Daring and influential cultural sensation that left a lasting impact on a generation
Ain't no holdin' back here, folks! Let's dive into the world of Wicked, that bloody brilliant musical twisted fairytale. Written by the one and only Winnie Holzman and Oscar-winning composer Stephen Schwartz, these two got their grubby little hands on the timeless classic L. Frank Baum's The Wizard of Oz, and they sure as hell weren't afraid to mess with it!
"It was a wild ride," Winnie mused. "Coming back to this world, we realized there were parts we wanted to explore further, with more nuance." And so, Wicked was born, leaving behind a trail of (broken) yellow brick roads, killer tunes, and a whole heap of dark magic in its wake.
First published in 1995, just shy of a century after the initial release of The Wizard of Oz, Wicked tells the tale of two wicked witches—Elphaba and Glinda—before Dorothy dropped 'em like a hot potato in their world. The story became a goddamned literary sensation, so it was only a matter of time before it made its way to Broadway in 2003, resurrecting as a mesmerizing theatrical event that captured the hearts and minds of a damn generation.
Crazy how Wicked, like Baum's original work, has left an indelible mark on our collective consciousness. It cuts right through the bullshit, sharpening our perceptions and making us question this crazy world we live in. It's got a finger on the pulse of every generation, even our own.
On the surface, Wicked is the origin story of how Elphaba became the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda became the Good (ha!). But it's also about the tale of an unlikely friendship between two young women—one ostracized, the other adored—and the unexpected ways the untapped power within one can reshape both their lives and Oz, forever.
For years, producer Marc Platt had been approached about adapting the stage show for the big screen. But it just didn't feel like the right time. That is, until the stars aligned, and Platt finally felt it was time to give flight to Elphaba and Glinda. Says Platt, "What's exciting about bringing Wicked to film is that we can expand on the universe of the stage production and investigate the different worlds—Munchkinland, Shiz University, the dwellings where the Animals live, and more."
But the damn stage can only show you so much, you know? It can't immerse you like a goddamn movie can. And with this damn film, Wicked comes alive in a grand, detailed, magical way. It brings Oz to life in a way we never fucking dreamed of!
The damn movie follows a two-part structure, with the first part detailing how Elphaba becomes the Wicked Witch of the West, and the second part, happening in 2025, all about Glinda's transformation into the beloved "Good Witch." And let me tell you, it's gonna be a motherfucker of a cinematic experience!
In Wicked, Elphaba is a young woman who's been misunderstood because of her green skin. She's yet to discover her true power. Glinda, on the other hand, is a popular young woman gilded by privilege and ambition—yet to discover her true heart. These two bitches meet at the prestigious Shiz University in Oz, start a strange, profound friendship, have an encounter with the ever-elusive Wizard of Oz, hit a crossroads, and their lives take fucking different paths.
These two powerhouse performers, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, take on the titular roles of Elphaba and Glinda, respectively. These chicks are pure talent! They'll take you on an epic journey through Oz, full of magic, love, and heartache. Keep an eye out for 'em, 'cause these two are going places!
The damn movie marks the collaboration of some of the most brilliant minds in the biz. Six-time Oscar-nominated production designer Nathan Crowley brings his fucking genius to the table, creating a rich, immersive fantasy world as only he can. The set pieces, the costumes, the visual effects—the whole damn shebang is going to blow your fucking mind!
Paul Tazewell—that badass costume designer who won an Emmy for Hamilton—tells me he was "excited to revisit the world of Oz, a world deeply embedded in his professional and personal history." He plans to bring "his own design language and voice" to Wicked, while still honoring its beloved stage musical roots.
In the end, Winnie Holzman, Stephen Schwartz, and the whole damn team have one goal: to give fans of the stage production everything they've been dreaming of in a fucking epic film. They ain't cutting any songs or characters, and they're diving deep into the story, going places you never fucking thought possible! So grab your damn brooms, ladies and gents, and get the fuck ready to be transported to an awe-inspiring, magical land!
"Wicked, with its origins in the world of movies-and-tv entertainment, has successfully transitioned from a stage musical to an upcoming film."
"The film not only immerses viewers in a grand and detailed format but also extends the universe of the stage production, delving deeper into various realms such as Munchkinland, Shiz University, and more."
