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
Cinema advertising capitalizes on positive moods to boost brand engagement and create memorable moments for consumers.
In today’s fast-paced ad landscape, cutting through the noise isn’t just about creative execution—it’s about reaching people when they’re most open to listening. According to Hearst’s ‘Power of Positivity – 2023’ study, consumers are far more receptive to brand messaging when they are in a positive state of mind, leading to increased favorability and consideration.
When people are in a good mood, they’re naturally more open to suggestions, which makes them more likely to recall ads and think highly of the products they see advertised. But it doesn’t stop there—people who feel positive aren’t just passive observers; they’re more inclined to talk about the ads they’ve seen, dig deeper into the product, and even make that all-important purchase. So, the question is: where can brands make the most of these positive moments?
Cinema audiences hold the answer, as environments like cinema, where the vibes are overwhelmingly positive, give brands the chance to create lasting impressions that go far beyond the moment. What makes cinema so uniquely powerful is its ability to create an immersive experience that not only captures attention but also elevates mood. Unlike other media, cinema engages audiences in a shared moment, creating a feeling of connection and community that’s hard to replicate.
Audiences see the ‘ads and trailers’ as part of the event experience and unlike other channels that are viewed alone, cinema naturally creates an environment that can generate a moment of talkability for brands about their ads – DCM Maximise with Cinema, 2024.
Two recent studies by DCM in 2023 and 2024 highlight the crucial role of a positive mindset in shaping consumer behavior. The first finding reveals that around 60% of moviegoers often say they feel a sense of connection when they’re at the movies. The second finding suggests that in contrast to the mixed emotions often experienced on social media, an impressive 78% of cinemagoers say they’re in a great mood when watching a film. This positive state of mind makes them more receptive to the ads they see, turning what could be just another brand message into a memorable moment.
Let’s not forget the beauty of cinema’s focus. Cinema is a rare space where people are truly present. It’s where they put down their phones and lean into the moment, absorbing both the film and the pre-show ads in full. This creates a unique opportunity for brands to craft messages that resonate deeply. The key for brands is to match the tone of the room by using inspiring stories, uplifting visuals, and creating a sense of shared experience that fits the mood of the movie theatre. Cinema isn’t just a screen; it’s a stage that brands can use to generate an immersive experience rather than simply deliver a message.
For advertisers, cinema isn’t merely a venue; it’s a unique opportunity to produce something memorable. It’s a place where positivity can be transformed into brand love, turning ads into moments that matter. Leveraging the uplifting energy of the cinema experience allows brands to make their messages stick in a way that few other mediums can match. As the conversation around the long-term effects of positive advertising continues to grow, one thing is clear: the mood-boosting magic of cinema and its role in fostering positivity is a force to be reckoned with, driving a new era of brand engagement.
Credits: Hearst, DCM, Campaign UK, VAB
Get ready to set sail once again! Moana 2, the eagerly awaited sequel to Disney Animation Studios’ 2016 hit, is on the horizon. Moana (2016) brought us the fearless Polynesian princess and her unforgettable journey with Maui, the demigod, on a quest to save her island. Fans have been buzzing with excitement ever since the announcement of the sequel, and now, the wait is almost over!
In Moana 2, the adventure picks up three years after the original film. Moana sets out on a daring quest to locate the lost island of Motufetu, once a crucial oceanic link. However, this island has been hidden by the vengeful God of Storms, making Moana’s journey more treacherous than ever.
Prepare for an exciting adventure with the introduction of new faces. Simea, Moana’s spirited 3-and-a-half-year-old sister voiced by Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda, is a bundle of energy and admiration, bringing a fresh and heartwarming dynamic to the story. On the other hand, Matangi, voiced by Awhimai Fraser, is a formidable new antagonist who wields the power of storms. Her unpredictable nature and ominous presence promise to challenge Moana and her crew in unprecedented ways.
Of course, the adventure wouldn’t be complete without the return of beloved characters. Fans can look forward to seeing Auli’i Cravalho as Moana, Dwayne Johnson as Maui, Rachel House as Grandma Tala and more. This blend of new and beloved characters ensures a thrilling ride for audiences.
Animated films have been dominating the box office, and Moana 2 is set to follow suit. The original Moana grossed a staggering $643 million worldwide and attracted over 260,000 admissions during its UAE run. Building on this success, and following the momentum of animated sequels like Inside Out 2—which grossed over $1.6 billion—Moana 2 is poised for another blockbuster run.
Fans are buzzing with excitement as new videos and trailers for Moana’s upcoming adventure have taken the internet by storm, racking up millions of views. The sneak peeks show off stunning ocean battles, touching reunions, and the new track “We’re Back!” from Grammy® winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear.
Get ready, because Moana 2 is set to release on November 28, 2024.
