After the initial announcement of the cinematic adaptation of the Broadway musical ‘Wicked’ in 2016, the film will be released Nov. 27. It is the first part of a two-part movie series directed by Jon M. Chu and written by Winnie Holzman.

“I expect it to be just like the stage production but brought to life, if that makes sense,” sophomore Natalia Morales said. “The set will be much more sophisticated and show how Emerald City and Shiz University are. It will also probably take more creative liberties with costuming and the set.”

The film will follow two young witches: Elphaba, who has green skin, and Glinda, who is blonde and popular, as they form an unlikely friendship and then as their lives take different paths. 

“Glinda will be portrayed as the good, privileged girl while Elphaba will be portrayed as the destitute girl,” sophomore Tadija Zivotic said.

Viewers got their first look into the film when the trailer was released during the Super Bowl on Feb. 11. Students’ expectations for the film were raised after Vanity Fair released images of the movie’s cast in full costume March 21. 

“My initial expectation for the movie is that it will be amazing and visually appealing,” Zivotic said. 

Many people who are fans of the Broadway production are excited to see the cast’s portrayal of the respective characters. Elphaba will be played by Cynthia Erivo, and Glinda will be played by Ariana Grande. They will work alongside other cast members such as Ethan Slater, Michelle Yeoh, Bowen Yang and Jeff Goldblum. It was announced that “Wicked” will be a musical and that Grande and Erivo will be singing.

“I’m excited to hear all of the music,” Morales said. “I know Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande both had the Broadway experience, so I’m looking forward to seeing the comparison between the stage production and the movie. I’m also excited to see Glinda’s bubble at the beginning of the movie.”

As a longtime fan of the theatrical version, Morales said she is eager to see how the elements from the musical will be portrayed in a cinematic format. 

“I think that this movie will be outstanding compared to other movie adaptions,” she said. “There are so many creative liberties that producers and directors can make. Also, there’s going to be two movies, so that will allow the storyline to develop more and not have to restrain or take out certain parts. I honestly think this might be one of the greatest movie adaptions of a Broadway show.”

By Leah NgSaye