Wicked Gets New Behind-The-Scenes Look and Trailer
Pink goes good with green. An exciting new behind-the-scenes look at Wicked showcases Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s journeys to their iconic roles.
Based on the beloved Broadway musical, Wicked brings the story of young witches Glinda and Elphaba to the screen. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the film stars Broadway powerhouse Cynthia Erivo and pop star Ariana Grande.
On Monday, Universal Pictures released a new behind-the-scenes look at the musical adaptation titled “Passion Project.” The video dives into the journey of the film’s director and stars that led to its creation.
The dream of a lifetime. #WickedMovie trailer Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/mTTn8xKn1a
— Wicked Movie (@wickedmovie) May 13, 2024
Over breathtaking shots and funny, heartwarming moments on set, the director and actresses share their thoughts on the upcoming film. Chu reveals, “Well, whenever anyone asks me, like, ‘What’s the one movie you wanna do?’ If there was one, I’d always say it’d be Wicked.”
The three each recall their first experiences with the musical. Erivo explains, “On my twenty-fifth birthday, I took myself to see the show. I’d never heard anything or seen anything like it. I remember that.” The Tony winner continues, “It was like a rainy night, and I felt really alive. I felt like I was floating on air.”
Grande also reflects on seeing the production for the first time. “I had the incredible privilege of seeing the original Broadway cast of Wicked when I was 10, and I just felt an immediate bond,” the “eternal sunshine” singer comments.
The In the Heights director expresses, “It had a very personal effect on me.” He recollects, “This is a very cinematic show. This should be on the big screen.”
The teaser includes old interview footage of Grande being asked if she’s ever dreamed of starring in the production. The interviewer asks, “Would you be Elphaba or Glinda?” to which she immediately replies, “Glinda.” It is a full circle moment, contrasting the young actress’s aspirations with a dream finally come true.
The stars then continue to explain their connections to the roles. Erivo states, “There’s sort of this innate understanding of what it feels like to be someone who’s different.” Meanwhile, Grande reveals, “It’s always been the thing that I listen to when I’m nervous–when I’m needing an escape–when I need comfort.”
Moreover, Chu describes what each star was like auditioning for the roles. “I went in for my first audition, and I just remember being, like, buzzing,” Grande explained. “When she came in, she was an Ari that I’d never seen before,” he remembers. He continues, discussing Erivo’s talent, “Cynthia is so raw and vulnerable… I couldn’t get her out of my head.”
The reflective video then shows each cast member learning they got the part. On a call with Erivo, the Crazy Rich Asians director tells her, “The world needs to see more of you, and we would love for you to be our Elphaba.” The Harriet actress bursts into tears.
“It’s been a really long journey here, and I’m really grateful for it,” Erivo expresses. “I never thought in my lifetime that I would get to be a part of something like this.”
In a similar manner, Chu tells Grande, “We want you to be our Glinda the Good.” “Oh my god. Thank you,” the vocalist exclaims. “I love her so much. I’m going to take such good care of her. Thank you so much.” the Victorious star adds through tears.
this made me so emotional… the fact that some of y’all don’t see how happy wicked has made Ariana..
— charleigh (@oneslaststime) May 13, 2024
im so proud of her pic.twitter.com/ZeJvyTvDNW
ariana finding out she got the role in wicked this made me tear up pic.twitter.com/SSSJtgufYv
— noah (@bloodlineprint) May 13, 2024
The emotional video ends with Chu sharing what he wishes audiences take away from the film. “I want people to see Wicked and experience it in a way they’ve never experienced it before. I want them to feel what I felt going into that theater for the first time,” the director explains. He continues, “I want to make them laugh. To make them sing. To make them feel that, after they’ve watched it, they’ve been changed for good.”
Along with the behind-the-scenes look, the film’s official social media accounts announced that a new trailer arrives this Wednesday.
Wicked premieres in theaters this November. Readers can watch the new teaser below.
