On Wednesday, Universal Pictures dropped the final trailer for the “epic conclusion” to its two-part film adaptation of the Broadway musical phenomenon “Wicked.”
Ariana Grande returns as Glinda Upland and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Throp, picking up right where the first installment left off.
According to Universal, the story is set in the Land of Oz ”before and after Dorothy Gale’s arrival from Kansas," diving into the second act of the beloved stage musical. The film explores how Elphaba and Glinda’s friendship is tested as they embrace their new identities, the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch of the North, and how their choices will change all of Oz forever.
The official synopsis reveals that Elphaba is on the run after being branded a villain by the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) and Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh), all while continuing her fight for the freedom of Oz’s silenced animals.
“Glinda, meanwhile, has become the glamorous symbol of Goodness for all of Oz, living at the palace in Emerald City and reveling in the perks of fame and popularity,” the synopsis reads. The two “will need to truly see each other, with honesty and empathy, if they are to change themselves, and all of Oz, for good.”
The latest trailer also teases brief glimpses of Dorothy, the Tin Man, the Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion, a short demonstration on how the story will intertwine with the familiar characters from “The Wizard of Oz.”
Broadway legacy of ‘Wicked’
“Wicked” first premiered on Broadway in 2003 and quickly captured the attention of audiences. The musical, based on Gregory Maguire’s novel, offered a new perspective on the witches of Oz, focusing on Elphaba and Glinda’s friendship and personal journeys before Dorothy and her friends arrive. Since its debut, “Wicked” has become one of the longest-running shows in Broadway history, winning multiple Tony Awards, including best actress in a musical for Idina Menzel’s original Elphaba, according to the New York Theatre Guide.
How did the first ‘Wicked’ do at the box office?
The first film installment of “Wicked” was a major hit, earning over $473 million at the domestic box office and $756.4 million worldwide, per Box Office Mojo.
It also received 10 Academy Award nominations, including best picture, lead actress for Erivo, supporting actress for Grande, costume design, makeup and hairstyling, editing, original score, sound, visual design and production design, per Variety.
Fans react to the trailer
Fans are already dissecting the final trailer on social media, expressing excitement over the stunning costume designs and sharing reactions to the scenes teased throughout.
“Wicked: For Good” hits theaters on Nov. 21.