.
“I’m not afraid,” Erivo responds, steely voiced. “It’s the Wizard who should be afraid of me.”
This is clearly a different Oz than the one that Dorthy Gale encountered. Based on Gregory Maguire’s novel that inspired Broadway’s acclaimed musical of the same name, “Wicked” precedes Dorothy’s arrival in the magical world and tells the legend of world and the story behind Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West.
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are a vision in green and pink as they grace the fantastical land of Oz in Jon M. Chu’s upcoming movie musical. And the first look at the film, which debuted during the Super Bowl on Sunday, unfolds to the familiar strains of “Defying Gravity,” the show’s signature anthem.
“Don’t be afraid,” Grande’s Glinda reassures Erivo’s Elphaba.
“I’m not afraid,” Erivo responds, steely voiced. “It’s the Wizard who should be afraid of me.”
This is clearly a different Oz than the one that Dorthy Gale encountered. Based on Gregory Maguire’s novel that inspired Broadway’s acclaimed musical of the same name, “Wicked” precedes Dorothy’s arrival in the magical world and tells the legend of world and the story behind Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West.
- 2/11/2024
- by Sophia Scorziello and Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Hollywood has been wanting to turn Stephen Schwartz's smash hit musical "Wicked" into a movie for well over 10 years. I remember reading news stories about potential directors as far back as 2010, long before "In the Heights" filmmaker Jon M. Chu eventually signed on to bring this "Wizard of Oz" prequel story to the big screen. Now Universal Pictures has finally released the first trailer for the film, which is set long before Dorothy crashes her way into the Land of Oz. The adaptation of the beloved musical follows the doomed friendship between two witches: Galinda, the eventual Good Witch of the South (played here by pop superstar Ariana Grande), and the green-skinned Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West (played by Broadway veteran and actor Cynthia Erivo).
If this trailer is any indication, it looks like the years-long wait may have been worth it: Chu and his team...
If this trailer is any indication, it looks like the years-long wait may have been worth it: Chu and his team...
- 2/11/2024
- by Ben Pearson
- Slash Film
Kristin Chenoweth is planning her Broadway return in the new musical The Queen of Versailles and the show just announced its world premiere production.
Before going to Broadway, the show will be staged at Boston’s historic Emerson Colonial Theatre in summer 2024. The new musical is based on the award-winning 2012 documentary The Queen of Versailles and the life of beauty queen, socialite and TV personality Jacqueline “Jackie” Siegel.
Kristin will lead the production for a five-week limited engagement from Tuesday, July 16 through Sunday, August 18.
Keep reading to find out more…
From computer engineer to Mrs. Florida to billionairess, Jackie Siegel sees herself as the embodiment of the American Dream. Now, as the wife of David “The Timeshare King” Siegel and mother of their eight children, they invite us to behold their most grandiose venture yet: they’re building the largest private home in America in Orlando, Florida – a $100 million house...
Before going to Broadway, the show will be staged at Boston’s historic Emerson Colonial Theatre in summer 2024. The new musical is based on the award-winning 2012 documentary The Queen of Versailles and the life of beauty queen, socialite and TV personality Jacqueline “Jackie” Siegel.
Kristin will lead the production for a five-week limited engagement from Tuesday, July 16 through Sunday, August 18.
Keep reading to find out more…
From computer engineer to Mrs. Florida to billionairess, Jackie Siegel sees herself as the embodiment of the American Dream. Now, as the wife of David “The Timeshare King” Siegel and mother of their eight children, they invite us to behold their most grandiose venture yet: they’re building the largest private home in America in Orlando, Florida – a $100 million house...
- 2/9/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
The Wicked movies only had two more weeks of filming remaining when the SAG-AFTRA strike impacted production last year.
The cast was unable to work during the strike and production was paused with only days remaining in the filming process.
It now appears that the Wicked cast is getting ready to resume filming and fans have noticed some clues!
Keep reading to find out more…
The cast of the movie includes Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, Ariana Grande as Glinda, Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, and Ethan Slater as Boq.
Cynthia just left a comment on Jonathan‘s Instagram account that seemingly hints at the cast getting back together on set. After he attended the Golden Globes over the weekend, Cynthia commented on his January 8 post and said, “We live for it all. You look gorgeous darling!!! See you soon!
The cast was unable to work during the strike and production was paused with only days remaining in the filming process.
It now appears that the Wicked cast is getting ready to resume filming and fans have noticed some clues!
Keep reading to find out more…
The cast of the movie includes Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, Ariana Grande as Glinda, Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, and Ethan Slater as Boq.
Cynthia just left a comment on Jonathan‘s Instagram account that seemingly hints at the cast getting back together on set. After he attended the Golden Globes over the weekend, Cynthia commented on his January 8 post and said, “We live for it all. You look gorgeous darling!!! See you soon!
- 1/9/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
The very idea of Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston collaborating is breathtaking. Carey discussed what it was like getting to know Houston while they worked on the movie The Prince of Egypt. She also revealed that something about the creative process irked her.
Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston did a song by a Broadway titan for ‘The Prince of Egypt’
In her 2020 book The Meaning of Mariah Carey, the “Touch My Body” singer recalled producer Jeffrey Katzenberg asking her to perform “When You Believe” with Houston for The Prince of Egypt. Katzenberg was a Disney producer who later went on to co-found DreamWorks Skg. Neither singer had anything to do with the writing of the song. “When You Believe” was by Stephen Schwartz, who is known for writing tunes for Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, and Enchanted. He also wrote the Broadway musicals Wicked, Pippin, and Godspell. While he’s...
Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston did a song by a Broadway titan for ‘The Prince of Egypt’
In her 2020 book The Meaning of Mariah Carey, the “Touch My Body” singer recalled producer Jeffrey Katzenberg asking her to perform “When You Believe” with Houston for The Prince of Egypt. Katzenberg was a Disney producer who later went on to co-found DreamWorks Skg. Neither singer had anything to do with the writing of the song. “When You Believe” was by Stephen Schwartz, who is known for writing tunes for Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, and Enchanted. He also wrote the Broadway musicals Wicked, Pippin, and Godspell. While he’s...
- 1/3/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The very idea of Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston collaborating is breathtaking. Carey discussed what it was like getting to know Houston while they worked on the movie The Prince of Egypt. She also revealed that something about the creative process irked her.
Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston did a song by a Broadway titan for ‘The Prince of Egypt’
In her 2020 book The Meaning of Mariah Carey, the “Touch My Body” singer recalled producer Jeffrey Katzenberg asking her to perform “When You Believe” with Houston for The Prince of Egypt. Katzenberg was a Disney producer who later went on to co-found DreamWorks Skg. Neither singer had anything to do with the writing of the song. “When You Believe” was by Stephen Schwartz, who is known for writing tunes for Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, and Enchanted. He also wrote the Broadway musicals Wicked, Pippin, and Godspell. While he’s...
Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston did a song by a Broadway titan for ‘The Prince of Egypt’
In her 2020 book The Meaning of Mariah Carey, the “Touch My Body” singer recalled producer Jeffrey Katzenberg asking her to perform “When You Believe” with Houston for The Prince of Egypt. Katzenberg was a Disney producer who later went on to co-found DreamWorks Skg. Neither singer had anything to do with the writing of the song. “When You Believe” was by Stephen Schwartz, who is known for writing tunes for Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, and Enchanted. He also wrote the Broadway musicals Wicked, Pippin, and Godspell. While he’s...
- 1/3/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Singer-songwriter Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater were spotted together in New York City. The singer and the Broadway star, still have their own homes, but they have been living under one roof as their romance heats up. A source shared that the pair “vibe together” and enjoy each other’s company, reports ‘Female First UK’.
The insider shared the development with TMZ. The ‘Thank U, Next’ hitmaker is due to head back to England next year to resume filming her pair of ‘Wicked’ films, whilst Ethan is starring in a stage production of ‘Spamalot’ back on Broadway.
It’s unclear if Ethan will jet across the pond to be with his girlfriend in London.
As per ‘Female First UK’, Ariana split from her husband Dalton Gomez in January after two years of marriage before moving on with Ethan, who she has been working with on ‘Wicked’. Meanwhile, Ariana has been...
The insider shared the development with TMZ. The ‘Thank U, Next’ hitmaker is due to head back to England next year to resume filming her pair of ‘Wicked’ films, whilst Ethan is starring in a stage production of ‘Spamalot’ back on Broadway.
It’s unclear if Ethan will jet across the pond to be with his girlfriend in London.
As per ‘Female First UK’, Ariana split from her husband Dalton Gomez in January after two years of marriage before moving on with Ethan, who she has been working with on ‘Wicked’. Meanwhile, Ariana has been...
- 12/28/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Kristin Chenoweth, the Emmy- and Tony-winning Broadway favorite, will lead a one-night-only benefit concert this April to honor the late Roundabout Theatre Company leader Todd Haimes.
Reuniting with her On the Twentieth Century choreographer Warren Carlyle, Chenoweth will take the stage at Broadway’s Stephen Sondheim Theatre on April 15 in Kristin: An Evening With Friends For Todd. Carlyle will both direct and choreograph the event, and Chenoweth will be joined onstage by what the non-profit theater company is calling “a remarkable roster of Roundabout favorites for a once-in-a-lifetime concert” celebrating Haimes.
The concert, benefiting Roundabout’s various programs and initiatives including Education at Roundabout, will come just shy of one year since Haimes’ death on April 19, 2023. The longtime president and CEO of Roundabout died at 66 of osteosarcoma, an aggressive cancer.
Chenoweth was last on Broadway in a Tony-nominated performance in Roundabout’s On The Twentieth Century, and she won a...
Reuniting with her On the Twentieth Century choreographer Warren Carlyle, Chenoweth will take the stage at Broadway’s Stephen Sondheim Theatre on April 15 in Kristin: An Evening With Friends For Todd. Carlyle will both direct and choreograph the event, and Chenoweth will be joined onstage by what the non-profit theater company is calling “a remarkable roster of Roundabout favorites for a once-in-a-lifetime concert” celebrating Haimes.
