Wicked, the beloved Broadway musical that’s won the hearts of millions, is finally coming to the big screen! With its spellbinding story, unforgettable characters, iconic music, and a new generation of cast, this musical has been a cultural phenomenon for years. Now, as it makes its way to theaters, this film adaptation is set to bring all the excitement and magic of the stage into cinemas worldwide.
The film brings back the original Broadway team, led by producer Marc Platt, to create something memorable for a new generation. Wicked promises to be a must-watch, reinventing this cherished story in a way we’ve never seen before.
Wicked is a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, the musical. Imagine stepping into Oz like you’ve never seen it before, where the story of the Wicked Witch of the West comes alive in a whole new way. Wicked takes us back to Oz, but this time, we see the story from an entirely new perspective. It’s the untold tale of Elphaba, the green-skinned girl who would one day become the Wicked Witch of the West, and her unlikely friendship with the glamorous and popular Glinda. The two first meet as polar-opposite roommates at Shiz University, where they clash, connect, and ultimately forge a powerful bond. But as they grow, they’re pulled in different directions—Elphaba’s bold defiance of the Wizard’s corrupt rule sets her on a path to becoming the outcast, while Glinda embraces the spotlight. Along the way, their friendship faces challenges, especially when they both fall for the dashing Fiyero.
Director Jon M. Chu, the creative mind behind Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights, is bringing his vision and energy to Wicked in a way that’s generating serious excitement. Known for his vibrant storytelling and love for bold, cinematic moments, Chu has been passionate about capturing the heart of this beloved musical while adding something new for the big screen. From the beginning, he’s made it clear how much this project means to him, sharing with fans his goal of honoring the original while offering a fresh perspective on Oz and a new generation of Wicked cast.
Meet the Characters:
Get ready to meet the unforgettable characters, brought to life by the powerhouse Wicked cast!
Cynthia Erivo, with her raw emotional depth and stunning voice, steps into the role of Elphaba, the misunderstood green-skinned witch who dares to be different.
Ariana Grande lights up the screen as the bubbly and ambitious Glinda, perfectly her journey from a life of popularity to discovering something deeper.
Jonathan Bailey adds his own charm and complexity to Fiyero, the mysterious heartthrob who captures both witches’ attention.
Michelle Yeoh brings elegance and an air of mystery to Madame Morrible.
Jeff Goldblum’s unmistakable charisma breathes new life into the enigmatic Wizard.
The Wicked musical is being adapted into a two-part film, with each part capturing a key chapter in the journey of Elphaba and Glinda. This part of the story leads up to one of the most powerful moments from the Broadway show: Defying Gravity. This is the big moment when she accepts that she can only count on herself, even if doing so means she must become the Wicked Witch of the West.
Special #Wicked Movie Announcement… ✌🏼🎬🧹🌸💚sent from my OzPhone: pic.twitter.com/4qPpvVD4rR
— Jon M. Chu (@jonmchu) April 26, 2022
Wicked could be the next movie to soar into the billion-dollar club. As a highly anticipated prequel to The Wizard of Oz, this adaptation has generated immense excitement, blending the beloved story first crafted by L. Frank Baum and later reimagined in Gregory Maguire’s bestselling novel.
On October 10, Fandango announced that the Wizard of Oz prequel hit major milestones in ticket pre-sales on its first day. With record-breaking numbers, Wicked has already claimed the title of best first-day PG-rated presales of the year, besting Pixar’s Inside Out 2, and now ranks as the third-best first-day preseller of all time for a PG-rated film. It also achieved the second-best first-day presales of the year overall, just behind the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Deadpool & Wolverine. Both Inside Out 2 and Deadpool & Wolverine grossed over $1 billion and are the only 2024 movies to have done so till date. If this early hype is any indication, Wicked could become 2024’s next billion-dollar box-office sensation.
