Many years we have waited for a Wicked movie to appear, and now a full official trailer is finally here!
We have truly been blessed with Wicked content this week, starting with a behind-the-scenes featurette Monday and a new poster Tuesday. This trailer is truly the cherry on top. The 3 1/2 minute preview is jam packed with music and magic, but some things truly defied gravity.
A Young Elphaba Appearance
Wicked is known to be the (unofficial) prequel to The Wizard of Oz, but the musical and book don’t focus on Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) as a child. So, to see a young Elphaba in the Wicked movie trailer was a fun surprise! It seems to just be from the witch recalling memories as opposed to an actual flashback scene. But we’ll have to wait and see. Regardless, how exciting it is for a young actress to have been cast not just in an iconic role but as a young Cynthia Erivo!
More Than Glinda the Good
Speaking of witches, Glinda the Good (Ariana Grande) — or Galinda as you may have heard in the trailer — is truly a treat in this. Especially outside of the Wicked musical universe and fandom, Glinda is very much seen as Elphaba’s antithesis. Scientifically, pink is the absence of green. Because The Wizard of Oz came first, she is associated with all things good while Elphaba is literally called wicked. But one of the best things about Wicked is how three dimensional Glinda is. She may still be the visual opposite of Elphaba, but Glinda is still someone to root for — despite the story being titled for her foil.
Through her interactions with Elphaba in the Wicked movie trailer, we see the growth of their friendship and how Glinda is more than the stereotypical popular rich girl. Glinda’s funny and kind. She’s giddy and truly has good intentions at heart. She grows and has been changed for good because of Elphaba. And though Grande wasn’t everyone’s dream Glinda, she shines in the trailer.
A Fitting Wicked Movie Entrance for the Winkie Prince
Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey) isn’t a huge part of the trailer, which makes total sense, since Wicked’s not his story. But Fiyero’s entrance at Shiz University — where everyone is fangirling and their faces basically all look like the heart-eyes emoji — is the perfect shot and ideal way to capture his introduction. Unlike Glinda and Elphaba, Fiyero is not a character people generally know of outside of fans of the books or musical. The Wizard of Oz has no character named Fiyero. So, what better way to introduce the love interest and Ozian heartthrob than in the Wicked trailer, especially when he’s played by the beloved Jonathan Bailey?
Popping Off with “Popular”
Although the recent behind-the-scenes feature previews more of the musical numbers, the Wicked movie trailer does include not only clips but audio of Glinda’s solo, “Popular.” In the Broadway musical, “Popular” is a fun and entertaining number that truly establishes Glinda’s playfulness. It also serves as a key bonding moment for the witches. Based on what we saw in the trailer, “Popular” looks like it’s been taken to a whole new level. And we are so here for it.
The costumes? So chic. The choreography? Kicked up a notch — literally. A grand battement in a fluffy robe and swinging from a chandelier with pointed toes? We are so impressed! It’s giving girl time at a slumber party, and we want to be invited.
Vibrant and Vivid Visuals Adorn Wicked Movie
It’s all grand, and it’s all green! Well, the Wicked movie is not actually all green like “One Short Day” says.But it is all grand — and there is a lot of green. Whether it’s the Emerald City, the Wizard’s palace, the tulip fields, Glinda and Elphaba’s bedroom or the exterior of Shiz University, the sets are all stunning. The trailer fully immerses and transports us to Oz. Through details like colors, patterns and textures, the set team for Wicked did such a phenomenal job by making each place its own while tying them all together in the Ozian universe. The worldbuilding is unreal.
And you could say the same for the costumes. Sure, unless you’re Elphaba, Glinda, Fiyero, the Wizard or Madame Morrible, the clothes all look pretty similar or at least like part of an ensemble, but Paul Tazewell and the wardrobe team did so in a way where they didn’t just copy and paste from the Broadway production. The Wicked movie costumes have their own Ozian flair that is reminiscent of each character or group.
Elphaba’s iconic black hat and dress are monochrome black, yet intricate and textured in ways that set it apart from the musical. Elphie even gets Shiz uniforms that speak to her and set her apart while still maintaining the academia vibe. And the glasses? They made a statement the second the first look was released during the Super Bowl. Like Elphaba, they are truly one of a kind.
Of course Glinda’s wardrobe appears never-ending and is all pretty, pink and feminine without any of the costumes looking too similar. She even has a sporty outfit! (She can help you be good at sports, you know?)
Though we don’t see much of Fiyero’s costumes, he clearly has a style all his own, too, with geometric and linear patterns and designs on deep purples and blues. It’s certainly a departure from the Broadway musical — justice for the tight white pants! — but it’s also exciting to see and think of where this may go.
Spectacular Scenes of Song and Dazzling Displays of Dance
What would a movie musical — or any musical — be without memorable music and choreography? There’s a reason the Broadway show has been at the Gershwin Theatre for 20 years and counting, and the music is one of many. While we don’t know how all the songs from the stage adaptation carry over to the Wicked movie, we like what we’ve heard. With a powerhouse like Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, we never doubted her ability to sing Wicked. The legendary “Defying Gravity” riff that plays at the end of the trailer and first look alone gives us chills.
As for “Popular”? It is definitely giving Galinda. International pop star Ariana Grande is nowhere to be found. And we already talked about that choreography! There’s not much else dancing featured — there’s more in the “Passion Project” feature — but so far, we’re definitely fans of what Christopher Scott and Comfort Fedoke have created. It can be difficult and a lot to live up to when choreographing for music that’s been on Broadway for 20 years and all over the world, so we can’t wait to see what other musical fun is waiting.
Watch the official Wicked movie trailer
Wicked: Part One is in theaters Nov. 27, 2024.
