The premiere of Jon M. Chu’s adaptation of Wicked, held on November 9, 2024, at Los Angeles’ Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, brought together past and present stars of the beloved musical. Original Broadway leads Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel, who originated the roles of Glinda and Elphaba in 2003, reunited with Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, their film counterparts. This rare gathering, which highlighted the legacy of Wicked’s enduring story, was marked by enthusiastic reactions from fans and cast members alike.
Original Broadway Stars Join Film Cast at Los Angeles Premiere
The premiere featured an all-star gathering of the musical’s original Broadway stars alongside the lead actors of the upcoming film adaptation. Chenoweth and Menzel, who became household names through their roles as Glinda and Elphaba, respectively, posed for photos with Erivo and Grande, their successors in the roles. The event also included appearances by other cast members such as Jeff Goldblum, Marissa Bode, Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater, and Bronwyn James. However, director Jon M. Chu was notably absent, reportedly staying with his wife as they awaited the arrival of their fifth child.
In a unique nod to both the original and new casts, fans were treated to a rare glimpse of the two Glindas and two Elphabas standing together. This image symbolizes the continuation of Wicked’s legacy as it moves from stage to screen, an adaptation long awaited by the musical’s global fan base. The film, set for release on November 22, 2024, marks the first of a two-part adaptation of the Broadway classic.
Film Production and Attention to Character Detail
The Wicked film, adapted from the Broadway musical, explores the origins of the Wicked Witch of the West, drawing on characters from L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The story follows Elphaba Thropp, a misunderstood young woman with unique green skin and magical abilities, who later becomes the feared Wicked Witch. At Shiz University, she meets Glinda, a bubbly sorceress in training. Despite their initial differences, the two become roommates and eventually close friends, until outside forces test their relationship.
In developing the set and characters, the production team engaged closely with Erivo and Grande to gain insights into their interpretations of Elphaba and Glinda. Production designer Nathan Crowley shared in an interview with PEOPLE that the team consulted both actresses extensively to understand how they envisioned their characters, with this collaboration shaping the film’s set design and props. This approach underscored the filmmakers’ dedication to staying true to the essence of these iconic characters, as well as to the fans’ expectations of authenticity and detail.
As cast members prepared to bring the beloved characters to life, acts of camaraderie among the cast also contributed to a supportive working environment. PEOPLE magazine’s exclusive coverage revealed that newcomer Marissa Bode, who plays Elphaba’s younger sister Nessarose, shared memories of Cynthia Erivo’s thoughtfulness, such as bringing home-baked cookies to the set. Erivo even prepared vegan and gluten-free varieties, showing special attention to any dietary needs of her castmates. These gestures contributed to a collaborative atmosphere, helping the cast bond as they worked on bringing Wicked’s story to a new medium.
Positive Early Reactions and Future Release Plans
Early reactions have praised the film for its visual spectacle and depth, with some calling it a “masterpiece” that will exceed expectations. This enthusiasm reflects the commitment of both the cast and production team to honor the beloved musical’s legacy. The film will be released in two parts, allowing ample time for the narrative to develop across both installments. Fans can look forward to the first part on November 22, 2024, with the second part expected to follow in 2025.
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