A magical journey behind the scenes of “Wicked”

A night to remember for “Wicked” fans

Mark your calendars for November 19th at 10 p.m., when NBC will air a special behind-the-scenes look at the highly anticipated film, Wicked. This televised event, titled “Defying Gravity: The Curtain Rises on Wicked”, offers fans an unforgettable sneak peek just days before the film’s official release on November 22nd.

The stars of “Wicked” come together

The special delves deep into the making of Wicked, featuring interviews and exclusive content with the film’s star-studded cast. Audiences will hear from Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, and Marissa Bode. These actors share personal memories, intimate video diaries, and behind-the-scenes secrets, highlighting their unique journeys during the production of this Universal Pictures masterpiece.

An exclusive look at the set

Filmed directly on the set of Wicked, this special promises to treat fans with glimpses of the magical world of Oz. Adding to the excitement, an unreleased scene from the film will be showcased, giving viewers an exclusive preview. Throughout the one-hour telecast, NBC and Peacock will air related content from brand sponsors Lexus and Target, seamlessly integrating Wicked-inspired material during commercial breaks.

The production team behind the magic

Behind the creation of “Defying Gravity: The Curtain Rises on Wicked” is Monkey, a Universal International Studios affiliate. With Rob Bagshaw and Andy Charles Smith as executive producers, the special is sure to captivate audiences. The international sales are handled by NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution, ensuring a broad global reach.

The origins and impact of “Wicked”

Directed by Jon M. Chu, Wicked retells the events leading up to “The Wizard of Oz,” focusing on the intriguing backstory of Elphaba and Galinda. In the film, Ariana Grande stars as Elphaba, while Cynthia Erivo takes on the role of Galinda. The plot centers around their transformative journeys from roommates at Shiz University to their eventual roles as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.

This adaptation remains faithful to the first act of the beloved musical, capturing the essence of the original stage production while providing a fresh cinematic perspective. Fans of the musical will be thrilled to see how the film brings these iconic characters and their complex relationship to life.

Looking ahead: Wicked Part Two

As fans eagerly await the release of Wicked, there’s even more anticipation for the sequel. Universal has announced that Wicked Part Two, based on the second act of the musical, is set to hit theaters in 2025. This continuation will further explore the narrative threads introduced in the first film, offering a deeper dive into the world and characters that have enchanted audiences worldwide.

Final thoughts

Wicked is more than just a film—it’s a cultural phenomenon that has captivated audiences through its stage performances and now, its cinematic adaptation. The behind-the-scenes special, “Defying Gravity: The Curtain Rises on Wicked,” is not just a promotional event; it’s an intimate look into the heart and soul of a production that aspires to redefine how we experience stories about good and evil.

For more on the upcoming release of Wicked, check out the trailer on our dedicated page. Don’t miss out on this magical journey through the Land of Oz. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the story, “Defying Gravity: The Curtain Rises on Wicked” promises to be an enthralling prelude to the film’s grand debut.

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End note: This article is crafted to provide an engaging and in-depth look into the upcoming Wicked film and its behind-the-scenes special, ensuring readers are well-informed and eager for the magical journey that awaits.