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Musical Film 'Wicked' Delivers Spectacle and Emotional Depth

The highly anticipated adaptation of the Broadway hit explores themes of morality and friendship with standout performances by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.

  • Directed by Jon M. Chu, 'Wicked' is the first of a two-part film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, with the second installment set for release in November 2025.
  • The film serves as a prequel to 'The Wizard of Oz,' reimagining the origin stories of the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch while challenging the binary view of good and evil.
  • Cynthia Erivo's portrayal of Elphaba and Ariana Grande's performance as Glinda have been widely praised, with Erivo bringing emotional nuance to her role and Grande showcasing unexpected comedic and vocal range.
  • The production features elaborate world-building, including stunning sets and costumes, with its visual design drawing comparisons to iconic fantasy settings like Hogwarts and Barbie's Dreamhouse.
  • Themes of discrimination, power, and societal prejudice are central to the story, with the film drawing allegorical parallels to contemporary issues of marginalization and injustice.
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