We’re less than two months away from the Wicked movie, and Universal isn’t slowing down with the content, providing new footage in a “Celebrating Wicked” feature. The near three-minute video includes interviews, behind-the-scenes video and film clips that reveal the lessons and value of Wicked.
Even though Universal has already gifted us with so much footage, a few things still caught our eyes.
Popular Lines
The featurette starts with a scene where Glinda (Ariana Grande) — originally known as Galinda — asks if she can call Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) “Elphie,” to which the green witch responds, “It’s a little bit perky.” This scene and that dialogue is straight out of the Broadway musical, which is always a popular choice (pun intended). Including this moment in this Wicked movie feature does a great job at establishing each character in addition to their overall connection and vibe with each other.
The video also ends on a high note (no pun intended there) with an entertaining line from Glinda as she prepares to depart by bubble. Seemingly from the “No One Mourns the Wicked” opening scene, Glinda says, “If there are no further questions, I’m gonna go.” It instantly became a meme and gave viewers another look at the comedic demeanor Glinda brings to the story. This isn’t a direct line from Wicked the musical, but it’s a fun interpretation for fans of the musical and allows Grande to make her Glinda the Good her own.
Elphaba’s Evolving Emotions and Powers
We’ve gotten a few glimpses at a young Elphaba (Karis Musongole) already, but the “Celebrating Wicked” feature shows us a bit more than previous Wicked movie features. Even if you’re a fan of the stage adaptation, this is intriguing because we’ve never gotten to see a young Elphaba before.
We see young Elphaba clearly upset as Munchkin kids laugh and point at her, and rocks begin to float. But this time it doesn’t stop there. The young witch attempts to retaliate at the kids for making fun of her, throwing the rocks towards them as she says, “Stop!” Once the rocks are done moving, young Elphaba looks at her hand in wonder. This is a nice precursor to the other times we see Elphaba use her powers at Shiz, further demonstrating that her emotions are key.
‘Wicked’ Movie Feature Previews Role of Ozian Animals
Unless you’ve seen the international Wicked movie trailer or the stage musical, you probably aren’t too aware of the role that animals — namely Doctor Dillamond (Peter Dinklage) — play in the story. This new Wicked featurette didn’t give away a lot, but the animals in Oz are clearly unsafe. Dillamond himself says, “We animals are now being blamed for everything that goes wrong” right before Ozian officials take him from his classroom like it’s an arrest. The Shiz University students are understandably startled by this scene. As the goat professor is taken away, he says, “You aren’t being told the whole story!”
First Look at Keala Settle
And that brings us to Miss Coddle (Keala Settle), whom Elphaba goes to as soon as Doctor Dillamond is taken from his classroom. Besides Madame Morrible and Doctor Dillamond, we haven’t seen much of the Shiz faculty and staff, which is fair. Miss Coddle isn’t in the Broadway musical, so not much is known about the character. But with Keala Settle in the role, it’s one we’re eager and curious to learn more about.
Watch the “Celebrating Wicked” featurette here:
Wicked is in theaters Friday, November 22, 2024.
