In 1995, Gregory Maguire released the novel “Wicked,” which tells the origin story of “The Wizard of Oz”’s villain Elphaba. Maguire’s book struck a chord with many readers and was adapted into a wildly popular musical in 2003. NBCUniversal is currently adapting that musical into a highly-anticipated film.
While we haven’t seen much footage, the studio just released an over two-minute behind-the-scenes sneak peek of the film.
The upcoming film is directed by Jon M. Chu (“In the Heights”), from a script by Winnie Holzman, who also wrote the stage musical.
“Wicked” will tell the story of Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) as they attend Shiz University. Showing the events leading up to Elphaba becoming the dreaded Wicked Witch of the West from “The Wizard of Oz.
Behind-The-Scenes
This sneak peek is more to chronicle the emotional journey that the cast and crew put into bringing “Wicked” to the big screen. In one truly touching moment, we see Erivo find out she was cast as Elphaba in a video call. After her excited sobs it cuts to her explaining how she first saw the play when she was 25. It made her feel as if she “was floating on air,” she’d never seen anything like it.
“There’s sort of this innate understanding of what it feels like to be someone who’s different,” said Erivo through tears. “It’s been a really long journey, and I’m really grateful for it,” when discussing what it has taken to get Wicked to the big screen.
We also get to see Grande offered the role of Glinda via another video call. The actress and singer explains that she saw the original Broadway cast when she was 10. She adored it but especially loved the character Glinda.
Footage From “Wicked“
However, NBCUniversal did throw fans a bone with some footage from the film. These clips include a scene with Elphaba and Glinda dancing together in a mirror. Which people are assuming is from the song “Popular.” There are several clips of a group of Shiz students dancing, possibly to the song “Dear Old Shiz.”
We get a glimpse of Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey) and Glinda going to the party. Soon followed by Elphaba entering in her signature black pointy hat that Glinda gives her as a joke. We also get to see Elphaba and Glinda meet the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) for the first time. Alongside some footage of Madame Morrible played by the incrdible Michelle Yeoh.
The sneak peek ends with teasing a full trailer release on Wednesday, May 15th. “Wicked” will hit theaters on November 27th. You can check out the sneak peek below:
