EIM Insights

Wicked(2024) Movie Trailer Overview

Wicked, based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, has been adapted into a beloved Broadway musical that tells the story of Elphaba, the misunderstood green-skinned witch, and Glinda, the good witch, from The Wizard of Oz through a different lens. The stage production has been a massive success worldwide, and the film adaptation is expected to bring that same magic to the screen, with new performances and visual spectacle.

The movie, directed by Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians), stars Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba. These casting choices have caused excitement and anticipation, as both singers are renowned for their vocal prowess and acting skills. With a screenplay by Stephen Schwartz, who also wrote the music and lyrics for the original Broadway musical, and Winnie Holzman, the film adaptation is poised to maintain the essence of the musical while offering a fresh cinematic experience.

Visuals and Cinematic Aesthetic

The Wicked movie trailer offers a stunning visual introduction to the world of Oz, promising audiences a blend of magical realism and grandeur that The Wizard of Oz inspired but with a deeper exploration of the land’s political and social dynamics. The first look is filled with lush landscapes, vibrant costumes, and sweeping shots of the Emerald City, but it also introduces darker, more mature tones that reflect the central conflict of the story.

Emerald City: The trailer highlights the bright and sprawling Emerald City with sparkling green towers, majestic palaces, and the colorful, bustling world that represents power and illusion. These visuals match the iconic aesthetic from the stage musical but promise even more impressive effects on-screen.

The Witch’s Lair: Elphaba's lair, a dark and mysterious place that signifies her exile, contrasts sharply with the opulence of the Emerald City. This space is full of arcane symbols and eerie lighting, reinforcing the theme of the outsider and the misunderstood character that Elphaba embodies.

Flying Monkeys: The trailer hints at the return of the iconic flying monkeys, their twisted design adding an air of menace. These creatures were originally beloved by audiences as creatures of evil in The Wizard of Oz, and in Wicked, they represent the propaganda tools of a corrupt system.

Key Characters

The movie’s trailer sets up the duality of its main characters: Elphaba and Glinda. The contrast between their personalities and ideals is central to the plot, as their friendship and eventual fallout provide the emotional core of the story.

Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo): The trailer introduces Erivo's portrayal of Elphaba, whose transformation from a misunderstood, ambitious young woman into the feared "Wicked Witch" is central to the story. Erivo’s vocal range and emotional depth are highlighted in the trailer, especially in her rendition of “Defying Gravity.” Her performance promises to capture the complexity of Elphaba—intelligent, defiant, and fiercely independent, yet tragically misunderstood.

Glinda (Ariana Grande): Grande’s portrayal of Glinda presents the character as more than just a bubbly, superficial "good" witch. The trailer hints at the personal growth Glinda will undergo, as she begins to question her loyalties and the systems that define "good" and "evil." Grande’s vocal talent, particularly in songs like “Popular,” is showcased, giving fans a taste of her character’s charm, wit, and eventual depth.

The Wizard (Jeff Goldblum): While the trailer doesn't give much screen time to Jeff Goldblum's Wizard, his character plays a pivotal role in the unfolding events of the story. The Wizard’s enigmatic personality, as the manipulative leader of Oz, promises to add a layer of intrigue to the narrative, setting the stage for the political undercurrents that define the story.

Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh): Michelle Yeoh, who plays the role of Madame Morrible, is shown briefly in the trailer. Morrible is the manipulative and power-hungry headmistress of Shiz University, where Elphaba and Glinda’s relationship begins. Yeoh’s commanding presence in the trailer suggests she will be an excellent addition to the film's ensemble, bringing a complex villainess to life.

Themes Explored in the Trailer

The Wicked trailer hints at several key themes that will likely be explored in the full film:

Good vs. Evil: One of the central themes of Wicked is the examination of what defines "good" and "evil." The trailer offers glimpses of how the narrative challenges these concepts, particularly through the relationship between Elphaba and Glinda. The lines between good and evil blur as each character grapples with her moral choices and actions. Elphaba’s journey, in particular, forces viewers to reconsider the fairness of labeling someone as “wicked” based solely on their appearance or societal expectations.

Friendship and Betrayal: The trailer also teases the emotional arc between Elphaba and Glinda, who start as friends but are eventually torn apart by differing values, ambitions, and misunderstandings. Their relationship exemplifies how power, fear, and ambition can destroy even the strongest bonds.

Social Injustice and Corruption: Much of the conflict in Wicked revolves around the corrupt nature of Oz's ruling class, particularly the Wizard and Madame Morrible. These figures manipulate the people of Oz to maintain control, using fear and propaganda to establish their dominance. Elphaba’s desire to challenge the status quo and fight for the oppressed aligns with the broader narrative of revolution and social change.

Identity and Self-Discovery: Both Elphaba and Glinda undergo significant journeys of self-discovery. The trailer touches upon Elphaba’s transformation from an outcast to a symbol of rebellion, while Glinda’s path involves reconciling her privileges with the cost of remaining silent in the face of injustice. Both characters must confront their own beliefs about what it means to be "good" and whether it is worth conforming to societal expectations.

Love and Loyalty: The emotional tension between the two lead characters also plays out in terms of romantic love, loyalty, and betrayal. While romance isn’t the central element, the trailer hints that Glinda and Elphaba may both have their hearts involved in the political and personal turmoil surrounding Oz.

Music and Songs

The trailer gives audiences an early listen to some of the film’s most iconic songs, which have become synonymous with Wicked over the years. Among the highlights:

“Defying Gravity”: The trailer teases a powerful moment with Elphaba singing “Defying Gravity.” The song, which in the musical marks Elphaba’s full transformation into the “Wicked Witch,” promises to be one of the most breathtaking scenes in the film. Erivo’s vocal performance is expected to match the emotional intensity of this pivotal moment.

“Popular”: The trailer features a glimpse of Glinda’s signature number, “Popular,” which showcases Ariana Grande’s comedic timing and vocal acrobatics. The song is a highlight of the musical, and fans are eager to see how it is translated into the movie.

“For Good”: This song, which speaks to the deep bond between Elphaba and Glinda, is expected to have a significant emotional payoff in the film. The trailer hints at its inclusion and teases the deep friendship that will be tested as the two characters evolve.

Production and Director

Jon M. Chu's involvement in the Wicked film adaptation is one of the most exciting aspects of the project. Known for his work on Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights, Chu brings a modern sensibility to the adaptation, ensuring that the story will feel both fresh and faithful to the original material. The trailer reflects Chu’s emphasis on spectacle, visual storytelling, and an emotional arc that engages viewers on a deeper level.

The film’s production, shot on location and using cutting-edge visual effects, promises to deliver a breathtaking and immersive world that matches the grandeur of the Broadway production. The movie also emphasizes strong performances from its cast, which is crucial to translating the heart and energy of the original musical.

Conclusion

The Wicked movie trailer provides a tantalizing glimpse into a much-anticipated adaptation that blends spectacle, powerful performances, and timeless themes. With its stellar cast, including Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, the trailer sets the stage for an emotionally charged and visually stunning retelling of the Broadway musical. Fans of the original show and newcomers alike can look forward to a fresh perspective on the classic tale of friendship, power, and the complexities of good versus evil.