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Picture copyrights goes to VanityFair and Sophy Holland (Universal Pictures).
Never underestimate the dynamic power of two divas working in harmony. When Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande join forces on a Zoom call, their enthusiastic greetings overwhelm the speakers and momentarily disrupt the sound. "It could have been that we were both screaming at the same time," remarks Erivo, to which Grande sweetly adds, "Sorry, we came in hot. We were excited.
Like theater enthusiasts worldwide, they've eagerly anticipated the adaptation of the musical "Wicked" for the screen for over two decades. Various directors, including J.J. Abrams, Ryan Murphy, and Rob Marshall, were linked to the project at different times, with actors such as Lea Michele and Amy Adams also rumored to be involved. Despite this, the journey to bring "Wicked" to the screen has been fraught with challenges and delays. Producer Marc Platt, who spearheaded both the Broadway production and the film adaptation, acknowledges the pressure of transitioning the beloved story from stage to screen.
Pictures shared via Vanity Fair today:
"Wicked," a prequel to "The Wizard of Oz" based on Gregory Maguire's novel, delves into the backstory of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda the Good Witch before Dorothy's arrival in Oz. The Broadway production captivated audiences with its grandeur and iconic musical numbers like "Popular" and "Defying Gravity." Thus, finding a director with a fitting vision was crucial. Jon M. Chu, renowned for his work on "Crazy Rich Asians" and "In the Heights," emerged as the director, drawing from his early admiration for "Wicked" during its pre-Broadway run in San Francisco.
Initially considering lesser-known talents for the lead roles made famous by Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel, the production ultimately cast Grande and Erivo, both established superstars in their own right. Grande, who persistently pursued the role of Glinda, humorously admits to "stalking" Platt for years. Erivo, despite her impressive accolades, initially doubted she would be considered for Elphaba but ultimately impressed the team with her audition.
Contrary to expectations, creating the world of Oz relied less on CGI and more on practical effects, echoing Chu's childhood dreams inspired by films like "Hook." The production aimed for authenticity, with a tangible yellow brick road and real-life train sequences.
The actors delivered live vocals during filming, eschewing pre-recordings, despite the challenges posed by the environment.
The filming process wasn't without its difficulties, particularly during high-energy musical numbers like "Defying Gravity," where Erivo performed daring stunts while singing. Grande, too, faced her share of challenges, including performing atop a chandelier. The ensemble cast, featuring Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, and Michelle Yeoh, each brought their unique talents to the table.
At the heart of "Wicked" lies the enduring bond between Elphaba and Glinda, a friendship scrutinized by society. Despite the pressures of stardom, Erivo and Grande developed a genuine connection that enriched their performances. Their mutual admiration and respect for each other's talents are evident, underscoring the transformative power of collaboration.
As they reflect on their journey, Erivo and Grande express gratitude for the opportunity to bring "Wicked" to life on screen, fulfilling their childhood dreams in the process.
At The Sfag we are so happy to see the whole process behind upcoming Wicked Part I coming in November and I honestly can't wait to update you all on every outfit shared!
Dearly, Mike.