Wickedcame home just in time for the new year, andScreenRantcelebrated its release in Napa Valley. Part 1 is now available to purchase or rent on Digital and includes bonus features such as extended scenes, deleted scenes, BTS clips, and more. Based on Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman’s Broadway musical of the same name, and Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel,Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, the film is led by Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande-Butera as Glinda.
In addition to Erivo and Grande-Butera,Wickedstars Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Bowen Yang, Bronwyn James, Keala Settle, Peter Dinklage, Aaron Teoh, Grecia De la Paz, Colin Michael Carmichael, Adam James, Andy Nyman, Courtney Mae-Briggs, Sharon D. Clarke, and Jenna Boyd. Part 2, titledWicked: For Good,hits theaters on November 21, putting a one-year gap between the films. While the wait may be long, Universal invitedScreenRantto embrace the magic of Oz through dance lessons with choreographer Christopher Scott, an interview with director Jon M. Chu, and a hot air balloon ride over Napa Valley.
ScreenRant Received A Warm Welcome To The Emerald City
Accommodations At The Four Seasons Resort And A Wine Tasting At Mumm Napa
WhenScreenRantreceived an invitation from Universal Studios to celebrateWicked’shome release, I knew I was in for the experience of a lifetime. With so many exciting opportunities,our “One Short Press Day” felt as adventurous as Elphaba and Glinda’s visit to the Emerald City(minus the flying monkeys and animatronic head). I met up with a number of talented journalists and content creators, includingCollider’sown Meredith Loftus, and we were swept away to the Four Seasons Resort in Napa Valley.
Wicked Choreographer Breaks Down Elphaba & Galinda’s Pivotal Ozdust Dance: “It Just Has To Be Real”
EXCLUSIVE: The choreography during Wicked’s game-changing Ozdust Ballroom dance scene is broken down by choreographer Christopher Scott.
Press was golf-carted to rooms decked out withWicked-themed items, including a pair of Vera Badley pajamas perfect for curling up next to the fireplace. However, there was no time to waste, so after a quick peak at the sleeping arrangements, we headed to the welcome reception at Mumm Napa. In addition to cocktails inspired by Elphaba and Glinda, we were treated to finger foods and wine tastings also centered around the lead characters. The night ended with parting gifts from the winery and a musical ride back to the Four Seasons.
Our One Short Day Began Thousands Of Feet Above Napa Valley
We Defied Gravity During A Hot Air Balloon Ride
Six in the morning may sound like an early call time, but I’d gladly wake up at any hour to experience the Napa Valley sunrise. After going through all the proper safety protocols, we met our respective aeronauts and took to the skies.Having no control over where you’ll end up is a terrifying thought, yet, the experience itself was transformative.Once the hot air balloon reached unimaginable heights, it became an out-of-body experience. We waved to our fellow journalists,sang “Defying Gravity”, and flew free.
Interviews And Dance Lessons Commenced Before A Wicked Farewell
ScreenRant Spoke With Director Jon M. Chu And Learned Choreography From Christopher Scott
On the yellow brick road, I chatted withchoreographer Christopher Scottabout Elphaba and Glinda’s pivotal scene at the Ozdust dance.Scott said that the most important aspect was for the moment between the leads to “feel real.“He emphasized,“It’s not about [Elphaba] being a bad dancer. It’s about her being a different dancer.“I can’t say the same for my own dance moves, as the “What is This Feeling?” choreography turned out to be even harder than it looked.
But, for those trying to perfect the iconic sequence, Scott says,“Have fun with it, dance, get your family involved, get your co-workers. I love seeing it bring people together. That’s really what it’s about.”
Next, I sat down with director Jon M. Chu to address some lingering questions fromWickedPart 1. When asked why Fiyero wasn’t affected by Elphaba’s magic, he replied that the cause may be either"a subconscious intention on her part or a real thing that’s happening.“However, he decided against giving a definitive answer, not wanting to infuse his own beliefs into others' interpretations. Chu continued on to say that there are many breadcrumbs throughout Part 1, andthe identity of the mysterious rider could be revealed in the second movie.
The event wrapped up with cocktails, canapes, and DJ Bateeza blastingWicked’sgreatest hits. Ozmopolitan and Ozspresso martinis were served, and we snacked onWicked-themed treats while we bid farewell to the Four Seasons Resort. Our one short day started by defying gravity, ended with us dancing through life, and left me feeling changed for good.
More About Wicked Part 1 (2024)
Produced by Universal Pictures and directed by Jon M. Chu
Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Broadway’s The Color Purple) as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and 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. 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 fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
Wickedis currently available to purchase or rent on Digital.
Wicked
Cast
Wicked adapts the Broadway musical into a two-part film, following the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, born with green skin, and Glinda, a popular aristocrat, in the Land of Oz. As they navigate their contrasting paths, they evolve into Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