The concert, benefiting Roundabout’s various programs and initiatives including Education at Roundabout, will come just shy of one year since Haimes’ death on April 19, 2023. The longtime president and CEO of Roundabout died at 66 of osteosarcoma, an aggressive cancer.
Chenoweth was last on Broadway in a Tony-nominated performance in Roundabout’s On The Twentieth Century, and she won a...
- 12/20/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Top musical talent is coming together to help support the next generation of songwriters and bring music education to young people as part of the third annual Holiday Auction for The ASCAP Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to supporting music creators.
In the past year alone, ASCAP Foundation programs benefited more than 300,000 people, including 60,000 students from 700 schools.
A range of A-list artists and songwriters from all corners of the music world have contributed items for bid including hip-hop icons Dr. Dre + Snoop Dogg and Big Daddy Kane, pop stars such as Olivia Rodrigo, Selena Gomez and Reneé Rapp, renowned DJs Steve Aoki and Martin Garrix, indie luminaries Cigarettes After Sex and mxmtoon, rockers Travis Barker (Blink-182), Tenacious D, Papa Roach, Richie Sambora (Bon Jovi guitarist), Chicago and Josh Klinghoffer (former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist), songwriting legends like Paul Williams, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Desmond Child and Poo Bear,...
In the past year alone, ASCAP Foundation programs benefited more than 300,000 people, including 60,000 students from 700 schools.
A range of A-list artists and songwriters from all corners of the music world have contributed items for bid including hip-hop icons Dr. Dre + Snoop Dogg and Big Daddy Kane, pop stars such as Olivia Rodrigo, Selena Gomez and Reneé Rapp, renowned DJs Steve Aoki and Martin Garrix, indie luminaries Cigarettes After Sex and mxmtoon, rockers Travis Barker (Blink-182), Tenacious D, Papa Roach, Richie Sambora (Bon Jovi guitarist), Chicago and Josh Klinghoffer (former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist), songwriting legends like Paul Williams, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Desmond Child and Poo Bear,...
- 12/4/2023
- Look to the Stars
The upcoming Broadway revival of Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People starring Jeremy Strong has landed two more heavy hitters: Michael Imperioli will costar opposite Strong, and Plan B, the production company of Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner & Jeremy Kleiner, has signed on as a producer.
The project marks the Broadway debuts for both Imperioli and Plan B. Complete casting will be announced at a later date.
As previously announced, the strictly limited 16-week engagement begins previews at Broadway’s Circle in the Square Theatre on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, and will open Monday, March 18.
The new adaptation by Amy Herzog (a Tony nominee for last season’s A Doll’s House starring Jessica Chastain) will be directed by Tony Award winner Sam Gold (Fun Home).
Imperioli, currently starring in Hulu’s This Fool, was Emmy-nominated for his turn in Season 2 of Mike White’s acclaimed hit series The White Lotus, and is...
The project marks the Broadway debuts for both Imperioli and Plan B. Complete casting will be announced at a later date.
As previously announced, the strictly limited 16-week engagement begins previews at Broadway’s Circle in the Square Theatre on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, and will open Monday, March 18.
The new adaptation by Amy Herzog (a Tony nominee for last season’s A Doll’s House starring Jessica Chastain) will be directed by Tony Award winner Sam Gold (Fun Home).
Imperioli, currently starring in Hulu’s This Fool, was Emmy-nominated for his turn in Season 2 of Mike White’s acclaimed hit series The White Lotus, and is...
- 11/14/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Something Wicked this way comes, again.
Broadway in Hollywood said today that the Tony-winning smash Broadway musical will return to the Pantages Theatre next year, with its limited engagement starting in December 2024. The organization usually reveals the Hollywood Boulevard venue’s entire season every February, but it got a broom-flying start on 2024-25.
The show is based on Gregory Maguire 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, which followed up L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and its classic 1939 MGM film. Featuring songs including “Defying Gravity,” “Popular” and “For Good,” it looks at what happened in the Land of Oz from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman born with emerald-green skin who is smart, fiery, misunderstood and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry...
Broadway in Hollywood said today that the Tony-winning smash Broadway musical will return to the Pantages Theatre next year, with its limited engagement starting in December 2024. The organization usually reveals the Hollywood Boulevard venue’s entire season every February, but it got a broom-flying start on 2024-25.
The show is based on Gregory Maguire 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, which followed up L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and its classic 1939 MGM film. Featuring songs including “Defying Gravity,” “Popular” and “For Good,” it looks at what happened in the Land of Oz from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman born with emerald-green skin who is smart, fiery, misunderstood and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry...
- 10/30/2023
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
The Prince of Egypt is a hit musical which was first released in cinemas in 1998 – but has made its way and found a home on stage, with a production currently ongoing in London’s West End. But fans of the story will have the wonderful opportunity to combine the two mediums, as a recording of the production is going to be screened, on two separate days – October 19th & 22nd. To mark the occasion, we spoke to the legendary composer and songwriter Stephen Schwartz.
