WATCH: The story of Ariana Grande
Rejoice, musical fans, because new images from the forthcoming “Wicked” movie have been released.
Vanity Fair debuted the photos on Thursday, with one showing Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba in their room at Shiz University.
Another image shows Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard – the titular one from “The Wizard of Oz” – and Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, headmistress of Shiz University.
In addition to those photos — and others — in the Vanity Fair piece, Grande and Erivo also teased what some of their big musical numbers will look like, with director Jon M. Chu confirming they sang live.
MORE: The first look at ‘Wicked’ has arrived and it’s defying gravity: Watch here
Erivo recalled Grande doing a stunt during one of her numbers, saying, “I’m literally never going to forget you jumping on a chandelier over my head whilst singing.”
Grande laughed, replying, “She was just so excited to perform for her new friend. She wanted to do a trick.”
As for Erivo’s show-stopping number “Defying Gravity,” Grande recalled her co-star having “a harness pulling and pushing and yanking and tugging on every nook and cranny that there is” while taking flight as she sang.
Chu said of their casting that Grande – who jokingly admitted to “stalking” Marc Platt, who produced the Broadway show and the movies, for the role of Glinda – showed up to all her auditions early.
While Erivo said she initially didn’t believe she’d be seen for Elphaba and was “one of the last people brought in” for it, Chu said once he and Platt saw her they knew instantly she was the one.
The friendship between the two stars is very real as well.
“I don’t think people realize how brilliant this person’s brain and voice and talent is,” Erivo said, referring to Grande.
Grande, when speaking of Erivo, called her co-star her “favorite female voice.”
“Wicked” hits theaters Nov. 27, with the second part arriving a year later.
This article provides an exciting glimpse into the highly anticipated “Wicked” movie, with Vanity Fair recently unveiling exclusive images from the film. The photos showcase Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, two iconic characters from the beloved musical. Accompanied by director Jon M. Chu’s confirmation that Grande and Erivo will be performing their musical numbers live, the anticipation for this adaptation is soaring.
The released images highlight the captivating performances of the cast, with Grande and Erivo depicted in various scenes from the movie. One particular picture captures Grande soaring above Erivo on a chandelier, adding a mesmerizing element to their on-screen chemistry. Another image features Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard and Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, further fueling excitement for the film’s star-studded ensemble.
Producing a film adaptation of such a renowned musical comes with immense pressure and high expectations. However, with the showcasing of Grande and Erivo’s vocal talents in the Vanity Fair article, audiences can expect an incredible display of their singing prowess in “Wicked.” Chu’s decision to have the actors perform live adds a level of authenticity and raw emotion that will undoubtedly enhance the cinematic experience for viewers.
The article also highlights the genuine friendship between Grande and Erivo, with both artists expressing their admiration for each other’s talents. This camaraderie and mutual respect promise a dynamic on-screen partnership between Glinda and Elphaba, ensuring an engaging and captivating portrayal of their characters’ complex relationship.
As the release date for “Wicked” approaches, fans of the musical and newcomers alike can eagerly anticipate the immersive world that will be brought to life on the big screen. The combination of the talented cast, live performances, and the iconic story of “Wicked” is sure to deliver a cinematic experience that will enchant audiences.
With the success of recent musical adaptations in the film industry, such as “Hamilton” and “Dear Evan Hansen,” it is clear that there is a growing demand for this genre. As the movie industry evolves, we can expect to see more beloved stage productions make their way to the silver screen, enticing both theater enthusiasts and mainstream audiences.
Furthermore, the inclusion of live performances in “Wicked” sets a new precedent for future musical adaptations. By showcasing the exceptional vocal abilities of the actors, filmmakers can create a more immersive and authentic experience for viewers, blurring the lines between stage and screen. This approach enhances the emotional impact of the story and elevates the overall quality of the production.
As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, there is an opportunity for innovative storytelling techniques to emerge. This shift towards live performances in film adaptations opens doors for unique experiences and allows audiences to witness the raw talent of performers in a way that was previously exclusive to live theater.
In conclusion, the release of the exclusive “Wicked” images has further fueled excitement for the upcoming movie adaptation. With a stellar cast, including Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, performing live, the film promises to deliver an immersive and enchanting experience for fans. This release marks a potential turning point in the world of musical adaptations, setting new standards for authenticity and captivating storytelling. As the film industry continues to evolve, we can anticipate more groundbreaking adaptations that push the boundaries of what is possible on screen.