Wicked Defies Gravity With Thrillifying New Super Bowl Teaser
Let us be glad, fellow Ozians. After an extensive development process spanning decades, the teaser trailer for the highly anticipated two-part, Wicked film aired during a commercial break at Super Bowl LVIII.
The film stars Emmy, Grammy, and Tony winner Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch, and two-time Grammy winner Ariana Grande as Glinda, the Good Witch, with Jon Chu as director. While an adaptation of the Broadway musical, Wicked is also an adaptation of the novel of the same name by author Gregory Maguire, published in 1995. Every iteration tells the central story of how a young woman with green skin becomes known as the infamous Wicked Witch.
The teaser opens with a close-up shot of the Wicked Witch’s iconic, pointed black hat. Jeff Goldblum, who will portray the Wizard of Oz, recites a similar line from the stage musical: “The best way to bring folks together is to give them a real good enemy.” Elphaba walks through Shiz University, Oz’s school for upcoming sorcerers, and her peers’ react to her distinct appearance.
Elphaba practices her magic alongside the headmistress of Shiz, Madame Morrible, portrayed by Michelle Yeoh. Another scene in the woods reveals Elphaba caressing the slightly scratched face of campus heartthrob Fiyero, portrayed by Jonathan Bailey.
The second half of the teaser shows moments reminiscent of the 1939 Wizard of Oz film. Dorothy, the Cowardly Lion, the Tin Man, and the Scarecrow stand before the Wizard’s giant floating head, instructed to bring the Wicked Witch to him. Flying monkeys soar through the sky, this time in green blazers with blue wings. In another scene, Glinda prepares to take flight in her bubble. She dons a pink ballgown with a tiara upon her head and a scepter in hand.
The teaser ends with Elphaba soaring in the air on her broomstick and what has been labeled by fans as the “battle cry” at the end of “Defying Gravity,” an anthem for all who have faced adversity and risen above.
The citizens of Oz when they heard Elphaba belt that riff at the end: https://t.co/2xvehA33xi pic.twitter.com/HObKGjjj05
— Tom Zohar (@TomZohar) February 12, 2024
Alongside the release of the teaser, both Chu and the official Wicked film X account released the first poster, which shows Elphaba and Glinda holding hands. The women, alongside their broom and scepter, form a W in the shadows. Vanity Fair released an exclusive first look at Erivo and Grande in costume.
This Thanksgiving. If you know you know. And if you don’t, find out. #WickedMovie #Nov27 pic.twitter.com/yJYIorRVEl
— Jon M. Chu (@jonmchu) February 11, 2024
Wicked (2024) comes twenty-one years after the stage musical opened on Broadway on October 30, 2003. Acclaimed actresses Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth originated the roles of Elphaba and Glinda, respectively, while Stephen Schwartz composed the score and Winnie Holzman penned the book. The show won three Tony Awards; Menzel won Best Actress in a Musical, and the show won Best Scenic Design and Best Costume Design. Wicked is the fourth longest-running Broadway show.
The first half of the film will hit theaters on Thanksgiving Day, November 27. Fans can follow Wicked’s official accounts on Instagram and X for the latest updates.
Isaiah is an entertainment writer for Glitter Magazine with a focus on music and film stories. He enjoys the aforementioned topics as well as performing, yoga, and fashion.