We discuss the timeless themes of the story, and what makes them resonate with audiences today – which Schwartz explains are particularly timely at present. We also talk about his original collaboration with Hans Zimmer, the differences in process when it comes to writing for stage or screen, and considering he this year celebrated a 75th birthday – we take a look back across what can only be described...
We discuss the timeless themes of the story, and what makes them resonate with audiences today – which Schwartz explains are particularly timely at present. We also talk about his original collaboration with Hans Zimmer, the differences in process when it comes to writing for stage or screen, and considering he this year celebrated a 75th birthday – we take a look back across what can only be described...
- 10/19/2023
- by Stefan Pape
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
There’s much to celebrate this September thanks to Plex! The free streaming service is adding 23 new titles to its library of over 50,000 this month, and even though the list may seem short, especially compared to some of the major streamers’ lists, Plex is flexing its movie muscles with major titles such as “L.A. Confidential,” “The King of Comedy,” and more.
Check out The Streamable’s top picks for the coming month and the full list below!
Watch Now $0+ / month plex.tv What are the 5 Best Shows and Movies Coming to Plex in September 2023? “Pi” | Friday, Sept. 1
Before “Requiem for a Dream,” “The Whale,” and the rest of his filmography, Darren Aronofsky made his feature directorial debut with the black-and-white psychological thriller “Pi.” Starring Sean Gullette, the film follows Max Cohen, a paranoid mathematician with an obsession to find order in the world amongst the diametrically opposed concepts of human irrationality and mathematical rationality.
Check out The Streamable’s top picks for the coming month and the full list below!
Watch Now $0+ / month plex.tv What are the 5 Best Shows and Movies Coming to Plex in September 2023? “Pi” | Friday, Sept. 1
Before “Requiem for a Dream,” “The Whale,” and the rest of his filmography, Darren Aronofsky made his feature directorial debut with the black-and-white psychological thriller “Pi.” Starring Sean Gullette, the film follows Max Cohen, a paranoid mathematician with an obsession to find order in the world amongst the diametrically opposed concepts of human irrationality and mathematical rationality.
- 8/29/2023
- by Ashley Steves
- The Streamable
“Wicked” composer Stephen Schwartz confirmed in an interview with Variety that production was shut down with just 10 days remaining to complete filming for Parts 1 and 2 of the film adaptation.
Schwartz wrote the music and lyrics for the original musical and collaborated again with book writer Winnie Holzman for the film adaptation, which stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda.
While Schwartz acknowledged that the timing was frustrating, he also expressed his solidarity with the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes.
“It’s quite frustrating in a way because we have, I think, 10 days worth of shooting to go finish all the shooting for both movies…But on the other hand, I might as well declare it, I’m in great sympathy and support of the unions that are striking,” he said.
“Wicked” director Jon M. Chu posted on his Instagram story and tweeted about how close the production was to being completed.
Schwartz wrote the music and lyrics for the original musical and collaborated again with book writer Winnie Holzman for the film adaptation, which stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda.
While Schwartz acknowledged that the timing was frustrating, he also expressed his solidarity with the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes.
“It’s quite frustrating in a way because we have, I think, 10 days worth of shooting to go finish all the shooting for both movies…But on the other hand, I might as well declare it, I’m in great sympathy and support of the unions that are striking,” he said.
“Wicked” director Jon M. Chu posted on his Instagram story and tweeted about how close the production was to being completed.
- 7/19/2023
- by Jaden Thompson
- Variety Film + TV
As the combined SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes drag on, an increasing number of productions are being impacted, including the big-budget musical adaptation of “Wicked” starring Cynthia Ervivo and Adriana Grande.
Now, director Jon M. Chu has taken to Twitter to give an update on the movie’s progress – and how much longer they’ve got to go.
“Not done yet. Just paused until the strike is over and we can finish the last pieces of the movie. We were only a few days away from being done so we were So close. It’s been very painful to put a halt to it all but we will be back! And we will finish properly strong when the time is right,” Chu wrote. “My heart goes out to our cast and crew who were cut short of what we came here to complete together. More to come but in the meantime...
Now, director Jon M. Chu has taken to Twitter to give an update on the movie’s progress – and how much longer they’ve got to go.
“Not done yet. Just paused until the strike is over and we can finish the last pieces of the movie. We were only a few days away from being done so we were So close. It’s been very painful to put a halt to it all but we will be back! And we will finish properly strong when the time is right,” Chu wrote. “My heart goes out to our cast and crew who were cut short of what we came here to complete together. More to come but in the meantime...
- 7/19/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Wicked director Jon M. Chu has some encouraging news for Wicked fans. According to the celebrated filmmaker, the first part of the fantasy classic’s film adaptation will release on time despite the ongoing Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA strike. Commenting about the film’s status on Twitter, Chu said Wicked: Part One production was days away from completion before the strike halted activity. Chu is confident the movie will resume as soon as better working conditions for writers and actors in the film industry take shape. Wicked: Part One isn’t flying into cinemas until late 2024, giving the team ample time to finish the highly-anticipated project.
“Not done yet,” Chu tweeted. “Just paused until the strike is over and we can finish the last pieces of the movie. We were only a few days away from being done so we were So close. It’s been...
