50 Facts About The Movie Wicked

The Movie Adaptation of Wicked

The movie adaptation of the beloved stage musical "Wicked" is generating a lot of buzz. Directed by Jon M. Chu, this film promises to bring the magical world of Oz to life in a way we've never seen before. Here are 50 fascinating facts about the upcoming movie.

1. Director and Writers: Jon M. Chu directs the film, with Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox penning the screenplay.
2. Musical Adaptation: The stage musical "Wicked" was produced by Universal Pictures' stage division and directed by Joe Mantello.
3. Original Novel: Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West" serves as the basis for the musical and the film.
4. Broadway Production: The original Broadway production starred Idina Menzel as Elphaba and Kristin Chenoweth as Glinda.
5. Cost of Production: The Broadway production cost an estimated $14 million to open, translating to about $22 million today.
6. Youngest Elphaba: Danna Paola was cast as Elphaba at the age of 18, making her the youngest to play the role.
7. Longest Running Elphaba: Jackie Burns holds the record for the longest-running Elphaba on Broadway.
8. Longest Running Glinda: Katie Rose Clarke is the longest-running Glinda on Broadway.
9. Elphaba’s Original Casting: Stephanie J. Block was initially cast as Elphaba but was replaced by Idina Menzel.
10. Glinda’s Original Casting: Kristin Chenoweth performed in a neck-brace after an injury due to both understudies being unavailable.

Elaborate Set Designs and Inspirations

The film's set designs and inspirations are as magical as the story itself. From planting millions of tulips to paving a real Yellow Brick Road, the filmmakers have gone all out.

11. Set Design: Nine million colorful tulips were planted on location to surround the Munchkinland set.
12. Yellow Brick Road: An actual Yellow Brick Road was paved on the ground with real mud.
13. Inspirations: Jon M. Chu cited Steven Spielberg’s 1991 film "Hook" as a source of inspiration.
14. Thematic Influences: The film draws thematic influences from "Pleasantville" and "The Truman Show."
15. Character Development: The film delves deeper into the relationships between the characters.
16. Elphaba’s Backstory: New flashback scenes show Elphaba as a child being ridiculed for her green skin.
17. Madame Morrible’s Role: Michelle Yeoh plays Madame Morrible, who teaches Elphaba how to control her powers.
18. Wonderful Wizard of Oz: Jeff Goldblum plays the Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
19. Fiyero Tigelaar: Jonathan Bailey plays Fiyero Tigelaar, a Winkie prince.
20. Boq: Ethan Slater plays Boq, a Munchkin in love with Galinda.

Iconic Characters and Their Stories

The film brings back beloved characters from the original story while adding new layers to their personalities and relationships.

21. Nessarose Thropp: Marissa Bode plays Nessarose Thropp, Elphaba’s paraplegic younger sister.
22. Pfannee: Bowen Yang plays Pfannee, one of Galinda’s college friends.
23. Cowardly Lion: The Cowardly Lion appears as a Lion cub.
24. Dorothy Gale: Dorothy Gale and her companions make a brief cameo early in the film.
25. Musical Numbers: The film includes the iconic musical number "Dancing Through Life."
26. Stage-to-Screen Changes: Splitting the film into two parts allows for deeper exploration of character relationships.
27. Elphaba’s Powers: Scenes show Elphaba learning to control her powers under Madame Morrible’s tutelage.
28. Nessarose and Elphaba’s Relationship: The film explores the dynamic between Elphaba and her sister Nessarose.
29. Glinda’s Character: Ariana Grande plays Galinda Upland, who later becomes Glinda the Good.
30. Madame Morrible’s Backstory: Madame Morrible’s character has a rich backstory that could be explored further.

Musical Numbers and Set Design Details

The film's musical numbers and set designs are crafted to enhance the cinematic experience while staying true to the stage show.

31. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’s Role: Jeff Goldblum’s portrayal adds complexity to the character.
32. Fiyero’s Status: Fiyero’s status as a prince is highlighted in the trailer.
33. Elphaba’s Early Life: Gregory Maguire’s tie-in novel provides additional context to Elphaba’s backstory.
34. Pfannee’s Role: Pfannee’s presence adds depth to Galinda’s college life.
35. Cowardly Lion’s Appearance: The Cowardly Lion’s appearance as a Lion cub adds a touch of nostalgia.
36. Dorothy Gale’s Cameo: Dorothy Gale’s brief cameo connects to the original story.
37. Musical Numbers Inspiration: Musical numbers are inspired by the stage show with some changes.
38. Ozdust Ballroom Reimagining: The Ozdust Ballroom is reimagined as a nightclub in "the underbelly of Oz."
39. Set Design Details: Elaborate clocks in Oz are straight out of the stage show’s design.
40. Glinda’s Shoe Stand: Glinda’s shoe stand is near-identical to the one in the stage productions.

Easter Eggs and Nods to the Original

The film includes several Easter eggs and nods to the original "Wizard of Oz" story, adding layers of nostalgia for fans.

41. Sorcery Studies Book: The text in the “Sorcery Studies” book repeats itself amusingly.
42. Potions Potables: References to potions and potables add to the magical atmosphere.
43. Elphaba’s Hat: The black witch’s hat in a puddle nods to Elphaba’s original demise.
44. Glinda’s Family Arrival: Glinda’s family arrives at Shiz University by boat, setting up the story.
45. Doctor Dillamond: Peter Dinklage plays Doctor Dillamond, a professor at Shiz University.
46. Elphaba’s Ruby Red Slippers: The slippers are illuminated by red spotlights, paying homage to the original story.
47. Over the Rainbow Leitmotif: Stephen Schwartz used the first seven notes of “Over the Rainbow” as a leitmotif.
48. Nessarose’s Question: Nessarose’s line about the punch is a direct reference to the original story.
49. Elphaba’s Wickedness: In the book, Elphaba gets to actually kill someone, unlike in the musical.
50. Elphaba’s Survival: The musical gives Elphaba a bittersweet ending, different from the book.

The Magic of Wicked Awaits

The movie adaptation of Wicked promises to be a captivating journey into the Land of Oz. With Jon M. Chu at the helm and a talented cast including Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, fans can expect a visually stunning and emotionally rich experience. The film's attention to detail, from the elaborate set designs to the iconic musical numbers, ensures it stays true to its Broadway roots while offering fresh perspectives. Whether it's exploring Elphaba's backstory, diving into the complex relationships between characters, or enjoying the reimagined musical sequences, there's something for everyone. As we eagerly await its release, it's clear that this adaptation will bring new life to the beloved story, enchanting both longtime fans and newcomers alike. Get ready to be spellbound by the magic of Wicked!