After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen.
Ariana Grandeis Glinda and Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba in Wicked, directed by Jon M. Chu (Image: Universal Pictures)
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jon M. Chu, of Crazy Rich Asians andIn the Heights fame, Wicked is the first chapter of a two-partadaptation of the musicalfantasy and can be seen in cinemas from November 22.
WickedPart Two is scheduled to arrive in theatres in November2025.
Filming ofWicked took place at the new Sky Studios Elstree in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, the nearby Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, and on location ata huge purpose-built set atIvinghoe in theBuckinghamshire countryside.
Here's a behind the scenes look at the film adaptation of Broadway and West End musicalWicked.
Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba in Wicked. (Image: Universal Studios)
What is Wicked about?
Featuring the huge song Defying Gravity, Wicked is the untoldstory of the witches of Oz.
Itstars Emmy, Grammy and Tony-winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power.
Cynthia stars alongside Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart.
The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship.
Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba in Wicked. (Image: Universal Pictures) Following an encounter with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads, and their lives take very different paths.
Glinda's unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba's determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future.
Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfiltheir destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
Jeff Goldblum is The Wizard of Oz and Michelle Yeoh is Madame Morrible in Wicked. (Image: Giles Keyte/Universal Pictures) The film also stars Oscarwinner Michelle Yeoh as Shiz University’s regal headmistress Madame Morrible, and Bridgerton'sJonathan Bailey as Fiyero, a roguish and carefree prince.
Tony nominee Ethan Slater (Broadway’s Spongebob Squarepants) as Boq, an altruistic Munchkin student andMarissa Bode in her feature film debut as Nessarose, Elphaba’s favoured sister.
Jeff Goldblum playsthe legendary Wizard of Oz, whileThe Greatest Showman'sKeala Settle is new characterMiss Coddle, and four-time Emmy winner Peter Dinklage —of Game of Thrones fame— isthe voice of DrDillamond.
Jonathan Bailey is Fiyero in Wicked (Image: Universal Pictures)
Where was Wicked filmed?
Sky Studios Elstree, Hertfordshire
Ariana Grandeis Glinda in Wicked. (Image: Universal Studios) Last year,Sky Studios Elstree welcomed its first production, Wicked.
Although the first major film to base itself at thestate-of-the-art studios in the borough of Hertsmere, Wicked will be the second movie filmed at Sky Studios Elstree to actually hitthe big screen, followingthe latest Paddington adventurePaddington in Peruwhich was released earlier this month.
Wicked producers took over the new stages at the Sky Studios complex, which is situated just off the A1 at Borehamwood, a few miles south of the M25.
The studios are reportedly the most sustainable in the world.
Director Jon M. Chu with Cynthia Erivo (as Elphaba) and Ariana Grande (as Glinda) on the set of Wicked. (Image: Universal Studios) Speaking on the experience of filming at Sky Studios Elstree, producer Marc Platt said:“We built huge, impressively detailed sets on the brand-new stages at Sky Studios Elstree, which provided the perfect studio environment for the shoot, with the bonus of it being in close proximity to London.
"With over 3,000 roles employed behind the camera, it was fantastic that some of these could be filled by the freelance film community living within the local area, as well as opportunities for trainees to learn and develop their skills.
Wicked is released on November 22 (Image: Universal Studios)
"The sustainability ambitions of the site were also significant, and to know there were thousands of solar panels on the rooftops and other renewable energy sources helping to power our production was important.
"We cannot wait for the world to see the Wicked movies and the magic that was created at Sky Studios Elstree.”
Cynthia Erivo (as Elphaba), director Jon M. Chu, and Ariana Grande (as Glinda) on the set of Wicked. (Image: Universal Studios) Noel Tovey, MD at Sky Studios Elstree, said earlier this year: “It was such a privilege to welcome Wicked as the first film production at Sky Studios Elstree and the biggest production filmed in the last decade.
"Having both part one and two filmed simultaneously onsite shows the studios'ability to host large-scale major motion pictures and I look forward to seeing the finished project.”
As well as Wicked and the recently released thirdPaddington film,Paddington in Peru,the forthcomingJurassicblockbusterJurassic World Rebirth, also starring Jonathan Bailey,and the newBridget Jones sequel,Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy,are upcomingmoviesfilmed at Sky Studios Elstree.
Ariana Grande is Glinda in Wicked, directed by Jon M. Chu (Image: Universal Pictures)
SUGGESTED READING
- Paddington in Peru: Filming locations for Paddington 3 movie
- Behind the curtain: Photos show creation of Wicked set in Bucks village
- Sky launches appeal after Elstree studios expansion blocked
Wicked film poster (Image: Universal)
Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, Hertfordshire
As well as Sky Studios Elstree, Wicked also used stages at the Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden complex in Hertfordshire, best known for being the home of the Harry Potter movies.
On the movie's release day, the studios near Watford posted on Instagram: "The Emerald City at #WBSLeavesden
"We are rejoicifying that @wickedmovie, partially filmed at the Studios, is out in UK cinemas today! It was a pleasure to assist them on their gravity defying journey #SetLightingAndRigging"
Elstree Studios, Hertfordshire
Located just down the road from the new Sky Studios Elstree is the famous Elstree Studios in Borehamwood, complete with its new Platinum Stages.
Home toNetflix's The Crown, and where the original Star Wars and Indiana Jones movies were made, the Hertsmere Borough Council-ownedElstree Studios was also utilised by filmmakers for Wicked.
Posting on Instagram, Elstree Studios wrote: "WICKED IS OUT NOW
"Defying gravity on the big screen, it’s a cinematic feast! Filmed in Hertsmere and Hertfordshire, Elstree Film Studios are so proud to have played a part in creating this unforgettable experience! #therealelstreestudios#wicked#premiere#elstreestudios#film"
Ivinghoe, Buckinghamshire
Huge outdoor sets for Wicked were built on location in Ivinghoe inBuckinghamshire, near Leighton Buzzard.
A farm in the Bucks countryside was transformed into a Munchkin village with a yellow brick road, as seen from aerial shots taken when the sets were being built.
TheShiz University set can also be seen in photos of the huge site.
Norfolk
Last year, a tulip field was planted in west Norfolk as one of the filming locations for Wicked,with morethan 20 acres ofpink, red and white blooms, and it features in the trailer.
According to the Eastern Daily Press, crews were spotted in the Terrington St Clement area.
