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Bowen Yang’s initial screen test for “Saturday Night Live” did not go well following an interaction with creator Lorne Michaels, according to the comedian.

During a recent interview on “Hot Ones,” Yang recalled his screen test in 2017 for the late-night sketch comedy series.

“The final step in that process is you have a one-on-one meeting with Lorne. It was him and another producer, Erik Kenward,” he said. “The first thing out of my mouth was, ‘I’m Canadian, too. I grew up in Montreal. I grew up in Quebec’ — and immediately it was done, it was a vibe killer. I didn’t get the job because I had pandered to his Canadianness, and it was a disaster.”

Yang was eventually hired in 2018 as a staff writer for “SNL” and, one year later, he was promoted to an on-air featured player. In 2021, he made history as the first “SNL” featured...

Though the movie came in slightly under initial $120M domestic estimates, Universal's Wicked still looks set for a very impressive opening weekend at the worldwide box office.

Jon M. Chu's adaptation of the hit Broadway musical took in $117 million from U.S. theaters and $48 million overseas for a global debut of $165 million.

This gives the critically-acclaimed feature the biggest opening weekend for a film based on a Broadway show (ahead of Les Miserables' $103M); the 6th biggest opening weekend of 2024 worldwide; and the 4th biggest global opening weekend ever for a musical (ahead of The Little Mermaid's $163.6M).

Ridley Scott's Gladiator II also opened on Friday (Glicked? Wickiator?), but hasn't performed quite as well with an expected $60 million domestic bow. The sword-and-sandals sequel has been playing overseas since last week, however, and has now passed $131 million across 63 international markets for an estimated $200M+ global haul.

Wicked tells...

Ethan Slater is trying to get used to the attention he’s receiving for both his professional and private lives.

He’s making his big-screen acting debut as the lovesick Boq in Jon M. Chu’s “Wicked” opposite Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Baily, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum and Marissa Bode. Last year, Slater and Grande faced scrutiny as rumors about their relationship spread online, coinciding with reports of their respective divorces from previous partners.

“My therapist, for sure,” Slater says when I ask who he’s leaning on to cope with the intense spotlight. “He’s been really helpful.”

Until now, the 32-year-old Washington D.C. native was best known and loved by Broadway fans for his Tony-nominated work in “SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical.”

“Ultimately, the thing that’s so important in so many facets of life, whether it’s fame or career or whatever, is just to...

As Wicked takes the box office by storm, Ariana Grande and Kristin Chenoweth are reminding audiences who was the original “friend of Dorothy.”

While discussing her portrayal of Glinda in the Jon M. Chu-helmed feature adaptation of the Broadway musical, Grande responded to fans who think the Good Witch is queer-coded, as well as those who “ship” her and Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo).

“Whether it’s romantic or platonic, Glinda might be a little in the closet,” Grande told Gay Times. “You never know. Give it a little time. I mean, it is just a true love, and I think that transcends sexuality. It’s just kind of a deep safety within each other. And that’s why they probably ship it.”

Chenoweth, who originated the role in the 2003 Tony-winning stage musical, shared her successor’s view on Glinda. “I thought so too way back when….” she commented on an...

Hollywood has changed. But it’s not just that Hollywood has changed it’s also the fact that people are also changing with it. From original ideas to spin-offs and sequels that are often disappointing, Hollywood movies are not the same anymore.

There’s a disturbing trend in 2024 Hollywood movies | Credits: Warner Bros. Pictures

There have been rumors and speculations that Hollywood and moviemakers often capitalize on the success of a movie by making sequels, spin-offs, and other projects. Well, the top 10 Hollywood movies of 2024 might prove that point.

All Top 10 Hollywood Movies of 2024 Are Sequels!

Although there were some very iconic and original movies in 2024 like Nicolas Cage’s Longlegs, The Fall Guy, and Rebel Ridge, there were way too many sequels, prequels, and threequels of a franchise.

Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman as Deadpool & Wolverine | Credits: Marvel Studios

Some of these notable names were actually not good as Furiosa,...

