Ariana Grande has been cast to star in Universal’s new two-part film adaptation of “Wicked”. The movie is currently in active development but is slated to film in the United Kingdom. The plot of “Wicked” revolves around Elphaba, played by Cynthia Erivo, the future Wicked Witch of the West, who has gotten a bum rap. Her mother is embarrassed and repulsed by her bright-green baby with shark’s teeth and an aversion to water.
At college, the coed experiences disapproval and rejection by her roommate, Glinda, played by Grande, a silly girl interested only in clothes, money, and popularity. Elphaba is a serious and inquisitive student. When she learns that the Wizard of Oz is politically corrupt and causing economic ruin, Elphaba finds a sense of purpose in her life to stop him and to restore harmony and prosperity to the land.
A Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, Scarecrow, and an unknown species called a “Dorothy” appear in very small roles. The story presents Elphaba in a sympathetic and empathetic manner-viewers will want her to triumph! The conclusion, however, is the same as L. Frank Baum’s. Part one of “Wicked” is set to release December 25th of 2024 with Part 2 scheduled to hit theaters exactly one year later.
“Wicked” Cast and Crew
Performing in “Wicked” will be somewhat of a coming home for singer and actor Ariana Grande who got her start in the Broadway musical “13”. While she started off acting and became famous for her role in the Nickelodeon show “Victorious” her music career has been more of her focus in recent years. “Wicked” will therefore be a very welcome return for Grande to have a starring role.
In the Heights Director Jon M. Chu will be bringing his experience with musicals to bear while occupying the Director’s chair for the upcoming “Wicked” production. Winnie Holzman will be joined by veteran Disney writer Stephen Schwartz to bring the scrip for Part 1 and Part 2 together.
PRODUCER: Marc Platt – David Stone – Brian Popkin
WRITER: Winnie Holzman – Stephen Schwartz
DIRECTOR: Jon M. Chu
LP: David Nicksay
DP: Alice Brooks
CAST: Ariana Grande – Cynthia Erivo
CD: Bernard Telsey
“Wicked” Casting Call
Casting director Bernard Telsey will be selecting the cast for “Wicked”. He has helped other Broadway plays make the transition from stage to screen, handling casting for films like In the Heights and Hamilton. Telsey is the President of Casting Society of America (CSA) and sits on their New York Chapter Board of Governors.
Those interested in securing a role on “Wicked” should send an email with a link to an unlisted YouTube video resume to wickedfilmcasting@gmail.com.
Casting Society Of America
1812 West Burbank Blvd #1041
Burbank, CA 91506
PHONE: 818-273-1675
EMAIL: info@castingsociety.com
“Wicked” Production Studios
DEFYING GRAVITY LLC
Sky Studios Elstree
Rowley Lane
Borehamwood
Hertfordshire, WD6 1FX
UK
Blackhall Studios
1415 Constitution Road SE
Atlanta, GA 30316
EMAIL: office.defygravity@gmail.com
MARC PLATT PRODUCTIONS
100 Universal City Plaza, Bung. 5163
Universal City, CA 91608
PHONE: 818-777-1122
EMAIL: mpp@univfilms.com
ELECTRIC SOMEWHERE
7250 Beverly Blvd. Suite 200
Los Angeles CA 90036
EMAIL: lance@electricsomewhere.com
UNIVERSAL PICTURES
100 Universal City Plaza
Universal City, CA 91608
PHONE: 818-777-8392
EMAIL: erik.baiers@nbcuni.com
