The new “Wicked” trailer features an edgier Glinda, played by Ariana Grande, and a show-stopping Elphaba, portrayed by Cynthia Erivo. Based on the Broadway musical and the bestselling book by Gregory Maguire, the trailer provides a glimpse into the nuanced characters. The colorful spectacle and the powerful voices of Grande and Erivo promise a captivating cinematic experience.
By John Adams
A New Glinda
In the trailer, Glinda, played by Ariana Grande, is depicted as sharper and less sweet than previous portrayals, such as Kristin Chenoweth’s bubbly stage performance. One scene shows Glinda gifting her new roommate Elphaba an ugly hat and sarcastically commenting that she wouldn’t hate anyone enough to give it away—except Elphaba. These subtle jabs hint at a more complex and possibly meaner version of the Good Witch of the North.
Elphaba’s Powers
Elphaba’s impressive magical abilities are central to the trailer. In one scene, Madame Morrible, played by Michelle Yeoh, takes Elphaba aside and tells her she is the one the Wizard has been waiting for. Elphaba brings Glinda along when summoned to the Emerald City, and they start to realize that something evil is happening in Oz. The Wizard, portrayed by Jeff Goldblum, emphasizes that a good enemy can unite people, hinting at the film’s political undertones.
Darker Themes
The trailer also explores darker aspects of the story, including disturbing propaganda depicting Elphaba as a threat. A large, menacing banner of Elphaba hangs over a building, and a giant wooden effigy of her is burned in the town square. These scenes suggest that the film adaptation will not shy away from the darker themes explored in the book.
Friendship and Destiny
Despite initial tensions, a sisterly bond develops between Glinda and Elphaba. The trailer ends with Erivo’s stunning rendition of “Defying Gravity” as Elphaba flies on her broomstick and declares that she is not afraid—the Wizard should be afraid of her. The two-part film will narrate how the two friends become Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
The highly anticipated first part of “Wicked” hits theaters on November 27, followed by Part 2 in late 2025. This film adaptation of the famous musical promises a riveting and profound tale of friendship, power, and destiny in Oz.
Based on content from www.cnn.com