The long-awaited “Wicked” (2024) movie, based on the beloved Broadway musical, has just dropped a new trailer, offering fans a glimpse into the magical world of Oz. Directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, this film has already garnered immense anticipation. If you’re excited to see how the witches of Oz came to be, this trailer provides plenty to be excited about!
In this article, we’ll explore the highlights of the new trailer, talk about the talented cast, and share our hopes and expectations for this upcoming blockbuster. Watch the trailer here.
What Makes the Trailer for “Wicked” So Captivating?
The trailer begins with a solemn announcement from Glinda (played by Ariana Grande) that the Wicked Witch of the West is dead. This immediately captures the viewer’s attention, setting the stage for an intense exploration of the untold backstory of the witches of Oz.
What stands out most in this trailer is its rich visual style and enchanting soundtrack, including a snippet of “Defying Gravity” performed by Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba). Erivo’s powerful voice is a treat for fans of the original musical. The trailer also teases a deeper exploration of the magical world, with spectacular shots of Emerald City and Shiz University, where the two protagonists meet.
The emotional tension between Elphaba and Glinda, evident even in the trailer, promises a film filled with drama, friendship, and powerful magic.
Stellar Cast of “Wicked” – Who’s Who?
The film boasts an incredible ensemble cast, and the trailer introduces us to some key players:
- Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba: The green-skinned outcast who is yet to discover her true magical potential. Erivo’s haunting rendition of “Defying Gravity” already promises a standout performance.
- Ariana Grande as Glinda: The privileged and popular young woman who must confront her inner desires and ambition. Grande’s portrayal of Glinda, accompanied by a golden aura and bubbly personality, mirrors her character’s evolution in the musical.
- Jeff Goldblum as The Wizard of Oz: Known for his charismatic performances, Goldblum brings his unique flair to the Wizard, whose agenda seems as manipulative as ever.
- Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible: The headmistress of Shiz University, whose initial impression of Elphaba shifts once she witnesses her immense power.
- Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero: The charming prince who is sure to add romantic tension to the storyline.
The trailer also offers glimpses of other notable characters, including Bowen Yang and Marissa Bode. With such a talented cast, it’s no wonder fans are eagerly counting down to the film’s release.
Critique and Analysis: Does the Trailer Deliver?
While the trailer delivers excitement and nostalgia for fans of the Broadway musical, it leaves some questions unanswered. One of the most glaring omissions is any mention that “Wicked” will be a two-part film. With the second part already filmed and scheduled for release in 2025, the decision not to reveal this in the trailer is puzzling and has sparked discussions among fans and critics.
The cinematography and CGI effects look impressive, but the tone of the trailer oscillates between lighthearted moments and darker, more intense scenes. This could signal a tonal shift from the whimsical nature of the musical to something more dramatic, perhaps akin to Oz the Great and Powerful (2013), which you can read more about here.
Audience Enthusiasm and Expectations
The fan response to the trailer has been overwhelmingly positive. Many fans have taken to YouTube to express their excitement, with some even shedding tears of joy at the emotional weight carried by the footage. One comment that encapsulates the mood reads: “I promised myself I wasn’t going to cry. And now here we are. Counting down the days until November.”
With a release date of November 22, 2024, fans are expecting an unforgettable cinematic experience. The stunning visual effects and musical performances alone seem poised to make “Wicked” a box-office hit, especially among those who cherished the original Broadway production.
What We Hope to See in the Full Movie
- A Deeper Exploration of the Characters: The relationship between Elphaba and Glinda is central to the story, and we hope the movie dives into their friendship with the same emotional depth as the musical. Fans are also eager to see more screen time for supporting characters like Fiyero and Madame Morrible.
- A Seamless Transition from Stage to Screen: With musicals, there’s always the challenge of translating the magic of live performance into film. The trailer suggests that Jon M. Chu’s direction will do justice to the source material, but we’ll be looking closely at how well the musical numbers are integrated into the storyline.
- An Engaging Continuation: Knowing that this is only Part 1, we expect the movie to set up the second film effectively. Hopefully, the film ends on a high note without feeling like an incomplete story.
Final Thoughts
“Wicked” is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated movies of 2024. The new trailer offers just enough to keep fans excited without giving too much away, and with a stellar cast and beloved source material, expectations are through the roof.
For those looking to revisit the world of Oz before the film hits theaters, check out our reviews of The Wizard of Oz (1939) here and Return to Oz (1985) here.
Ready to experience the magic of “Wicked”? Watch the trailer here, and let the countdown to November begin!