There was a lot of clamor surrounding the release of Wicked. The live-action adaptation of the hit Broadway musical, which in turn was based on the best selling novel by Gregory Maguire, had found its name in the headlines time and again, for reasons both good and bad.

All of us can remember the row that erupted after Cynthia Erivo criticized the decision to hide her eyes from the poster. The memes about the star’s health were also in traction. But none of that matters in the end, as it looks set to cruise on the Box Office.

Wicked is set to topple some major Box Office records Wicked looks set for a stroll at the Box Office || Universal Pictures

Wicked was touted to give a tough competition to Ridley Scott‘s Gladiator 2, in what would have been a potential repeat of the rivalry witnessed last July between Barbie and Oppenheimer.

Out reporter Tracy E. Gilchrist was in the midst of an interview with Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, when Gilchrist revealed that LGBTQ people were responding to the “Defying Gravity” lyrics in a way that really moved Erivo. The heartfelt exchange then took over the internet.

“I’ve seen this week, people are taking the lyrics of ‘Defying Gravity’ and really holding space with that, and feeling power in that,” Gilchrist says to Erivo in a clip of the exchange.

The sentiment touched Erivo, and she responded, “I...

“Wicked” first hit Broadway back in 2003, and has since become one of the longest running and highest grossing stage musicals of all the time. Now, the movie adaptation is finally here — but in reality, both musicals are adaptations.

The story centers on Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande), who eventually come to be known as The Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good, respectively. But before all that, they were roommates at school; enemies turned best friends. Unfortunately, the world got very complicated for them very quickly.

The movie is based on the Broadway musical of the same name, but that musical was actually adapted from a book. Gregory Maguire wrote “Wicked” first as a novel, and it was published in 1995. It was the first in a trilogy of books about life in Oz.

Do the musical and movie stay true to the book?

Like most adaptations,...

Refresh for Latest…: Universal’s Wicked is sitting pretty in its global debut, now with a projected $165M through Sunday. As expected, the bulk of the bucks going into the witches’ cauldron is coming from North America, with the anticipated split at $117M domestic and $48M from the international box office.

Globally, Wicked will see the biggest opening weekend for a film based on a Broadway adaption, ahead of Les Miserables ($103M); the 6th biggest opening weekend of 2024 worldwide; and the 4th biggest opening weekend ever globally for a musical, ahead of The Little Mermaid ($163.6M).

Internationally, Wicked is landing within the pre-opening range. The film is out in only 61 overseas markets, repping 65% of the offshore footprint — such majors as France, China, Germany and Japan have yet to release the Jon M. Chu-directed first installment of the Broadway musical adaptation.

Still, in like-for-like launch markets, Wicked is on...

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo opened up about Glinda and Elphaba’s sexualities in Wicked and their characters’ relationship.

In an interview with U.K. publication Gay Times, the actresses were asked for their thoughts about fans romantically rooting for their characters.

“I think Elphie, she goes wherever the wind goes,” Erivo said. “I think she loves Glinda. I think she loves love. And I don’t think there’s anything wrong with celebrating the deep connection that both of them have. They do have a real relationship. It is true love, which is probably why people are shipping it, you know? Because what they build with each other is an unbreakable bond and love.”

Grande echoed her co-star’s sentiment, adding that they have “trust and truth.”

She continued, “Just such a safe space for one another, which is what all relationships should be, whether it’s romantic or platonic.

Universal’s “Wicked” is kicking off what is expected to be a lucrative holiday season for theaters with $27.7 million grossed on Friday from 3,888 theaters, putting it on course for an estimated $117 million opening weekend. The total is nearly quadrupling the $31 million opening earned 10 years ago by “Into the Woods” to set a new record for a Broadway adaptation.

With $19 million already in the bag from three days of previews, “Wicked” is expected to have massive matinee play from family and female audiences, not just this weekend, but in the weeks to come. That’s even with Disney’s “Moana 2” expected to shatter the Thanksgiving weekend opening record.

