Excited moviegoers and some of the country’s influencers packed the SM Aura IMAX for the premiere of the most anticipated movie of the year – WICKED, which has a theme of Pink and Green graced the green carpet.
“Wicked,” based on the popular Broadway musical, is a retelling of the classic “The Wizard of Oz” from the perspective of the witches of Oz, primarily focusing on Elphaba (Wicked Witch of the West) and Glinda (Good Witch). It is the first of two cinematic adaptations of Stephen Schwartz and Holzman’s stage musical of the same name, which was partially based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 book. The film adaptation has sparked considerable anticipation, given the musical’s profound themes of friendship, identity, and the nature of good and evil. It explores the complex relationship between Elphaba and Glinda as they navigate their opposing ideologies and destinies. It delves into themes of social injustice, acceptance, and the grey areas of morality, challenging the black-and-white notions of good and evil. The casting has been a hot topic, with lead roles often speculated upon.
Ariana Grande plays the role of Glinda, or, as she said, “Ga-linda,” in the film adaptation of “Wicked.” Glinda, also known as the Good Witch, is a character known for her charm, vibrancy, and a journey of personal growth throughout the story. Grande’s casting has generated significant excitement due to her vocal prowess and acting capabilities, which also infused Glinda with a modern flair.
Cynthia Erivo’s portrayal of Elphaba in the highly anticipated Wicked movie has received widespread acclaim from early screenings. Known for her powerhouse vocals, Erivo delivers a breathtaking performance, particularly in songs like “The Wizard and I,” where her unique take on Elphaba shines through.
The performances, as expected, are strong, drawing from the musical’s successful theatrical roots with emotional depth, especially in Elphaba’s character arc. Every character and cast member showcased their vocal prowess throughout the entire movie.
With a rich narrative, compelling characters, and beloved music, “Wicked” has resonated with both fans of the musical and new audiences. It has a fresh perspective on a well-known tale while exploring deeper emotional and moral questions. In summary, “Wicked” promises to be a visually captivating and thought-provoking adaptation that honors its Broadway origins while making a mark as a film.
Each character pays homage to the individuals who played Glinda and Elphaba, and as a delightful surprise, Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel appeared in the movie! Ariana and Cynthia’s standout performances balance their musical talent with the emotional nuances of their characters. They perfectly embodied these characters!
The film stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, with Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Marissa Bode, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum in supporting roles. Don’t miss this magical movie event of the year, now showing in over 200 cinemas nationwide.
Thank you SM Supermalls and Universal Pictures Philippines for the invitation.