With Moana 2 being one of the most anticipated films of the year, brands have a unique opportunity to ride the wave of excitement. Whether you’re targeting families, children, or adventure lovers, this sequel will attract audiences of all ages, offering unparalleled advertising opportunities. Contact us to advertise alongside this upcoming family blockbuster.
Source: IMDb, Entertainment Weekly, Collider, Variety, Motivate Val Morgan
In partnership with Havas Media Dubai and Motivate Val Morgan, Hermès returns to the cinema to launch an integrated campaign for the new Hermès Barénia perfume at select cinemas across the Middle East.
This latest campaign promotes Hermès Barénia perfume, a fragrance that embodies free-spirited elegance and the vitality of unbridled femininity. Designed for the modern woman, this enchanting scent celebrates strength, curiosity, and an adventurous spirit, inviting consumers to experience its unique allure.
Off-Screen Sampling – UAE and KSA
Hermès added a scent of sophistication with their latest off-screen sampling, distributing approximately 10,000 samples of Hermès Barénia perfume to premium moviegoers at Reel Cinemas in Dubai Mall and VOX Cinemas in Riyadh Park during the first two weekends of the Joker 2 release.
Here’s a glimpse of the sampling events:
On-Screen Campaign: By Package – FTM
The campaign is further complemented by a 45-second on-screen advertisement currently airing at select VOX, Cinemacity, and Reel locations across the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and KSA, following the film Joker: Folie à Deux.
Leveraging on-screen advertising alongside creative off-screen activations through customized cinema campaigns is an effective way to boost your brand’s visibility. For more information on crafting engaging cinema activations that resonate with moviegoers, contact our team at Motivate Val Morgan
In a dazzling display of cinematic fervor, Saudi Arabia’s box office has witnessed an unprecedented surge as September draws to a close. The confluence of World Cinema Day (September 20-23) and Saudi National Day (September 23) has catapulted movie admissions to stratospheric heights, painting a vivid picture of the Kingdom’s burgeoning love affair with the silver screen.
The Saudi Film Commission reports a remarkable trajectory in Saudi Arabia’s cinema landscape. The numbers tell a compelling story: a 69.96% increase in admissions from week two to week three and a 15.96% average week-on-week increase, based on admissions data for the first four weeks of September.
As the largest cinema advertising representative in the Kingdom, Motivate Val Morgan reports that admission figures for their circuit stood at 330,000 for the week of September 19-25 alone (a 107% growth from the previous week), contributing to a monthly total of over 798,000 admissions based on MVM’s CineMeasure dashboard data from September 1 to September 25.
Analyzing the drivers behind these impressive figures reveals a landscape dominated by diverse and enduring hits. The true marvel lies in the sustained success of the Arabic comedy X Merati. Now in its tenth week, the film attracted 106,800 admissions in September alone, bringing its total to an awe-inspiring 399,600 admissions and generating a monumental SAR 18.4 million at the box office. This enduring draw highlights a growing trend in Saudi cinema: the rise of “leggy” films that continue to captivate audiences well beyond the traditional opening weekend surge.
The Hollywood counterparts to these enduring hits are equally impressive. The Marvel blockbuster Deadpool and Wolverine demonstrated similar staying power, amassing 487,300 total admissions and earning SAR 26 million. In the same vein, the female-driven drama It Ends With Us struck a chord with women audiences, clocking in 273,600 admissions and generating SAR 14.1 million at the KSA box office, further exemplifying the market’s appetite for diverse, long-running films.
The diversity of the Saudi box office was further showcased with the strong debut of the Tamil film The Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T), which secured an impressive 29,400 admissions, and Transformers One, which brought in 21,900 during its opening week. Meanwhile, the psychological thriller Speak No Evil, starring James McAvoy, maintained steady momentum with 87,600 admissions over three weeks, reflecting the eclectic tastes of Saudi moviegoers.
Saudi year-over-year comparisons reveal a rapidly expanding market, with admission numbers that would have been unimaginable just a few years ago. This growth, paired with the evolving sophistication of Saudi audiences, presents a market primed for both investment and innovation. In other words, these numbers not only reflect the growing appetite for cinematic experiences but also underscore the unparalleled opportunity for brands to engage with a captive and enthusiastic audience.
As we look to the future, with major titles such as Joker: Folie à Deux, Venom, Smile 2, Gladiator 2, and more Arabic and Indian movies set to release in the months ahead, the data suggests we’re merely at the beginning of Saudi Arabia’s cinematic renaissance. The combination of strategic initiatives like World Cinema Day, the emotional pull of national celebrations, and a diversifying slate of film offerings has created a perfect storm for sustained growth.
For industry stakeholders, from studio executives to brand marketers, the message is clear: the Saudi cinema landscape is not just a market to watch, but a phenomenon to be part of.
Click here to check out the full list of movies and submit your inquiries.
Sources: MVM CineMeasure, The Saudi Film Commission
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