The director of “Wicked,” Jon M. Chu, is embracing the term “musical,” despite it being somewhat stigmatized in Hollywood marketing of late. Bringing one of the most beloved Broadway shows, “Wicked,” to the big screen means there’s no escaping the musical nature of the story, deeply intertwined with the classic movie musical, “The Wizard of Oz.” Chu, known for directing “In the Heights” in 2021, sees the beauty and power of music in storytelling, believing that when words fall short, music becomes the extension of expression in films and musicals, conveying the emotions and journeys of characters.
Set for release by Universal Pictures on Nov. 22 in theaters, “Wicked” is a significant risk as it is split into two parts, with the second installment scheduled for fall 2025. The film is a grand endeavor, leaning into the spectacle of a big-screen musical at a time when other projects like “Wonka” and “Mean Girls” have downplayed their musical elements. According to Chu, creating the film was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that required aiming high and pushing boundaries in cinema, especially when the role of movies in our lives is under scrutiny.
“Wicked,” scripted by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox, stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Thropp (the Wicked Witch of the West) and Ariana Grande as Galinda (the Good Witch of the South). The journey to adapt “Wicked” into a movie has been a long and evolving process, with various filmmakers and actors attached to the project over the years. For Chu and producer Marc Platt, the journey led them to believe it was fate for Chu to direct “Wicked,” resonating with its themes of unconventional paths to reaching one’s goals and dreams.
The film’s success will heavily rely on the chemistry and performances of its leads, Erivo and Grande, along with a stellar supporting cast including Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, and Michelle Yeoh. Chu praises Erivo’s vulnerability and Grande’s transformation for their roles, expressing confidence in their ability to captivate audiences and bring depth to the characters of Elphaba and Glinda.
“Wicked” will explore the transformation of Elphaba in the first film and delve into Glinda’s journey in the sequel. The pressure to honor not just “Wicked” but also the iconic “The Wizard of Oz” pushed the filmmakers to extreme lengths, such as growing nine million tulips for elaborate sets depicting the fantastical world of Oz. The meticulous attention to detail in creating sets like the Emerald City and Munchkin Land was a testament to Chu’s commitment to bringing the land of Oz to life on screen in a grand and immersive way.
