The adaptation of the Broadway musical Evil will hit the big screen in 2024, after years in development. THE Evil musical is an adaptation of the book Evilthe first in the series The wicked years by Gregory Maguire, which is itself a revisionist approach The Wizard of Oz books by L. Frank Baum. This version of the story focuses on Elphaba, the so-called Wicked Witch of the West, as well as the society and history of Oz. It fills in many gaps in the original books and films (for example, why is there only one road!) and adds depth and complexity to the simple, original tale.
In 2003, Stephen Schwartz adapted the novel for Broadway as composer and lyricist and worked with Winnie Holzman to write the book (the narrative structure of a play). Like romance, Evil focuses on The Wizard of Oz witches before and after the events of the latter. The witches Elphaba and Galinda are the main characters and the musical contextualizes the well-known story of Oz, introducing themes of forgiveness, trust and discrimination. The musical’s huge success means it’s no surprise that a film adaptation has finally made its way to Hollywood.
Wicked Part One box office and reception
A critical and commercial success
Although adapting one of the most popular Broadway shows of the 21st century for film was a risk, It’s not really that surprising that Wicked Part One It’s a box office success. Grossing a record $164 million in its first weekend alone, the box office success exceeded expectations and dethroned other musicals from recent decades. Considering the combined budget of the two installments of the Evil (reportedly $350 million), both films will need to be huge hits to make that money back.
In another big win for Universal and its multimillion-dollar music bet, Wicked Part One is a critical darling and also a financial success. Screen speech praised the film, giving it points for capturing the grandeur of the original theatrical production. Additionally, other critics were particularly interested in giving credit to stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo (via Variety). However, not everything was magical, and media outlets like Tempo Magazine they were less happy with the exaggerated story.
Wicked Part One Cast
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo lead an all-star cast
THE Evil the film underwent major changes when Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo were cast as Galinda and Elphaba, respectively. Elphaba’s love Fiyero is played by Jonathan Bailey from Bridgerton fame, while veteran child actress Marissa Bode made her film debut as Elphaba’s younger sister Nessarose. Completing the main cast. Ethan Slater plays Boq Woodsman. Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh appears as Madame Morrible of Shiz University, and Jeff Goldblum appears as The Wizard of Oz.
The complete main cast is as follows:
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Actor |
Wicked role |
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|---|---|---|
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Cynthia Erivo |
Elfaba |
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Ariana Grande |
Galinda |
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Jonathan Bailey |
Fiyero Tigelaar |
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Michelle Yeoh |
Madame Morrível |
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|
Jeff Goldblum |
The Wizard of Oz |
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|
Ethan Slater |
Boq |
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|
Marissa Bode |
Nessaroe |
|
|
Bowen Yang |
Pfanee |
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|
Bronwyn James |
Shen Shen |
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Peter Dinklage |
Dr. Dillamond |
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Andy Nyman |
Tropp Frexpar |
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Aaron Teoh |
Avaricos Tenmeadows |
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Peace Greece |
Gilligan |
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Colin Michael Carmichael |
Professor Nikidik |
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Wicked Part One Trailers
Watch the trailers here
Debuting during the 2024 Super Bowl, the highly anticipated trailer for the first part of Evil didn’t disappoint as it not only revealed story details but also teased the music. Although recent musical films like Mean Girls downplayed your music, Evil put “Defying Gravity” in the foreground for the trailer in presenting Elphaba’s struggle and the film’s connection to The Wizard of Oz.
Not to be outdone by the trailer that debuted in early 2024, another full trailer for Evil was released in May 2024, giving fans even more insight into the best-selling musical soundtrack. Highlighted by the familiar “Popular,” the trailer takes another look at the budding relationship between Galinda and Elphaba, before turning to many of the spectacular visuals found in the film. Although the story and music are well known to fans, the trailer shines because it reveals that the Evil The film is a feast for the eyes as well as the ears.
A character-centric trailer for Evil was revealed in August 2024, placing its focus squarely on Jonathan Bailey’s Fiyero. As he strolls around campus and seemingly wins Galinda’s heart with his vapid charms and good looks, Elphaba apparently sees through his facade and notices his scheming ways.
With the November release date approaching, a full second trailer to Evil was revealed in September 2024. Focusing on Elphaba’s arc, the trailer introduces her as an outcast student who is confident with the help of her new friend Galinda. However, as her powers manifest, she begins to garner hatred from her fellow Oz citizens, and the Wizard is more than happy to use her as a scapegoat.
Finale and spoilers for the first part of Wicked
Only half of the musical was in the first part
Allaying fears that the film adaptation would deviate from the beloved Broadway show, Wicked Part One remained close to the hit musical. As such, the end of Wicked Part One it only ended what was the first act of the stage musical, that is, there is still a lot to be resolved Wicked Part Two. Almost none of the main plotlines have been resolved, and this makes the second part not only highly anticipated, but also necessary.
Wicked Part One Sequel Setup
A sequel is already scheduled
the first half left all the plot threads undone and was essentially the preamble to the big finale to come in the second part.
There was no suspense when it came to the sequence of Wicked Part Oneand not only has the sequel already been made, but it also has a release date. Since all Evil adaptation divides the Broadway musical in two, Wicked Part Two it’s less a sequel and more the second act of a much larger story. Because of this, the first half left all the plot threads undone and was essentially the preamble to the big finale that comes in the second part.