Jon M. Chu’s musical has earned stellar reception across the board, including Rotten Tomatoes scores of 89% critics and 98% audience, an A on CinemaScore and a 5/5 on PostTrak, with a stunning 80% surveyed giving the film a “definite recommend,” the highest rating on the audience exit poll.

It’s not at the level of Barbenheimer, but the combo of Universal’s musical Wicked and Paramount’s Gladiator II — call it Glicked, Wikiator or whatever you want — is making for a phenomenal weekend at the pre-Thanksgiving box office.

Based on early returns, Wicked is headed for a domestic debut of $117 million. While that’s behind Friday’s estimate of $120, it’s still a history-making number for a film based on a Broadway musical and ranks among the biggest openings of all time for a big-screen musical. Globally, the movie is anticipating a $165 million launch.

Gladiator II is projecting a $60 million domestic opening, a strong start for a male-skewing, swords-and-sandals film. (It’s expected to draw in huge numbers overseas.) Combined domestic revenue for all films is expected to come in at around $200 million this weekend, a gain of 70 percent over the same weekend last year, when holiday entries Napoleon and Wish opened.

“Wicked” posed the greatest world-building challenge of production designer Nathan Crowley’s prodigious career, surpassing “Interstellar” in grandeur and complexity. The return to Oz required a sense of the familiar and the unknown for its origin story about Elphaba/The Wicked Witch (Cynthia Erivo) and Galinda/Glinda (Ariana Grande). Yet it also needed a touch of Americana in keeping with director Jon M. Chu’s vision of the American Dream.

“It’s an American fairy tale, and you have to find a way in and do something original,” Crowley told IndieWire. “And that is where the problem starts because there’s many trodden paths here.” He’s referring, of course, to “The Wizard of Oz” 1939 movie classic, Gregory Maguire’s 1995 “Wicked” novel, and the 2003 “Wicked” musical stage adaptation by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman. “So it becomes a challenge to design Oz and you just have to pick away at something,...

“Wicked” is pocketing lots of green, with the Universal release coming in on the upper side of projections to head toward the third-biggest domestic opening of the year. Now forecasting a $117 million sum for the weekend, that’d only be behind “Deadpool & Wolverine” ($211 million) and “Inside Out 2” ($151 million) among 2024 releases. And Paramount’s “Gladiator II” is no slouch either, landing in second place with a projected opening weekend of $60 million. Theaters should be aglow about the two debuts, after being starved of a superlative hit through the fall. The last film to open with nine-digits (or even above $60 million) was “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” nearly three months ago.

“Wicked” earned $46.7 million from 3,888 theaters across Friday and preview screenings, a good chunk of which were held earlier in the week than Thursday, which is the traditional kick-off for a new release. Although the big-screen adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical landed...

Updated, Saturday AM: Universal’s Wicked is coming in with a $46.7M Friday plus previews which has the studio predicting a $117M opening at this point. Paramount’s Gladiator II stands at $60M after a $22M Friday.

Wicked gets an A CinemaScore, a grade that’s up there with other Broadway feature adaptations such as Les Miserables (A), Chicago (A-), Annie (A-), Mamma Mia (A-) and higher than Into the Woods (B). Gladiator II gets a B versus the original 2000 movie’s A.

Let’s remember a few things in case the marketplace hits a bump:

–It’s a holiday week, so there’s plenty of time to head to the cinemas this week. While there was only 1% K-12 schools off yesterday, that grows to 47% K-12 and 18% colleges on Monday per Comscore, eventually rising to near 100% levels on Thanksgiving and Black Friday, the latter being one of the highest grossing days of the year.

Wicked Box Office (Korea): 3rd Day Update ( Photo Credit – YouTube )

Wicked is entertaining fans across the globe and is still in a favorable position on its third day after release in Korea. The film is leading the race against Gladiator II at the Korean box office. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Arivo have done a brilliant job in the musical fantasy. It has earned more than Barbie and Wonka as well. Scroll below for the deets.

