Sneak Peek of Wicked at CinemaCon 2024 Highlights New Scenes

On April 11, 2024, Universal Pictures showcased an exciting preview of Wicked during its presentation at CinemaCon 2024. This adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, set to be released in two parts, captivated the audience as the cast took the stage to discuss the project before unveiling an extended look at the film.

The preview, as reported by Discussing Film, opens with Ariana Grande, who plays Glinda, posing a thought-provoking question: “Do people become wicked, or is wickedness thrust upon them?” This sets the tone for the scenes that follow, which delve into the lives of the characters.

One notable moment features Madame Morrible, portrayed by Michelle Yeoh, introducing Elphaba to Glinda as her new roommate, all while the iconic song “Popular” plays in the background. The audience is also introduced to Dr. Dillamong, a humanoid goat character created entirely through CGI and voiced by Peter Dinklage, who leads a lesson at Shiz University.

As the preview continues, viewers see Glinda and Elphaba practicing combat skills, alongside a scene where Glinda gives Elphaba a makeover. A humorous exchange occurs when Panne, played by Bowen Yang, comments on a pointed black hat he finds among Glinda's belongings, claiming it belonged to his grandmother and was only to be given to someone he despises. At that moment, Elphaba enters, and Glinda hands her the hat.

The preview also features the iconic moment of Elphaba wearing the black hat in the middle of a ballroom. Soon after, Elphaba receives a letter inviting her to meet the Wizard in the Emerald City, showcasing her unique magical abilities. She implores Glinda to join her, and together they embark on their journey.

A brief glimpse of the Wizard of Oz, played by Jeff Goldblum, and the CGI flying monkeys follows. In a tense confrontation, Elphaba tells the Wizard that he lacks true power, to which he responds that this is precisely why he needs her.

As the song “Defying Gravity” plays, scenes of Elphaba escaping the Wizard unfold. Glinda appears in her iconic pink dress, floating in a bubble, while Madame Morrible publicly declares Elphaba an enemy. The audience sees a massive poster depicting Elphaba with a wicked expression and sharp teeth, displayed to a large crowd, alongside a wooden statue of the Wicked Witch being burned in the town square.

In a climactic moment, Elphaba wields her witch's broom for the first time. Standing alongside Glinda in front of a large window, Elphaba declares, “It’s the Wizard who should be afraid of me.”

Directed by Jon M. Chu, Wicked is set to hit theaters in Italy on November 28, 2024, with the second part scheduled for release on November 26, 2025.