“Not done yet,” Chu tweeted. “Just paused until the strike is over and we can finish the last pieces of the movie. We were only a few days away from being done so we were So close. It’s been...
- 7/19/2023
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Jon Chu’s Wicked Part Two is hopping onto a broomstick and riding to a new release date. Universal Pictures is officially moving the second part of Chu’s Broadway adaptation to November 26, 2025. Initially, the Wicked Part Two release date was scheduled to cast a spell on Christmas 2025, with Wicked Part One opening worldwide on November 27, 2024.
Universal has been working on a Wicked film adaptation since 2004. Stephen Daldry was initially attached to direct but left the project due to scheduling conflicts. The movie’s original release was December 22, 2021, but that didn’t happen. In addition to Covid casting a production hex, Chu went back and forth about dividing the story into two captivating presentations.
The three-time Tony Award-winning stage musical was adapted from Gregory Maguire’s bestselling novel by writer Winnie Holzman and composer-lyricist Stephen Schwartz, who collaborated on the adaptation of the screenplay. The story explains how a green-skinned...
Universal has been working on a Wicked film adaptation since 2004. Stephen Daldry was initially attached to direct but left the project due to scheduling conflicts. The movie’s original release was December 22, 2021, but that didn’t happen. In addition to Covid casting a production hex, Chu went back and forth about dividing the story into two captivating presentations.
The three-time Tony Award-winning stage musical was adapted from Gregory Maguire’s bestselling novel by writer Winnie Holzman and composer-lyricist Stephen Schwartz, who collaborated on the adaptation of the screenplay. The story explains how a green-skinned...
- 6/20/2023
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
“Wicked Part Two” has been moved up a month, with the second and final chapter of Jon. M Chu’s stage adaptation opening not over Christmas Day 2025 but instead Thanksgiving weekend 2025. Starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, Universal’s musical fantasy will drop on November 26, 2025. Why the date change? Well, would you want to open against “Avatar 3 if you don’t have to”?
This is the first bit of musical chairs to come after the Walt Disney Company announced a slew of new dates last week, including moving “Avatar 3” back a year to December 2025, moving the next two “Avengers” films each back a year to May 2026 and 2027 and slotting two “Star Wars” films for May 2026 and December 2026. Most of the dates were far enough into the future to not have named-and-dated titles impacted.
Also Read:
Global Box Office Picks Up Post-Pandemic Momentum in Europe,...
This is the first bit of musical chairs to come after the Walt Disney Company announced a slew of new dates last week, including moving “Avatar 3” back a year to December 2025, moving the next two “Avengers” films each back a year to May 2026 and 2027 and slotting two “Star Wars” films for May 2026 and December 2026. Most of the dates were far enough into the future to not have named-and-dated titles impacted.
Also Read:
Global Box Office Picks Up Post-Pandemic Momentum in Europe,...
- 6/20/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
Universal Pictures’ Wicked movies, based on the wildly popular Broadway musical, are looking to become a Thanksgiving tradition.
Director Jon M. Chu and the film’s stars, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, revealed Tuesday on their respective social media feeds that Wicked Part Two is moving up its release date in theaters from Dec. 25, 2025 to Nov. 26, 2025, a Wednesday.
The movie isn’t a surprise. In March, Universal and the filmmakers likewise moved up Wicked Part One from Dec. 25, 2024 to Nov. 27, 2024.
Insiders say opening over Thanksgiving gives the event films more time to build an audience over the year-end holidays and is also beneficial from a consumer products standpoint.
The star-studded cast also includes Michelle Yeoh — who made history earlier this year when winning the Oscar for best actress — Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey and Ethan Slater.
The Wicked movies, based on the best-selling novel by Gregory Maguire, is adapted for the...
Director Jon M. Chu and the film’s stars, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, revealed Tuesday on their respective social media feeds that Wicked Part Two is moving up its release date in theaters from Dec. 25, 2025 to Nov. 26, 2025, a Wednesday.
The movie isn’t a surprise. In March, Universal and the filmmakers likewise moved up Wicked Part One from Dec. 25, 2024 to Nov. 27, 2024.
Insiders say opening over Thanksgiving gives the event films more time to build an audience over the year-end holidays and is also beneficial from a consumer products standpoint.
The star-studded cast also includes Michelle Yeoh — who made history earlier this year when winning the Oscar for best actress — Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey and Ethan Slater.
The Wicked movies, based on the best-selling novel by Gregory Maguire, is adapted for the...
- 6/20/2023
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Universal Pictures looks to be pretty excited about its upcoming adaptation of the global Broadway hit Wicked as the studio is moving up Wicked Part Two to November 26, 2025. The film was originally set to bow on Christmas 2025, with Wicked Part One opening worldwide on November 27, 2024.
Jon M. Chu is directing both films with Cynthia Erivo set to play Elphaba and Ariana Grande on board to play Glinda.
The original musical tells the untold story of the witches of Oz, where the two forge an unlikely sisterhood and will empower each other in ways that neither foresees. But as dark forces of prejudice and oppression loom on the horizon, the choices they make will separate them, and will set them on different destinies that will change them, and Oz, for good.
