The film adaptation of Wicked, directed by Jon M. Chu, brings to life the beloved musical that has captivated audiences since its Broadway debut in 2003. This cinematic version is based on Gregory Maguire’s novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, which provides a fresh perspective on the classic tale from The Wizard of Oz. The cast features a mix of established stars and rising talents, each bringing their unique skills to this enchanting story. Below is a detailed introduction to the main cast members.
Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Thropp
Cynthia Erivo plays Elphaba Thropp, the character famously known as the Wicked Witch of the West. Erivo is an accomplished actress and singer, having won an Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award for her performance in The Color Purple. Her portrayal of Elphaba is expected to capture the character’s complexity, showcasing her journey from a misunderstood young woman with green skin to a powerful figure in Oz. Erivo’s previous film credits include Harriet, for which she received an Academy Award nomination, and Widows. Her vocal prowess will undoubtedly shine in this role, as she is known for her powerful singing abilities.
Ariana Grande as Glinda Upland
Ariana Grande stars as Glinda Upland, Elphaba’s friend who eventually becomes known as Glinda the Good Witch. Grande is a global pop sensation with a background in musical theater, having started her career in Broadway’s. She is recognized for her impressive vocal range and has numerous chart-topping hits to her name. In addition to her music career, Grande has appeared in television shows such as Victorious and Scream Queens. Her casting has been well-received, with original Broadway cast members expressing their support for her portrayal.
Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero Tigelaar
Jonathan Bailey takes on the role of Fiyero Tigelaar, a charming and carefree prince who becomes romantically involved with both Elphaba and Glinda. Bailey gained fame for his role in the hit Netflix series Bridgerton, where he showcased his acting versatility. His character serves as a pivotal figure in the story, navigating his relationships with both witches. Bailey’s background in theater adds depth to his performance, making him a fitting choice for this complex role.
Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible
Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh portrays Madame Morrible, the headmistress of Shiz University. Yeoh is celebrated for her roles in films such as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Everything Everywhere All at Once. Her casting in Wicked marks her first major musical role, adding excitement to her already illustrious career.
Madame Morrible is a significant character who influences the lives of both Elphaba and Glinda, making Yeoh’s performance crucial to the film’s narrative.
Jeff Goldblum as The Wizard
Jeff Goldblum takes on the iconic role of The Wizard of Oz, a character who plays a pivotal role in shaping the destinies of Elphaba and Glinda.
Goldblum is known for his charismatic performances in films such as Jurassic Park and The Fly. His unique blend of humor and gravitas will likely bring a fresh interpretation to this legendary character.
Ethan Slater as Boq Woodman
Broadway star Ethan Slater plays Boq Woodman, a Munchkin who harbors feelings for Glinda. Slater gained recognition for his Tony-nominated performance in SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical. His portrayal of Boq promises to add emotional depth to the story, particularly regarding his unrequited love for Glinda.
Marissa Bode as Nessarose Thropp
In her feature film debut, Marissa Bode portrays Nessarose Thropp, Elphaba’s younger sister. Bode brings personal experience to this role, as she has faced challenges due to a real-life disability. Nessarose’s character adds complexity to Elphaba’s backstory, highlighting themes of jealousy and familial loyalty within their relationship.
Bowen Yang as Pfannee
Bowen Yang, known for his work on Saturday Night Live, plays Pfannee, one of Glinda’s friends at Shiz University. Yang’s comedic talent will likely bring levity to the film while exploring themes of friendship and social dynamics among young witches.
Bronwyn James as ShenShen
Bronwyn James joins the cast as ShenShen, another companion of Glinda at Shiz University. James has appeared in various television series and films, making her an exciting addition to this ensemble cast.
Keala Settle as Miss Coddle
Tony nominee Keala Settle plays Miss Coddle, a new character created specifically for the film adaptation. Settle is known for her powerful voice, particularly from her performance in The Greatest Showman. Her involvement adds an intriguing layer to the story, expanding on themes present in the original musical.
Peter Dinklage as Dr. Dillamond
Peter Dinklage, famous for his role as Tyrion Lannister in Game of Thrones, provides the voice for Dr. Dillamond, a goat who teaches history at Shiz University. Dinklage’s involvement brings star power and depth to this animated character, enhancing the film’s magical world.
Additional Cast Members
The cast also includes:
- Aaron Teoh as Avaric
- Colin Michael Carmichael as Professor Nikidik
Other supporting characters that enrich the narrative.
Conclusion
The cast of Wicked brings together an impressive array of talent from various backgrounds in theater and film. Each actor contributes their unique strengths to portray beloved characters from both Maguire’s novel and Schwartz’s musical adaptation. With strong performances anticipated from all members, this adaptation aims to resonate with both fans of the original stage production and new audiences alike.
As audiences prepare for this cinematic journey into Oz, they can look forward to experiencing how these talented individuals breathe new life into familiar characters while exploring themes of friendship, power, and identity that have made Wicked an enduring favorite across generations.
Related topics:
