Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda in “Wicked,” Courtesy of Universal Pictures

“Wicked,” which has been beloved and enduring on the stage for 20 years, finally makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen as a spectacular and generation-defining cinematic event this holiday season.

Cynthia Erivo (Harriet in Broadway’s “The Color Purple“) plays Elphaba, a young woman misunderstood due to her unusual green skin, in The Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz. Ariana Grande, who is a Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar, portrays Glinda, a well-liked young woman who is burdened by privilege and ambition and has not yet found her true self.

During their time as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz, the two formed an unlikely yet profound friendship. Power seduces Glinda due to her unwavering desire for popularity, whereas Elphaba’s will to be true to herself and those around her will lead to unexpected and shocking consequences in her future. The adventures they have in Oz will ultimately lead them to fulfillment of their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

Jeff Goldblum is The Wizard of Oz, and Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible in “Wicked,” Courtesy of Universal Pictures

The film also stars Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh as Shiz University’s regal headmistress Madame Morrible; Jonathan Bailey (“Bridgerton,” “Fellow Travelers“) as Fiyero, a roguish and carefree prince; Tony nominee Ethan Slater (“Broadway’s Spongebob Squarepants,” “Fosse/Verdon“) as Boq, an altruistic Munchkin student; Marissa Bode in her feature-film debut as Nessarose, Elphaba’s favored sister; and pop culture icon Jeff Goldblum as the legendary Wizard of Oz.

The cast of characters includes Pfannee and ShenShen, two conniving compatriots of Glinda played by Emmy nominee Bowen Yang (“Saturday Night Live“) and Bronwyn James (“Harlots“); a new character created for the film, Miss Coddle, played by Tony nominee Keala Settle (“The Greatest Showman“) and four-time Emmy winner Peter Dinklage (“Game of Thrones“) as the voice of Dr. Dillamond.

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jon M. Chu (“Crazy Rich Asians,” “In the Heights“), Wicked is the first chapter of a two-part immersive, cultural celebration. Wicked Part Two is scheduled to arrive in theaters on November 26, 2025.

“Wicked” is produced by Marc Platt (“La La Land,” “The Little Mermaid“), whose films, television shows and stage productions have earned a combined 46 Oscar nominations, 58 Emmy nominations and 36 Tony nominations, and by multiple Tony winner David Stone (“Kimberly Akimbo,” “Next to Normal“), with whom Platt produced the blockbuster Wicked stage musical. The executive producers are David Nicksay, Stephen Schwartz and Jared LeBoff.

Based on the bestselling novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked is adapted for the screen by the stage production’s book writer Winnie Holzman and by legendary Grammy and Oscar winning composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz. The Broadway stage musical is produced by Universal Stage Productions, Marc Platt, the Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone.

Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba in “Wicked,” Courtesy of Universal Pictures