Wicked film adaption starring Ariana Grande sets release date

After nearly a decade of anticipation, Wicked, one of West End's longest-running musicals, finally makes it to the big screen. The project has been in development since 2012. The musical is based on Gregory Maguire's Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West and has been a West End staple, narrating the story of the unlikely friendship between the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch. Winner of numerous awards, including three Tony Awards and a Grammy, the musical has become a phenomenon, with over 11 million people having experienced it in London alone.

The film adaptation reportedly consists of a star-studded cast, which includes Ariana Grande as Galinda, Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible and Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard. The project is helmed by director Jon M Chu, known for Crazy Rich Asians and In The Heights. The ensemble also includes Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Bowen Yang, Bronwyn James, Keala Settle, Aaron Teoh, and Colin Michael Carmichael in various roles.

The screenplay is being adapted by original musical contributors Stephen Shwartz and Winne Holzman, with Marc Platt returning as a producer. Stephen Schwartz allegedly created new songs for lead stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, expressing that creating these new tracks has been a "privilege."

The movie's original release date of 22 December 2021 was postponed because of COVID-19-related production issues. In March 2023, Ariana Grande surprised her fans by announcing a revised release date of 27 November 2024.

If you still need to watch Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, use the Apollo Victoria Theatre seating plan to book your seats today!