Besides Ariana as Glinda the Good and Cynthia as Wicked Witch of the West, the movie also features Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Marissa Bode, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum in crucial roles. It is expected to top the domestic top-five list, pushing Red One and Venom: The Last Dance further down. It is currently the talk of the town also because of the clash with Gladiator II, and so far,...

Is “SNL” new tonight? No. NBC’s sketch comedy series is taking a couple weeks off but will return for Season 50, Episode 8 on Saturday, Dec. 7 with host Paul Mescal and musical guest Shaboozey.

The regular cast members for “SNL” Season 50 are Michael Che, Mikey Day, Andrew Dismukes, Chloe Fineman, Heidi Gardner, Marcello Hernandez, James Austin Johnson, Colin Jost, Michael Longfellow, Ego Nwodim, Sarah Sherman, Kenan Thompson, Devon Walker, and Bowen Yang. The featured players are Ashley Padilla, Emil Wakim, and Jane Wickline. Over the summer, Punkie Johnson, Molly Kearney, and Chloe Troast all departed the program.

For this 2024 Presidential Election cycle, former cast member Maya Rudolph returns to portray Vice President Kamala Harris, while former President Donald Trump is once again played by James Austin Johnson. The V.P. contenders are Jim Gaffigan as Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and Bowen Yang as Ohio Senator Jd Vance. Two other “SNL” alums...

It’s Musicals Week at IndieWire. With “Wicked” about to sparkle over theaters, we’re celebrating the best of the movie-musical genre.

Editor’s note: The following interviews contains spoilers for a fun musical surprise in “Wicked.“

In Universal’s big-screen “Wicked,” there’s plenty for fans of the original musical to love. For those who have spent the better part of the last 20 years listening to the Grammy-winning cast recording (hi!), a big question heading into the film was if original Broadway Elphaba and Glinda, Tony-winning Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, respectively, would make an appearance.

Happily, they do, and it ranks among the very best treats of the adaptation. In the film, when Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) head to the Emerald City to meet the Wizard, they first stumble around the technicolor, magical metropolis — and even catch a little “welcome to our town” performance.

“We...

Barbie and Oppenheimer presented arguably one of the most iconic marketing campaigns which was spearheaded by the Barbenheimer debate in 2023. But 2024 saw another movie working hard to create the same buzz, Ariana Grande’s Wicked may be embroiled in a lot of controversy but it did one thing successfully.

Despite the audience not being thrilled with the musical angle of the film, the star cast coupled with the Side to Side singer has managed to ensnare their attentions. The movie has garnered the interest of even non-musical lovers, owing to its witty marketing campaigns and Adele attests to it.

Adele is excited to see fellow singer’s musical film Adele on Adele One Night Only | Credits: CBS

The Wicked movie has been creating a lot of buzz ever since news dropped of the Everyday singer joining the cast. Alongside stars like Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, and more, Ariana...

Wicked Box Office (North America): Thursday Preview Collection Update( Photo Credit – YouTube )

Wicked, starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, collected splendid numbers on Thursday previews. The musical fantasy opened in the theatres on Friday along with Gladiator II. It has beaten The Avengers’ preview collections. The movie is eyeing a splendid debut weekend. Scroll below for the deets.

The film, directed by Jon M Chu, received great ratings on Rotten Tomatoes. The critics certified it fresh with an 89% rating, while the audience gave it 98%. The critics said, “Defying gravity with its magical pairing of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, Wicked’s sheer bravura and charm make for an irresistible invitation to Oz.”

According to Luiz Fernando’s report, Ariana Grande’s Wicked collected a strong $19.2 million on Thursday previews at the North American box office. It included an estimated $5.7 million on Wednesday and $2.5 million on Monday from the early screenings.

Spoiler Alert !!!Spoiler Warning for Wicked (2024)

Universal’s 2024 Wicked movie based on the book by Gregory Maguire, finally hit the theaters almost two decades later, since the musical began its Tony Award-winning run on Broadway. Released on November 22, 2024, Jon M. Chu’s highly-anticipated film featured Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba.

