Wicked: Director Jon M. Chu sheds light on the unique aspects of the movie

The release date for the film adaptation of Stephen Schwartz’s Broadway musical 'Wicked' approaches and the excitement is reaching a fever pitch. Directed by Jon M. Chu, known for his work on 'Crazy Rich Asians' and 'In the Heights' the film promises to offer a more intimate and profound exploration of the beloved story.


Based on Gregory Maguire’s novel 'Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West,' the movie explains the untold backstory of Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West, and her complex relationship with Glinda, the Good Witch. The narrative is set in the fantastical Land of Oz, largely before Dorothy's arrival, the movie explores themes of friendship, rivalry, and the struggle against prejudice.


The film stars the talented Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and pop sensation Ariana Grande as Glinda. Their performances are already generating buzz, with both actresses fully embodying their characters in public appearances and promotional events. The cast also includes Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, and Jonathan Bailey.


In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Jon M. Chu revealed that the film adaptation takes the source material to new depths. "We got deep. We got deep in there," he teased, highlighting the emotional complexity of the characters. "Elphaba has a lot of wounds, but so does Glinda, and we found all those with these two girls who really gave it the truth beyond the songs that we know," he added.


Chu mentioned that the close-up shots allow audiences to experience the characters' emotions more intimately. "We get the camera two inches from their face, so we can see when they're lying, when they're not, or when they're lying to themselves. And that brings a lot of power," he explained.


The film's release is scheduled for November 22, 2024, with a sequel, 'Wicked: Part Two,' set to follow in November 2025.