On November 22, 2024, Wicked’s Part One debuted in theaters, and fans eagerly wait for the reviews. Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman’s celebrated musical is brought to life in two cinematic segments in Jon M. Chu’s Wicked Movie adaptation. Part one reveals a hidden tale of Elphaba and Glinda. It shows their origins, ethical conflicts, and tragic path to becoming the witches from The Wizard of Oz. It features a stellar cast and an incredible soundtrack. To know more about the cast, ending and other details of Wicked, continue reading.
Wicked Movie Cast
Leading the cast of Jon M. Chu’s Wicked are Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba the Wicked Witch of the West and Ariana Grande as Galinda the Good Witch. The witches at Shiz University are joined by some famous actors. They include Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, and Jonathan Bailey. They also perform music.
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Plot
The Wicked Witch of the West has died, and the people of Oz rejoice with the song “No One Mourns the Wicked”. This is where the movie begins, where The Wizard of Oz concludes. The chief question is introduced by Glinda (Ariana Grande) as she considers Elphaba’s (Cynthia Erivo) life with the question: Are people born wicked, or is wickedness imposed upon them?
The story of Elphaba starts with her parents. Elphaba’s green complexion is a result of her mother’s liaison with an enigmatic lover, although it is strongly implied. Elphaba was born to a strict family. Her mother, Dulcibear (Sharon D. Clarke), and her paraplegic sister, Nessarose (Marissa Bode), raised her. Her father despises her for her green skin. She must care for her sister. When Elphaba first gets to Shiz University, she meets Glinda, who ends up becoming her roommate and an unexpected companion. The song “Dear Old Shiz” introduces this younger Glinda, or “Galinda” at this stage.
Elphaba planned to leave. But, her father ordered her to ensure Nessarose was safely in her room. So, she stayed. Later, after Miss Coddle (Keala Settle) attempts to wheel Nessarose away, Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh) discovers Elphaba’s unbelievable magical skills. After Morrible tells Elphaba they will start their one-on-one lessons, Glinda becomes envious. She aspires to be a sorceress and now shares a room with Elphaba.
Erivo’s epic performance of “The Wizard and I” is due to Elphaba’s wish to change her green skin. This establishes her future bond with the Wizard. Later, Fiyero Tigelaar, played by Jonathan Bailey, is introduced to Elphaba and approaches the school. Although there is an instant connection, Fiyero’s character may just be acting pleasant with everyone. Fiyero inspires the pupils to not take life too seriously later at the school library, as demonstrated by the upbeat song “Dancing Through Life”. During this lengthy scene, the all-embracing choreography and practice sets for the movie are evident.
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A fresh romance is sparked between Fiyero and Glinda as they get closer throughout the event. Furthermore, Glinda instructs Boq Woodsman, who harbors feelings for her, to ask Nessarose out. Wicked’s Ozdust Ballroom scene is a decisive point in the story where Glinda and Elphaba first bond and create their life-changing friendship. In the scene, Glinda offers Elphaba a black pointed hat and invites her to join, but this is not a pleasant gesture at the moment as she jokes behind her back with Pfannee (played by Bowen Yang) and ShenShen (played by Bronwyn James). The ballroom scene is a true reflection of the two prime characters who have distinct personalities.
After being mocked for wearing the hat, Elphaba starts dancing by herself. When Glinda joins Elphaba on the dance floor during this time of loneliness, a true relationship starts to develop. This sets to one of the movie’s more entertaining and endearing scenes, where Grande sings “Popular”, demonstrating to Erivo’s Elphaba all the ways she can help her dress and present herself in a more classy manner.
Wicked Movie Ending
A distinct invitation to meet the Wizard of Oz (played by Jeff Goldblum) in Emerald City is later given to Elphaba at Shiz. She asks Glinda to accompany her at the last minute, even though it was only intended to be Elphaba, and they board the train for a new journey.
The song “One Short Day”, which features a cameo by original Broadway Wicked stars Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth as “The Wise Ones”, captures their awe-filled arrival. This extended scene introduces important series lore and probes deeply into Oz’s past.
When the Wizard of Oz introduces himself to Glinda and Elphaba at the Wizard’s palace and shows them his designs for Oz and the route leading to Emerald City, it is decided that yellow could be a suitable color.
Elphaba’s initial enthusiasm soon wanes when she learns of the Wizard’s evil schemes to enslave Oz’s animals and comes to the conclusion that he is not truly a magician. Her use of “The Grimmerie” to cast a spell that makes the Wizard’s monkeys grow wings and suffer is a mishandled example of her own power. In an attempt to flee, Elphaba and Glinda are forced to flee from the Wizard’s guards and the flying monkey creatures. The hot air balloon plan then fails, leaving just a magical broomstick as a means of escape.
In the song’s climax, “Defying Gravity”, Elphaba soars above the Ozark public on her broom, while Glinda sobs as she resolves to remain behind and support the Wizard. As Elphaba entirely accepts her role as a rebel against oppression, the movie concludes on a cliffhanger. Part Two, which promises to go deeper into the tales of the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Dorothy, will be released on November 21, 2025.
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