The Broadway musical Wicked will be getting its cinematic adaptation this year. The musical has been divided into two parts, with Part One set to be released on November 27, 2024. It stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo in the lead roles, playing Galinda Upland and Elphaba Thropp respectively. The story acts as a prequel to The Wizard of Oz.
Director Jon M. Chu mentioned that the actresses got along really well on set. He said that he chose to not depend on excessive CGI and wanted actual sets. Chu also said that the two were extremely committed to their roles, with the actresses going as far as delivering live vocals while filming instead of the usual practice of lip-syncing to pre-recorded songs.
Ariana Grande ‘Stalked’ Producer Marc Platt To Bag The Role In Wicked
The stage musical Wicked was a national phenomenon upon release, propelling lead actor Idina Menzel to stardom. The original Broadway production of the musical won three Tony Awards and Drama Desk Awards. It is also the fourth longest-running show on Broadway, beating popular musicals such as Cats.
A film adaptation of the musical, which itself was based on the book Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, was in development for a long time. At one point, the original cast, including Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth were rumored to be part of the adaptation. Other actors such as Amy Adams and Lea Michelle were also reportedly in the running (via Film Shaft).
The film adaptation was finally announced in 2012, with Stephen Daldry set to direct. After multiple delays, the film was back on track in 2021, with Jon M Chu replacing Daldry as director. The filmmaker was known for helming the romantic comedy Crazy Rich Asians. Ariana Grande was cast in the role of Galinda in the film, and Cynthia Erivo played Elphaba.
Grande mentioned that she pursued the role since its announcement and kept ‘stalking’ producer Marc Platt. She also reportedly had the same level of commitment when it came time for her audition. Grande spoke to Vanity Fair,
“It was literally 10 years of being like, ‘Knock, knock, any developments? Is there an audition coming this year, or next year? I would like to start preparing today.’”
Ariana Grande also reportedly showed up early for every audition and rehearsal. Director Jon M Chu mentioned that he used to see Grande’s car circling around the office thirty minutes before the audition.
Ariana Grande And Cynthia Erivo Used Live Voices While Performing In Wicked
Jon M Chu mentioned in an interview with Vanity Fair that it was his dream to adapt the beloved stage musical into a film. He revealed that he had fallen in love with the story when he first watched the musical and felt that it was a movie already. Chu also mentioned that he wanted to make sure that there were real sets while filming and not resort to extensive CGI.
“I was like, ‘I want to do it the way I dreamed about it as a kid when I watched Hook.’ Behind the scenes, Steven Spielberg was on a dock with a giant pirate ship. I’m like, ‘If this is my one opportunity to do this, I want to do that.’”
The director’s commitment to realism meant that the legendary yellow brick road was actually constructed and the train to Emerald City was functioning. It also meant that the actresses in the film would be singing live. Chu mentioned that he asked Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo if they would prefer a pre-recorded version to be put on while performing, but they insisted on doing it live.
“These are live vocals. When we were shooting it, those girls were like, ‘F*ck the pre-records. We’re going live.’” The director was skeptical. “There’s going to be a lot of wind in your air pipes. Is that okay?…‘Yeah. That’s what we do.’”
Ariana Grande also appreciated her co-star Cynthia Erivo’s commitment to the role as she too was singing live while being pulled by harnesses and “flying across the skies”.