Wicked is produced by Marc Platt and by Tony winner David Stone, with whom Platt produced the blockbuster stage musical.
Jon M. Chu is directing both films with Cynthia Erivo set to play Elphaba and Ariana Grande on board to play Glinda.
The original musical tells the untold story of the witches of Oz, where the two forge an unlikely sisterhood and will empower each other in ways that neither foresees. But as dark forces of prejudice and oppression loom on the horizon, the choices they make will separate them, and will set them on different destinies that will change them, and Oz, for good.
Wicked is produced by Marc Platt and by Tony winner David Stone, with whom Platt produced the blockbuster stage musical.
- 6/20/2023
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Three months from now, the Weeknd might just have an Emmy to place alongside his four Grammys and his Oscar nomination.
That’s because he joins a dozen other music superstars — including Dolly Parton, Common, Ryan Tedder, “Weird Al” Yankovic and Meshell Ndegeocello — who have entered work in this year’s Emmy competition.
Voting began yesterday in the seven music categories. Approximately 550 members of the Academy’s music branch will cast ballots, although viewing the hundreds of entries before voting ends on June 26 is an impossible task, Academy officials privately concede.
The Weeknd, aka Abel Tesfaye, is among the 19 entries in the Music Direction category. He submitted “The Weeknd Live at Sofi Stadium,” an HBO special that aired in February. If nominated, he’s likely to be up against such past winners as Adam Blackstone and Rickey Minor (“The Oscars”).
Most of the big-name performers have entered the song category...
That’s because he joins a dozen other music superstars — including Dolly Parton, Common, Ryan Tedder, “Weird Al” Yankovic and Meshell Ndegeocello — who have entered work in this year’s Emmy competition.
Voting began yesterday in the seven music categories. Approximately 550 members of the Academy’s music branch will cast ballots, although viewing the hundreds of entries before voting ends on June 26 is an impossible task, Academy officials privately concede.
The Weeknd, aka Abel Tesfaye, is among the 19 entries in the Music Direction category. He submitted “The Weeknd Live at Sofi Stadium,” an HBO special that aired in February. If nominated, he’s likely to be up against such past winners as Adam Blackstone and Rickey Minor (“The Oscars”).
Most of the big-name performers have entered the song category...
- 6/17/2023
- by Jon Burlingame
- Variety Film + TV
Stephen Schwartz's musical "Wicked" celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2023. An even greater milestone is on the horizon; "Part One" of the long-awaited film adaptation arrives in 2024. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the film retells the story of the musical, itself a retelling of prior tales. It's about the doomed friendship between two witches, Glinda (the future Good Witch of the South) and the green-skinned Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West.
"Wicked" began as a novel (written by Gregory Maguire), but Schwartz's musical is what made the story a modern classic. It's probably the most famous adaptation of L. Frank Baum's "Oz" mythos, discounting the beloved 1939 "Wizard of Oz" film.
Chu's film take will feature Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda. Both are trained singers so by casting them, the movie is already off to a good start. After a first look...
"Wicked" began as a novel (written by Gregory Maguire), but Schwartz's musical is what made the story a modern classic. It's probably the most famous adaptation of L. Frank Baum's "Oz" mythos, discounting the beloved 1939 "Wizard of Oz" film.
Chu's film take will feature Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda. Both are trained singers so by casting them, the movie is already off to a good start. After a first look...
- 4/27/2023
- by Devin Meenan
- Slash Film
In what’s a shockingly early first look, Universal brought “Wicked: Part One” to CinemaCon audiences.
The rough and unfinished footage opened with a young green witch trying to master her magical training and being told by instructor Michelle Yeoh she needs to harness her emotions. The footage was mixed in with the filmmakers talking about how and why they made the movie. We get solid looks at all the major cast members, including plenty of interaction between Erivo and Grande as the former has a complicated reaction to a gesture of friendship. “Maybe, some of us are just different.” We get a bit of grand dancing, Emerald City production values (nine million real tulips planted) and flying monkey action scenes.
The final montage of fantastical (and source-faithful) images are, of course, set to the chorus of “Defying Gravity.”
Also Read:
Taika Waititi and Michael Fassbender Are Underdogs in ‘Next Goal Wins’ Trailer (Video)
“Wicked,...
The rough and unfinished footage opened with a young green witch trying to master her magical training and being told by instructor Michelle Yeoh she needs to harness her emotions. The footage was mixed in with the filmmakers talking about how and why they made the movie. We get solid looks at all the major cast members, including plenty of interaction between Erivo and Grande as the former has a complicated reaction to a gesture of friendship. “Maybe, some of us are just different.” We get a bit of grand dancing, Emerald City production values (nine million real tulips planted) and flying monkey action scenes.
The final montage of fantastical (and source-faithful) images are, of course, set to the chorus of “Defying Gravity.”
Also Read:
Taika Waititi and Michael Fassbender Are Underdogs in ‘Next Goal Wins’ Trailer (Video)
“Wicked,...
- 4/27/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
Something magical is happening in Oz, and audiences are finally getting a glimpse of all the green and pink action.
