Listen to Cynthia Erivo Sing ‘Defying Gravity’ in New Wicked Trailer
Something magical is brewing…
The opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris was a dream come true for theatre enthusiasts. With boats gliding in to the iconic Phantom of the Opera overture, a stirring French rendition of “Do You Hear the People Sing” from Les Misérables, and a brand-new trailer for the highly anticipated Wicked film, the night was unforgettable. During commercial breaks, fans were treated to fresh footage and more of Cynthia Erivo’s stunning rendition of “Defying Gravity.” You can watch the trailer above.
Mark your calendars: Wicked hits movie theatres on November 22, with Wicked: Part Two set to follow in Thanksgiving 2025. The film stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, directed by Jon M. Chu.
The cast also features West End Company Olivier winner and Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, SpongeBob SquarePants star Ethan Slater as Boq, Emmy winner Peter Dinklage as Dr. Dillamond, 2023 Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, Jeff Goldblum as The Wizard, and newcomer Marissa Bode as Nessarose, making history as the first wheelchair-using actor in the role.
Stage and screen star Keala Settle, SNL’s Bowen Yang, Bronwyn James, Aaron Teoh, and Colin Michael Carmichael bring new characters to life, with Settle as Miss Coddle, Carmichael as Professor Nikidik, and Yang, James, and Teoh as Shiz students Pfannee, ShenShen, and Avaric. The screen adaptation will feature new songs by Stephen Schwartz. Wicked book writer Winnie Holzman penned the screenplay, and Tony winner Paul Tazewell designed the costumes.
Wicked, which spins a new backstory onto the classic Wizard of Oz tale, debuted on Broadway in 2003 and remains a beloved fixture at the Gershwin Theatre. Based on Gregory Maguire’s novel, the musical features music and lyrics by Schwartz and a book by Holzman. The original cast included Tony winners Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth as Elphaba and Glinda. Since then, the musical has been performed in more than 100 cities across 16 countries, becoming the fourth longest-running production in Broadway history.
The show won 2004 Tony Awards for Best Actress in a Musical (Menzel), Best Costume Design (Susan Hilferty), and Best Scenic Design (Eugene Lee).