Great news witches! ✨ #WickedMovie is already hitting Fandango milestones:
-Second Best First-Day Ticket Pre-Seller of 2024
-Best PG Rated First-Day Ticket Pre-Seller of 2024
-No. 3 Best PG Rated First-Day Ticket Pre-Seller of All Time pic.twitter.com/T0CjiR638l— Fandango (@Fandango) October 10, 2024
So far, we’ve been treated to two magical trailers for Wicked, each one leaving us on the edge of our seats. Along with these, sneak peeks of the characters and sets offer a glimpse of the stunning visuals, powerful performances, and the magic we’ve been eagerly awaiting. To top it off, a special behind-the-scenes featurette video of the cast has been released on official YouTube channel of Wicked Movie, giving fans an exciting look at the stars who are bringing this iconic story to life. With each new reveal, the anticipation only grows as we count down to the movie’s release!
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Are people born Wicked? Or do they have wickedness thrust upon them? Discover the answer on November 21, 2024. The adventure of Oz awaits—be ready to experience the untold story when it hits theaters!
Wicked is one of the year’s most highly anticipated films, offering brands a unique opportunity to engage a captivated audience. Whether you’re targeting moviegoers, musical fans, or lovers of all things Oz, Wicked offers unmatched potential to reach both new and loyal fans alike.
With the long weekend and National Day holidays fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to advertise alongside this movie. Connect with a diverse, family-oriented audience and make your brand a part of this unforgettable journey. Reach out today to explore advertising opportunities and elevate your brand this season!
Source: Wicked Official Website, IMDB, Entertainment Weekly, Collider, Variety, ScreenRant and Deadline
The grand spectacle of the Super Bowl returned with a bang, this time finding its stage at the illustrious Allegiant Stadium nestled in the heart of Las Vegas, Nevada, on February 11, 2024. Drawing in an astounding audience of over 123 million viewers, this year’s Super Bowl proved to be a veritable goldmine for brands eager to captivate and enthrall potential customers.
Among the titans vying for attention were the movie trailers that graced the commercial breaks. From the tantalizing glimpse of Hugh Jackman donning the iconic yellow and black suit as Wolverine in the first Deadpool & Wolverine trailer, to the ominous portrayal of day one of an alien invasion in A Quiet Place: Day One, this year’s trailer releases sparked anticipation and excitement among cinema enthusiasts. On the branding front, Apple’s double feature, alongside the likes of Uber, Microsoft, and a cavalcade of others, captured the spotlight
Here are the movie trailers and standout advertisements that graced the screen during this monumental event:
A Quiet Place: Day One – 27 June 2024
Ever wondered where it all started? The next Quiet place movie shows us the day when the death angels first fell on earth. The 30 second trailer feature Lupita Nyongo in New York, where all hell breaks loose.
Despicable Me 4 – 5 July 2024
The recent Super Bowl trailer for the movie featured the mischievous Minions, who, despite the full release of the Despicable Me 4 trailer weeks prior, had a playful encounter with AI. In the teaser, they humorously targeted Gru actor Steve Carell and Will Ferrell, who voices Gru’s nemesis, Maxime Le Mal.
The Fall Guy – 2 May 2024
The teaser for this action-packed film promises it all: Ryan Gosling stars as a veteran stuntman on a mission to locate his missing double in a movie directed by his ex-girlfriend, Emily Blunt.
Kung Fu Panda 4 – 11 April 2024
Jack Black returns as Po, the Dragon Warrior, on a quest to find his successor and become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace. But obstacles arise, including a formidable sorceress with her own agenda!
Deadpool & Wolverine – 25 July 2024
One of the year’s most eagerly awaited movie trailers premiered during Super Bowl LVIII, heralding the return of Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman as Deadpool and Wolverine in the highly anticipated “Deadpool 3,” promising a blood-pumping adventure like never before.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes – 10 May 2024
The apes meet the chiefs! The trailer for the fourth movie of the blockbuster series featured on Sunday, transporting viewers to a time much after the 21st century. In this world, Apes are now the dominant species, with human beings on a near feral existence.
