In the midst of a vibrant sea of red during the 2024 Super Bowl, a touch of emerald green magic emerged as the highly anticipated ‘Wicked’ dropped its inaugural trailer. Unveiled on Sunday, the trailer provided a captivating preview of the enchanting world of Oz, boasting a star-studded cast and offering a powerful musical sneak peek.
Adapted from the 2003 Broadway musical inspired by Gregory Maguire’s novel, the film intricately explores the origins of the Witches of Oz. Cynthia Erivo steps into the role of Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West, while Ariana Grande portrays Glinda, the future Good Witch of the North. The narrative unfolds their improbable friendship as schoolmates, navigating the challenges of adulthood amid political turmoil and a love triangle involving school heartthrob Fiyero, played by Jonathan Bailey.
This initial trailer not only introduces the stellar cast but also treats viewers to a spine-tingling rendition of the iconic song ‘Defying Gravity’ by Cynthia Erivo. The teaser encapsulates the essence of the story, with Erivo’s commanding vocals accompanying a breathtaking scene of Elphaba taking a daring leap from a high-tower window, soaring into the sky on her broomstick.
Serving as the public’s first glimpse into the realm of ‘Wicked,’ this teaser follows an earlier preview at CinemaCon last spring, where roughly edited footage introduced major characters and showcased Michelle Yeoh’s portrayal of Madame Morrible, guiding Elphaba in harnessing her powers.
Director Jon M. Chu has teased the film’s magical elements, assuring audiences that no CGI or blue screen was employed, promising a fully immersive experience. Emphasizing that the Emerald City is a world that can only come to life on the big screen, Chu has heightened anticipation for the film’s visual spectacle.
Despite production delays in 2023 due to Hollywood strikes, the wait appears to be justified as the teaser offers a closer look at the meticulously crafted world of ‘Wicked.’ The three leads, Erivo, Grande, and Bailey, shared glimpses of their characters on social media, celebrating the completion of filming in January.
