It is no secret thatWickedhas an incredible cast of stars, yet there is one element to these actors that makes them (and the movie) even better. After premiering at the end of November 2024,Wickedhas quickly become one of the most popularand highest-grossing movies of the year. Based on a novel by Gregory Maguire and a Broadway musical,Wickedis a half-prequel, half-spinoff to the classic story ofThe Wizard of Oz.In Maguire’s version,the Wicked Witch of the West is a young woman named Elphabawho quickly goes from outcast to villain.
With such a big and complex IP,Wickedhad to ensure it had plenty of beloved and talented celebrities to take on its important roles, from Elphaba to Glinda. Furthermore, these big-name actors inevitably helpedWickedto gain more popularity, as those who weren’t familiar with the story were still intrigued byWickedcast memberslike Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey. Then,becauseWickedis a musical, it was imperative that the cast were able to sing and danceproficiently. All of these goals were definitely met byWicked,but one element pushed the film even further.
Wicked Mostly Cast Broadway Actors For The Movie
What Shows Has Wicked’s Cast Been In Before
There is no doubt thatWickedhas an incredible cast of actors, and what sets them apart is the fact that the majority of them were Broadway actorsbefore they were Hollywood actors.Wickedis a musical through and through, and it has deep roots on Broadway. Therefore, it wasn’t only important that the on-screen actors be singers and dancers, but also that they understood the importance ofWicked’shistory and impact. With stars like Cynthia Erivo and Ethan Slater in the cast, theWickedmovie had plenty of Broadwaystars bringing the stage to the big screen.
A number ofWicked’scast got their start on Broadway. Cynthia Erivo rose to stardom in 2015 when she took on the starring role of Celie in the Broadway revival ofThe Color Purple.Before Ariana Grande launched her music career, or even her career as a Nickelodeon star, she appeared in the 2008 Broadway musical,13.Ethan Slater, who plays Boq, originated the role of SpongeBob SquarePants, in the 2016 Broadway musical.Even Jonathan Bailey ofBridgertonfame got his start on the West Endin shows likeLes MisérablesandThe Last Five Years.
Wicked’s Broadway Actors Helped The Musical Performances Really Shine
Wicked’s Cast Left Their Careers At The Door
The fact thatWicked’scast mostly originated from Broadway made the movie so much better.Wickedrelies on a number of elements, from acting to SFX, but the music may be one of the most significant elements of all.Wickedis known for its music, and many audiences had high expectationsfor the movie. Fortunately, 2024’sWickedwas able to deliver outstanding musical performancesbecause real singers and performers were hired to do the job, which doesn’t always happen when it comes to movie musicals. The Broadway feel ofWickedwas translated to the big screen.
10 Best Wicked Moments From The Broadway Musical Coming In Wicked 2
Because the epic story is split into two parts, Wicked: Part 2 will include many exciting moments from the magical 2003 Broadway musical.
At times, having a star-studded cast can be a downfall for a movie, especially when it is as well-known asWicked.In some cases, the A-list celebrities may struggle to leave their careers and reputations at the door to truly become the character they are playing. ForWicked,this was not a problem. Grande has a massive music career, yet inWicked,she never felt like a pop star. Instead,Grande completely embodied Glinda. This type of commitment is absolutely imperative, and luckily,Wicked’scast brought everything to their roles.
Wicked Is A Great Example For Why Musicals Should Cast Broadway Veterans
Broadway & Hollywood Could Work Better Together
Ultimately,Wickedproves that Hollywood should prioritize casting actual Broadway actors inmusical movie adaptations. Although it is possible for non-Broadway actors to take on musical roles, as evidenced by movies likeMamma Mia,it can make it harder for the movie to do the musical justice. The singing is just as important as the acting. Furthermore,Broadway actors are well-equipped to perform on the big screen. On the other hand, regular screen actors may not have the skills necessary to make a musical as enjoyable as possible.
Broadway actors do an incredible amount of work that often goes under the radar.
Hopefully,Wickedis a step in the right direction for future Hollywood musicals. Broadway may not be as well-known as Hollywood, but it has plenty of stars that deserve a spotlight. Broadway actors do an incredible amount of work that often goes under the radar. Thus, movies likeWickedhave the chance to show appreciation for Broadway actors while also crafting movie musicals that are not just star-studded, but also have a better connection to the original musical.
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.