Wicked – 26 November 2024
Viewers of the game were treated to anwicked delight during an early commercial break. The sneak peek showcased the initial encounter between the two characters, with Grande’s audible gasp upon seeing Erivo’s green appearance, exclaiming, “You’re green!”
Twisters – 18 July 2024
Fans are taking a poignant journey down memory lane, honoring the legacies of Bill Paxton and Philip Seymour Hoffman, both dearly departed. With over 100 million viewers captivated, the latest trailer hints at a thriller poised to serve as a stark reminder of the pressing issue of climate change.
If – 16 May 2024
The Super Bowl trailer for the movie picked a humorous approach, featuring Randall Park portraying John Krasinski’s Jim, as a revisit to a classic prank from The Office. Directed by Krasinski himself, the movie follows a girl on a magical adventure to reconnect all Imaginary Friends (IF’s) with kids.
Monkey Man – 5 April 2024
Following the game’s overtime, a commercial break teased Dev Patel’s upcoming thriller, Monkey Man, marking his directorial debut and produced by Jordan Peele.
Inside Out 2 – 14 June 2023
Almost ten years after Inside Out first hit theaters, Pixar is bringing back Riley and her Emotions for a sequel. Super Bowl 2024 offered a glimpse into Riley’s teenage years, with a special look at Inside Out 2. The teaser shows Riley facing a range of emotions, including the new addition of Maya Hawke’s Anxiety.
Apple
Apple’s double feature comprises two ads. The first showcases the company’s CEO, Tim Cook, engaging in a FaceTime call with Ludacris, Lil Jon, and Taraji P. Henson, discussing their recent dinner. In the second spot, USHER takes the stage as the performer for the Super Bowl 2024 halftime show.
“Javier In A Frame”– Google
This year, the tech giant collaborated with Adam Morse, a renowned blind filmmaker from Britain, to illustrate the benefits of AI-powered accessibility tools, such as Google’s Guided Frame, in enhancing navigation and usability for everyone in today’s modern world.
“Hello Down There” – Squarespace
Squarespace has tapped Martin Scorsese for its “Hello Down There” Super Bowl spot, which imagines human life consumed by the digital world.
That T-Mobile Home Internet Feeling
Fans of Scrubs were in for a treat with this clever ad! The minute long venture shows Zach Braff and Donald Faison, sing praises about T-Mobile cable to Jason Momoa. However, it’s Momoa’s remarkable singing skills that ultimately capture the spotlight.
Your Every AI CoPilot – Microsoft
Microsoft has debuted its Super Bowl advertisement, highlighting the company’s AI Copilot tool with the slogan “Your everyday AI companion.” The assistant is reimagined as an intelligent office aide assisting in tasks such as sorting emails, automating tasks on apps, and so much more..
Dina & Mita – Doritos
Dina and Mita (Olivia Negron and Patricia Mauceri) grandmothers of star Jenna Ortega chase after Ramirez, who has taken the last bag of Doritos at a supermarket.
State Farm Insurance– Agent State Farm
Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as Agent State Farm, a special agent who will go to great lengths to be a great neighbor in State Farm’s action movie spoof-style ad.
Pringles – Mr. P
Chris Pratt stars in the spot for the Kellanova brand where he shares a resemblance to the Pringles mascot Mr. P.
Oreo – Twist
Oreo is returning to the Super Bowl with a new campaign starring Kris Jenner, which plays up the experience of twisting an Oreo cookie. The spot is aimed at engaging with fans by tapping the unique passion points of the 110 year-old brand.
Worth Remembering –Uber Eats
Uber Eats’ ad features a celebrity-packed cast, including Friends’ David Schwimmer and Jennifer Aniston, Usher, David and Victoria Beckham, and Jelly Roll. The Super Bowl commercial serves as a reminder that forgetting is common, emphasizing Uber Eats’ ability to deliver almost anything, anywhere.
Volkswagen
Volkswagen will celebrate its 75th anniversary with a Super Bowl 2024 ad. The brand teased the documentary-style “Arrival” spot on YouTube.
Source: The Verge, EW, Brand Innovators, USA TODAY, The Guardian
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