"The trailer for 'Wicked' suggests a darker Glinda and a spectacular Elphaba, portrayed by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo."
First, it looks like the trailer, released on Wednesday, has an enchanting display of vibrant colors and beats from two highly-regarded musicians, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. But if you rewatch it carefully, there are some intricate demonstrations of acting. Ariana's Glinda doesn't seem as sweet and bubbly as those portrayed by previous theatre actors, like Kristin Chenoweth, who first played the role.
In the clip, Elphaba (Erivo) is shown as Glinda's new roommate, arriving in her pink-infused room. An interesting scene includes Glinda promising to give away one of her lovely hats, only to declare she "doesn't hate anybody that much" before giving it to Elphaba. The moment acts as one of the many indicators of a sassier edge to Glinda, rather than just being "popular."
Later in the trailer, we witness Glinda and Elphaba attending a meeting with the headmistress Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh), where the latter notices Elphaba's undeniable magical powers. Morrible informs Elphaba, "you're the one the Wizard has been waiting for."
The adventurous Elphaba takes Glinda along when she's summoned to the Emerald City to meet the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum), and they both start to feel that "something bad is happening in Oz."
The Wizard mentions to the group present that it's important to bring people together by pitting them against a common enemy. This hints at director Jon M. Chu's film adaptation (divided into two parts) of a beloved Broadway musical not being afraid to touch on the darker themes present in the book.
Glimpses of unnerving propaganda imagery present Elphaba as someone to be feared, including a giant banner of Elphaba hanging off a building and a substantial wooden Elphaba model on fire in the town square.
Although Glinda ultimately becomes Elphaba's sister-like friend, it's Elphaba's transformation that captures the most attention. Her spine-chilling version of "Defying Gravity" echoes through the end of the trailer as Elphaba rides her broomstick, defiant and fearless.
"I'm not afraid," she proclaims before claiming, "it's the Wizard who should be scared of me."
The highly-anticipated two-part "Wicked" film will adapt the noted Broadway musical depicting the prequel to "The Wizard of Oz." It centers on the journey of Glinda and Elphaba's "unusual but deep connection" as their lives diverge, per the official synopsis.
"Their notable escapades in Oz will lead them to realize their destined roles as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West," the synopsis concludes.
In addition to those mentioned, Jonathan Bailey, Bowen Yang, Ethan Slater, and Peter Dinklage join the ensemble cast.
"Wicked: Part 1" is set to premiere in theatres on November 27, and "Wicked: Part 2" will follow in late 2025.
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This trailer for the highly-anticipated film adaptation of "Wicked" promises an entertaining twist on the beloved Broadway musical, with Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo bringing new life to iconic characters. (Entertainment)
Rich in color and captivating music, the trailer teases a sassier Glinda portrayed by Grande and a powerful Elphaba, played by Erivo, who challenges societal norms. (Entertainment)
Source: edition.cnn.com
