MANILA, Philippines — After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, "Wicked" makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen as a spectacular cinematic event this year.
"Wicked," the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo 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 in 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.
The film also stars Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh as Shiz University’s regal headmistress Madame Morrible; Jonathan Bailey ("Bridgerton," "Fellow Travelers") as Fiyero, a roguish and carefree prince; Tony nominee Ethan Slater (Broadway’s “Spongebob Squarepants”) as Boq, an altruistic Munchkin student; Marissa Bode in her feature-film debut as Nessarose, Elphaba’s favored sister; and pop culture icon Jeff Goldblum as the legendary Wizard of Oz.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jon M. Chu ("Crazy Rich Asians," "In the Heights"), "Wicked" is the first chapter of a two-part immersive, cultural celebration. It opens in cinemas on November 27, while "Wicked: Part Two" is scheduled to arrive in theaters in 2025. — Video by Universal Pictures Philippines via YouTube