Wicked (2024) - Trailer Breakdown!

Wicked Trailer Breakdown

“Good News!” the first “Wicked” trailer has finally dropped! Welcome to MsMojo, and today, we’re breaking down the newly released first look at the upcoming “Wicked” movie, part one. If you’re unfamiliar with the musical, there will be spoilers ahead.

#5: A Glimpse into Oz

Okay, who didn’t squeal at that striking opening shot of Elphaba’s smoking witch’s hat? It’s a strong start, but what could it mean? Fans of the musical or even “The Wizard of Oz” know that the character has an unfortunate encounter with a bucket of water, so could this be a foretelling of the film’s conclusion? We also get glimpses of the elaborate and impressive costumes that are certainly reminiscent of the show but showcase more intricate details beyond what the stage could fully reveal.

We follow a mysterious figure riding horseback across a fantastical Oz landscape and catch a first peek at Elphaba’s famous flying monkey, possibly Chistery, crashing out of a window. The train journey to Oz gives us a whirlwind tour of the bustling Emerald City, perhaps teasing hints of “One Short Day.” There’s also a gorgeous shot of Ariana Grande’s Glinda resting her head on Elphaba’s shoulder in a poppy field that feels like a nostalgic nod to the 1939 film.

We also couldn’t talk about the Ozian settings without discussing what appears to be a shot from Glinda’s wedding! Yes, you heard that right! Fans of the musical know that Glinda and Fiyero’s engagement comes as quite a surprise to the would-be-groom, and they actually never make it down the aisle. Yet, in the trailer, we see Glinda in what looks like a pink cave, seemingly wearing a wedding gown while holding a pink bouquet. She’s also surrounded by yellow butterflies, and we guess, wedding guests? Some see yellow butterflies as symbols of transformation, rebirth, and hope. So, perhaps this frame isn’t exactly what it seems.

#4: Storyline & Plot Points

We know that the upcoming “Wicked” movie is split into two parts; however, how it’s being divided is still up for speculation. In the trailer, we see Elphaba and Glinda arrive at Shiz University and meet each other for the first time. There’s also that unforgettable moment at the Ozdust Ballroom where Elphaba first dons her iconic hat - you know, the one Glinda gifts her as a prank in the show.

It seems like this retelling will dig deeper into Elphaba’s training sessions with Madame Morrible, who’s played by Michelle Yeoh. We see the student-teacher dynamic in action, with the headmistress offering Elphaba some advice on how to wield her powers. We also see her teach Elphaba what appears to be a levitation spell, which may foreshadow a significant turning point later in the movie. As we briefly mentioned before, it looks like we’re in for a trip to the Emerald City with our iconic duo! We can’t wait to see how they bring the showstopper “One Short Day” to life on the silver screen.

Did you also spot Dorothy, Toto, and the gang? In the musical, Dorothy’s adventures mostly take place off stage, so we’re intrigued to see if and how they might expand her role in the movie and connect the two stories even more.

The trailer wraps up with scenes of Elphaba stepping into her power, including that iconic “Defying Gravity” ending, where Madame Morrible, Glinda, and others watch her take flight. Since the number serves as the Act One finale in the musical, many have wondered if it will do the same for part one of the movie.

#3: Character Introductions

Back in April 2023, the movie’s director, Jon M. Chu, gave us our first glimpse of Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda. Okay, they were a bit distant and in dim lighting, but it still got us all kinds of excited!

Now, the trailer shows us some of their co-stars. It kicks off with Jeff Goldblum, who plays the Wizard, in voice-over, and later, we catch quick glimpses of him in character, too. Michelle Yeoh looks fierce as Madame Morrible (in the best way, of course).

In a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment, when Elphaba and Glinda first meet, you can spot “SNL”’s Bowen Yang, who plays Glinda’s friend, Pfannee, on one side of her. Meanwhile, “Harlots” actor Bronwyn James, who plays another friend called ShenShen, stands on her other side. You'll recognize these names if you’ve read Gregory Maguire’s novel. Also, keep an eye out for Elphaba’s sister, Nessarose, at the Ozdust Ballroom. She’s played by Marissa Bode, predominantly a stage actor who, like her character, uses a wheelchair. Standing just behind her is Ethan Slater, best known for the “SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical,” who’s playing Boq.

Now you’ll really want to pay close attention here because at around the 29-second mark, Jonathan Bailey, of “Bridgerton” fame, appears as Fiyero, another Shiz student who starts out shallow and carefree but gains depth through his relationship with Elphaba.

Keala Settle, from “The Greatest Showman,” will play a new character named Miss Coddle; though not spotted in this trailer, we hope to see her in the next one!

#2: Iconic References

Let’s talk about Glinda’s wardrobe! The trailer gives us a glimpse of several fabulous looks, but we want to focus on that pink dress. Glinda’s bubble entrance in the musical is iconic, and Grande’s dress during this scene seems to nod to both the stage show’s gown and Billie Burke’s attire from the 1939 movie, but of course, it has been Glindafied in its own unique way.

Remember the shot of Elphaba and Glinda in the poppy field? Another frame shows four individuals dashing through rows of flowers, which reminds us of this moment from the MGM classic. Some say this could be part of the opening number, with the figures rushing to spread the “Good News” about the witch.

Now, about those ruby shoes! If you can take your eyes off the adorable Toto for a second, you’ll see they’re silver in this version (also, where can we get a pair!?). Despite Judy Garland’s ruby pair being world famous, both L. Frank Baum’s “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” and Maguire’s 1995 novel describe the shoes as silver.

They also lead us to another iconic movie scene where Dorothy and her pals (let’s pause to appreciate that impressively realistic Cowardly Lion!) first meet the Wizard, or rather, the version of himself he presents to the world. While the 1939 projection was groundbreaking for its time, this Wizard has a higher-tech update more aligned with the stage show’s technology.

Oh, and let’s not forget the flying monkeys! They might have a bigger role in “Wicked” than in “The Wizard of Oz.” Their blue wings seem to be inspired by their on-stage counterparts.

#1: Musical Moments

This is a musical, so let’s talk about the music! Barely 5 seconds in, we’re treated to a snippet of Erivo’s rendition of the show's showstopping number, “Defying Gravity.” We continue to get more fragments of the song throughout, intertwined with excerpts of dialogue. While “Defying Gravity” is the main track we hear, there are seemingly nods to other tunes as well. We've pinpointed where we think “One Short Day” might slot in. However, given that Glinda makes her grand entrance by bubble at the start of the show, it's probable that these shots represent “No One Mourns the Wicked.” Alternatively, they could be from the reprise at the top of Act Two or the final scene, where the song is partially reprised as part of the finale.

Still, the moment that sends tingles up and down our spines is this exchange between our two leads. Anyone who has seen the show or perhaps caught Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth’s performance at the 2004 “Tony Awards” will recognize it as the lead-in to the iconic number. Our tingles barely have a moment to subside before they hit us with Erivo’s take on perhaps one of the most famous riffs in modern musical history. That riff will replay in our minds until Thanksgiving 2024 when part one of “Wicked” is currently slated to be released. The Wizard will see you then!

What are your initial thoughts on the first glimpses of the “Wicked” movie? Do you think it’s going to be “Wonderful” or “Wicked”? Let us know in the comments.