“The Wizard of Oz” is often cited as one of the greatest films of all time. And though we tend to poopoo any talk of prequels and sequels to treasured classics, there’s no denying everyone’s excitement for “Wicked.” The two-part film debuts its first half later this year and is expected to have the potential of being a major blockbuster.
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As seen in the trailer for “Wicked,” the film is based on the acclaimed Broadway musical and tells the story of Glinda and Elphaba, two budding witches as they go to the Shiz University to help grow their craft. However, if you’ve seen “The Wizard of Oz,” you know what eventually happens as Glinda becomes the Good Witch and Elphaba embraces the dark side to become the Wicked Witch.
The cast includes Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Michelle Yeoh,Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Jeff Goldblum, Bronwyn James, and Keala Settle. “Wicked” is directed by Jon M. Chu, who is no stranger to musicals. Before “Wicked,” he also directed the film adaptation of the musical, “In the Heights.”
Here’s the synopsis:
Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Broadway’s The Color Purple) 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 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.