On November 10, a vibrant crowd of Ozians gathered at Shiz University for the Los Angeles premiere of Universal Pictures’ much-anticipated cinematic adaptation of the iconic stage musical Wicked (Part 1). Directed by the talented Jon M. Chu, who regrettably missed the event due to the joyous news of his wife going into labor, the film features powerhouse performances from Cynthia Erivo, taking on the role of the misunderstood Elphaba, and Ariana Grande, embodying the bright and bubbly Glinda.
The premiere transformed into a breathtaking celebration, adorned in shades of pink and green, as some of Hollywood’s biggest stars graced the occasion, including the original Elphaba and Glinda from the Broadway sensation, Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, both of whom have created a legacy over two decades.
Fiyero himself, Jonathan Bailey, caught the spotlight with his dazzling outfit, while the illustrious Michelle Yeoh, portraying the formidable Madam Morrible, radiated alongside him with a striking new blonde hairstyle. Additionally, Jeff Goldblum brought his iconic charm as the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, while Marissa Bode (Nessarose), Ethan Slater (Boq), and Bronwyn James (ShenShen) also captivated attendees with their stunning looks on the red carpet.
Among the notable LGBTQ figures and allies in attendance were celebrated personalities like Troye Sivan, Sarah Paulson, Lena Waithe, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and the fabulously entertaining Frankie Grande. The night also saw appearances from influential artists such as Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Mark & Scott Hoying, Dylan Mulvaney, Chrishell Stause, Chris Olsen, Haley Kiyoko, Noah Galvin, and Ben Platt, who collectively filled the event with love and support for the queer community.
Wicked is set to enchant audiences when it premieres in theaters on November 22. Congratulations are also in order for Jon M. Chu and his wife, Kristin, as they welcome their new bundle of joy, little Stevie Sky!
### Interview with Film Critic Laura Thompson on the Premiere of *Wicked*
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Laura! The premiere of *Wicked* at Shiz University seems to have been an exceptional event. What were some of your initial impressions of the atmosphere there?
**Laura Thompson:** Thank you for having me! The atmosphere was electric—filled with excitement and a sense of celebration. Fans dressed in pink and green added to the vibrancy of the event. It truly felt like a love letter to the original stage musical, reflecting the passion and anticipation that has built up over the years.
**Editor:** Absolutely! Jon M. Chu, the director, unfortunately missed the premiere due to personal reasons. Do you think that affected the overall vibe of the evening?
**Laura Thompson:** While it’s always disappointing when a director can’t attend such a significant event, the attendees really embodied the spirit of the film. Many people spoke highly of Chu’s vision for this adaptation, and his absence didn’t dampen the excitement; instead, it seemed to heighten the collective anticipation for what he has created.
**Editor:** That’s a great point! Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are both incredibly talented. How do you think their performances will resonate with audiences?
**Laura Thompson:** Both Cynthia and Ariana bring something unique to their roles—Cynthia’s portrayal of Elphaba captures her depth and complexity wonderfully, while Ariana injects a refreshing charm into Glinda. Fans of the musical have high expectations, and I believe both actresses will impress even those who aren’t familiar with the stage production.
**Editor:** With the film finally premiering, what do you hope audiences take away from it?
**Laura Thompson:** I hope audiences walk away with a renewed appreciation for the themes of friendship, identity, and empowerment that are so central to *Wicked*. It’s an important story that resonates with people of all ages, and I think this adaptation will inspire discussion long after the credits roll.
**Editor:** Thank you, Laura! We can’t wait to see how audiences respond to *Wicked*!
**Laura Thompson:** Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time for fans of the musical and newcomers alike.