Universal brought the first-ever footage of Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda in the movie version of “Wicked” to CinemaCon, the annual movie theater owners convention in Las Vegas. Erivo and Grande weren’t on hand to perform, but viewers were able to hear the captivating sounds of classic Broadway tunes like “Defying Gravity” and “Popular” in the background of the dazzling, magical footage.
The never-before-seen clip begins as Michelle Yeoh’s Madame Morrible works with the green-skinned Elphaba to help her control her gift. “Once you learn to harness your emotions, the sky is the limit,” Morrible tells her student.
The featurette gives a sense of the sweeping, brightly lit set and includes scenes of Elphaba roaming the halls of Shiz University before meeting Glinda, who...
Universal brought the first-ever footage of Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda in the movie version of “Wicked” to CinemaCon, the annual movie theater owners convention in Las Vegas. Erivo and Grande weren’t on hand to perform, but viewers were able to hear the captivating sounds of classic Broadway tunes like “Defying Gravity” and “Popular” in the background of the dazzling, magical footage.
The never-before-seen clip begins as Michelle Yeoh’s Madame Morrible works with the green-skinned Elphaba to help her control her gift. “Once you learn to harness your emotions, the sky is the limit,” Morrible tells her student.
The featurette gives a sense of the sweeping, brightly lit set and includes scenes of Elphaba roaming the halls of Shiz University before meeting Glinda, who...
- 4/27/2023
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Duane Earl Poole, a writer and producer for Aaron Spelling, Hanna-Barbera and Sid & Marty Krofft whose credits include Hart To Hart, The Love Boat, The Smurfs and Electra Woman and Dyna Girl, died of cancer on April 1 in Studio City, California. He was 74.
His death was announced by his husband, Frank V. Bonventre.
Born in Prescott, Arizona, Poole was raised in Kennewick, Washington, Poole began working for King World Productions in Seattle after graduating from the University of Washington. He relocated to Los Angeles in 1975 to work for Hanna-Barbera, and soon became a prolific writer of such Saturday morning cartoon fare as The Great Grape Ape, Scooby’s Laff-a-Lympics, The All-New Super Friends Hour and The Smurfs, among others.
Poole also wrote for Sid and Marty Krofft, whose bizarre, colorful live-action shows rivaled Hanna-Barbera in Saturday morning popularity. Far Out Space Nuts, Electra Woman and Dyna Girl, The Krofft Supershow and...
His death was announced by his husband, Frank V. Bonventre.
Born in Prescott, Arizona, Poole was raised in Kennewick, Washington, Poole began working for King World Productions in Seattle after graduating from the University of Washington. He relocated to Los Angeles in 1975 to work for Hanna-Barbera, and soon became a prolific writer of such Saturday morning cartoon fare as The Great Grape Ape, Scooby’s Laff-a-Lympics, The All-New Super Friends Hour and The Smurfs, among others.
Poole also wrote for Sid and Marty Krofft, whose bizarre, colorful live-action shows rivaled Hanna-Barbera in Saturday morning popularity. Far Out Space Nuts, Electra Woman and Dyna Girl, The Krofft Supershow and...
- 4/21/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
If you were among those eagerly awaiting a look at Wicked film stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande in full witchy getup as Elphaba and Glinda, director Jon M. Chu has taken to Instagram to offer the first official images. We wouldn't say they're the clearest of pictures, but it's all part of teasing the two-part movie. Take a look:
Wicked, in case you weren't already aware, was originally drawn from Gregory Maguire's novel, which tells the untold story of Galinda and Elphaba, the witches from The Wizard Of Oz. The movie comes via the stage production’s book writer Winnie Holzman and Academy Award winning composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz.
Erivo's Elphaba is the young witch who will go on to become the infamous Wicked Witch of the West, but who is seriously misunderstood. Grande, meanwhile, plays the ambitious, popular Glinda (changing her name slightly).
The cast also includes Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero,...
Wicked, in case you weren't already aware, was originally drawn from Gregory Maguire's novel, which tells the untold story of Galinda and Elphaba, the witches from The Wizard Of Oz. The movie comes via the stage production’s book writer Winnie Holzman and Academy Award winning composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz.
Erivo's Elphaba is the young witch who will go on to become the infamous Wicked Witch of the West, but who is seriously misunderstood. Grande, meanwhile, plays the ambitious, popular Glinda (changing her name slightly).
The cast also includes Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero,...
- 4/16/2023
- by James White
- Empire - Movies
These Instagram photos are gonna be popular.
On Sunday, “Wicked” movie musical stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo shared the first looks of their famed characters in the upcoming two-part film. Director Jon M. Chu posted the same photos on Twitter.
“You weren’t told the whole story. What happens when you veer off the Yellow Brick Road? Here is your very First Look of #WickedMovie … currently in production in Oz,” Chu wrote in a timed break along with the Instagram photos.
