‘Wicked’ trailer: Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are defying gravity [WATCH]

Christopher Rosen
·2 min read
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They’re gonna be popular.

On Wednesday, Universal released the first full trailer for Jon M. Chu’s blockbuster adaptation of the musical smash “Wicked” starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. The film, the first of a two-part take on the Broadway hit, arrives in theaters on November 27.

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Here’s the official logline provided by Universal:

“Wicked,” the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy-, Grammy- and Tony-winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (“Harriet,” Broadway’s “The Color Purple”) 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 at 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. Glinda’s unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba’s determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West. 

In addition to Erivo and Grande, “Wicked” also stars 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,” “Fosse/Verdon”) as Boq, an altruistic Munchkin student; Marissa Bode in her feature-film debut as Nessarose, Elphaba’s favored sister; and Jeff Goldblum as the legendary Wizard of Oz.

Additional cast members include Bowen Yang (“Saturday Night Live”) and Bronwyn James (“Harlots”) as, respectively, Pfannee and ShenShen, two conniving compatriots of Glinda; there’s also Keala Settle (“The Greatest Showman”) as a new character created for the film, Miss Coddle; and Peter Dinklage (“Game of Thrones”) as the voice of Dr. Dillamond. 

As noted by Universal, “Wicked” is “the first chapter of a two-part immersive, cultural celebration.” The second film, helpfully titled, “Wicked Part Two,” debuts in theaters on November 26, 2025.

The film adaptation of this theatrical classic- now the fourth-longest-running show in Broadway history — could be poised to wreak wicked revenge upon major entertainment awards while competing at the Oscars next year. At the 2004 Tony Awards, “Wicked” led with the most nominations (10) and was widely considered to be the frontrunner to win Best Musical. It lost in an upset, however, to “Avenue Q.”

But “Wicked” did win Best Musical Actress for Idina Menzel as Elphaba/Wicked Witch (the role Erivo assumes in the film version) in addition to Tonys for Best Costumes and Best Scenic Design.

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