reading time: 8 mins.
"Wicked" stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo made a magical journey (possibly by bubble) to Las Vegas for CinemaCon, the yearly convention for cinema owners. They appeared on stage at Caesars Palace, dressed in their characters' iconic pink and green attire, to generate excitement for the upcoming "Wicked" movie musical set for release around Thanksgiving.
Grande shared, “We both felt such a tremendous responsibility to honor these women and to pour our hearts, our souls, our tears — so many different pairs of lashes.” She also requested to hold hands with Erivo, emphasizing their connection. Erivo added, “I’m really grateful for this journey that we’ve taken together.”
Although they didn’t perform live (which disappointed many in the audience), they introduced an extended featurette showcasing the vibrant world of "Wicked," including scenes of Elphaba at Shiz University and her transformation into the Wicked Witch of the West.
The presentation confirmed Peter Dinklage as the voice of Dr. Dillamond, a beloved character from Shiz University.
"Wicked" serves as a prequel to "The Wizard of Oz," exploring the friendship between Elphaba and Glinda before Dorothy’s adventures. Grande and Erivo sang live on set for authenticity, bringing to life beloved songs like “Defying Gravity” and “For Good.”
Universal’s CEO Donna Langley introduced the film, expressing excitement for its release and acknowledging its enduring popularity. The studio showcased costumes, placed white tulips in the auditorium, and distributed light-up badges to attendees, creating a magical atmosphere reminiscent of "Wicked."
With a star-studded cast and a creative team dedicated to honoring the source material while creating a new magical world, "Wicked" aims to captivate audiences when it hits theaters in two installments, starting in November. Universal's dedication to the project was evident at CinemaCon, promising a holiday season that turns theaters "green" in every sense of the word.
The new footage shows how Erivo’s Elphaba and Grande’s Glinda are forced to be roommates at Shiz University in the Land of Oz. A profound bond is formed despite Glinda being something of a queen bee; alas it’s her who gives Elphaba her black witch hat.
Glinda and the other schoolmates marvel at Elphaba’s ability to perform magic but even she doesn’t know how she’s doing it. Michelle Yeoh’s headmistress tells her, “You’re the one the wizard has been waiting for.” Elphaba is invited to meet the wizard and Glinda is in tow. “You have no real power,” Elphaba tells Goldblum’s wizard.
“That’s why I need you,” he answers. Elphaba is given the broom, and Michelle Yeoh’s head school mistress promptly declares her an enemy. Elphaba is chased and escapes, flying on her broom out a window. “I’m not afraid, it’s the wizard who should be afraid!”
Ariana Grande for the occasion wore a special embroidered Oscar De La Retta Flower appliance dress piece worth more
than $13,000 dollars paired with a Jimmy Choo White Pumps.
Meanwhile co-star Cynthia Erivo was styled in a full Versace Custom made look.
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Dearly, Mike.