You weren’t told the whole story. What happens when you veer off the Yellow Brick Road? Here is your very First Look of #WickedMovie … currently in production in Oz. @WickedMovie @UniversalPics pic.twitter.com/pKdTTmi6kD
— Jon M. Chu (@jonmchu) April 16, 2023
In the films, which will be released on consecutive Christmas Days in 2024 and 2025, Grande plays Glinda, the role originated on Broadway by Kristin Chenoweth.
View this...
On Sunday, “Wicked” movie musical stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo shared the first looks of their famed characters in the upcoming two-part film. Director Jon M. Chu posted the same photos on Twitter.
“You weren’t told the whole story. What happens when you veer off the Yellow Brick Road? Here is your very First Look of #WickedMovie … currently in production in Oz,” Chu wrote in a timed break along with the Instagram photos.
You weren’t told the whole story. What happens when you veer off the Yellow Brick Road? Here is your very First Look of #WickedMovie … currently in production in Oz. @WickedMovie @UniversalPics pic.twitter.com/pKdTTmi6kD
— Jon M. Chu (@jonmchu) April 16, 2023
In the films, which will be released on consecutive Christmas Days in 2024 and 2025, Grande plays Glinda, the role originated on Broadway by Kristin Chenoweth.
View this...
- 4/16/2023
- by Christopher Rosen
- Gold Derby
Good news! She’s dead. Director Jon M. Chu has revealed the first look at Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda in the movie version of “Wicked.”
“You weren’t told the whole story. What happens when you veer off the Yellow Brick Road? First Look of the #WickedMovie … currently in production in Oz,” Chu wrote on Instagram.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Jon M Chu (@jonmchu)
In the darkly lit photos, Erivo is sporting her character’s signature witch hat and broom, while a blonde Grande is donning a striking pink gown as she ascends a staircase.
A prequel to “The Wizard of Oz,” “Wicked” recounts everything that happened before Dorothy sauntered down that iconic yellow brick road — and tells the story of the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, who later becomes the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, known as the Good Witch.
“You weren’t told the whole story. What happens when you veer off the Yellow Brick Road? First Look of the #WickedMovie … currently in production in Oz,” Chu wrote on Instagram.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Jon M Chu (@jonmchu)
In the darkly lit photos, Erivo is sporting her character’s signature witch hat and broom, while a blonde Grande is donning a striking pink gown as she ascends a staircase.
A prequel to “The Wizard of Oz,” “Wicked” recounts everything that happened before Dorothy sauntered down that iconic yellow brick road — and tells the story of the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, who later becomes the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, known as the Good Witch.
- 4/16/2023
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Chicago – Yet another famous musical version of the final days of Jesus Christ is celebrating its 50th Anniversary as a film. “Godspell” began as a college project, moved to off-Broadway, released the film adaptation the same year as its cousin film “Jesus Christ Superstar” and had one actor go through all the iterations, while scoring a hit single with the song “Day by Day” … she is Robin Lamont.
Robin Lamont of “Godspell”
She went through all the steps of “Godspell” – even premiering in the Broadway stage version in 1976. Lamont was a student at Carnegie Mellon when a normal class assignment would connect her to the musical for six years. “Godspell” began in Pittsburgh in 1970 as a staged thesis for a Masters Degree by John-Michael Tebelak. It had a whole different set of songs and was structurally different than the show that opened Off-Off Broadway in 1971. After rejecting the original songs,...
Robin Lamont of “Godspell”
She went through all the steps of “Godspell” – even premiering in the Broadway stage version in 1976. Lamont was a student at Carnegie Mellon when a normal class assignment would connect her to the musical for six years. “Godspell” began in Pittsburgh in 1970 as a staged thesis for a Masters Degree by John-Michael Tebelak. It had a whole different set of songs and was structurally different than the show that opened Off-Off Broadway in 1971. After rejecting the original songs,...
- 4/6/2023
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
It was the battle of the Stephens at the 27th annual Tony Awards telecast March 25, 1973 on ABC from the Imperial Theatre. In one corner was Stephen Sondheim’s glorious and exquisite romantic musical “A Little Night Music” based on Ingmar Bergman’s 1955 comedy “Smiles of a Summer Night.” And in the other corner, 25-year-old Stephen Schwartz’s hip, cool, Fosse Fosse Fosse musical “Pippin.”
“A Little Night Music,” which featured song memorable tunes as “Send in the Clowns” and “A Weekend in the Country,” waltzed into the ceremony hosted by Rex Harrison and Celeste Holm and co-hosted by Sandy Duncan and Jerry Orbach with 12 nominations including best musical, best original score, best book for Hugh Wheeler, best direction of a musical for Harold Prince, best performance by a leading actress in a musical for Glynis Johns, leading actor in a musical for Len Cariou, featured actress in a musical for...
“A Little Night Music,” which featured song memorable tunes as “Send in the Clowns” and “A Weekend in the Country,” waltzed into the ceremony hosted by Rex Harrison and Celeste Holm and co-hosted by Sandy Duncan and Jerry Orbach with 12 nominations including best musical, best original score, best book for Hugh Wheeler, best direction of a musical for Harold Prince, best performance by a leading actress in a musical for Glynis Johns, leading actor in a musical for Len Cariou, featured actress in a musical for...
- 4/5/2023
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
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