A still from Wicked (2024) | image: Universal Pictures

Meanwhile, although the early reception of the film has been positive, Jon M. Chu’s Wicked, like any other adaptation, featured a few changes from the original Broadway show. While the entire score in the new film remained the same with a few variations, the 2024 movie featured the biggest change in terms of Elphaba and Fiyero’s first meeting.

Fiyero and Elphaba’s First Meeting in the Broadway Musical

Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West has been one...

Two highly anticipated films, Gladiator II and Wicked, will compete for audience attention this fall, creating a buzz similar to last summer’s blockbuster sensation, though industry insiders believe the comparison has limitations.

The films will be released nearly simultaneously, with theaters expecting good individual performances. “Gladiator II,” directed by Ridley Scott and starring Paul Mescal, and “Wicked,” starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, are attracting a large audience.

The early preview numbers are promising. “Wicked” has grossed $11 million domestically and is expected to gross between $100 and $110 million. “Gladiator II” grossed $6.5 million in previews, with an expected opening weekend of $65 million.

Scott’s sequel has already proved international appeal, grossing £9.1 million in its UK and Ireland premiere weekend—the director’s most regional debut. The picture also had Paramount Pictures’ highest-ever R-rated overseas debut, making $87 million.

“Wicked” shows equally high potential, with Vue cinemas reporting nearly 250,000 advance ticket purchases in the UK,...

Superhero movies and action thrillers are famous for being box office magnates, drawing audiences to the theatres in multitude. Although Barbie was an unexpected (and worthy) hit, films like The Avengers and Top Gun 2 have long dominated the business.

Wicked | Credit: Universal Pictures

However, their dominance might be challenged, and that too by a musical despite the underwhelming performance of Joker 2. Against all odds, Ariana Grande-starrer Wicked seems to be emerging as the next big thing at the box office.

Wicked En-Route to Challenge Films like The Avengers and Top Gun 2 Top Cruise’s Top Gun: Maverick | Credits: Paramount Pictures

Now who would have thought that a musical, that too a Broadway adaptation, would one day pose a serious threat to blockbusters like Marvel’s Avengers or Tom Cruise‘s Top Gun: Maverick? Often considered a niche genre, further made infamous by Joker 2‘s terrible box office performance,...

Ariana Grande has been in the public eye ever since she was young, and at times, the audience can be unforgivable and mean. Her successes, achievements, failures, and missteps, are all out in the open for the world to see and judge.

Ariana Grande | The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon/YouTube

However, there’s still a sense of grace in Grande, who has shown immense strength over the years while handling criticism and challenges. Despite all the backlash she has received, she has shown up for her fans yet again, and this time, with a beautiful message.

Ariana Grande Thanks Her Fans For Their Unwavering Support Amidst Wicked Ariana Grande in Wicked | Universal Pictures

Ariana Grande has recently shared an emotional message through her Instagram stories and expressed her gratitude for all the supportive fans. Especially the ones who stuck by her during periods of silence, even when she was filming Wicked,...

Cynthia Erivo wore her fitness watch underneath her Elphaba costume on the set of 'Wicked' to ensure she got her daily steps in.The 37-year-old actress plays the Wicked Witch of the West alongside Ariana Grande's Glinda The Good Witch in the two-part big-screen adaptation of the Broadway classic and the self-professed "fitness freak" admits nothing was going to stop her achieving her daily step count whilst filming the fantasy film.Speaking on 'Wtf With Marc Maron', she was asked if she had her Fitbit on underneath her witch ensemble and she replied: "Yes."Asked if she checked it, she said: "I did. I am not even joking. I am being so serious."I had it on me all day. I can either put it in my boot by my ankle, because that is where my pulse is, or I put it on my hip.

Ariana Grande has had some high-profile relationships throughout her career and now she’s actually dating one of her co-stars from the Wicked movie!

The 31-year-old singer and actress sadly went through a breakup during filming of the movie and got divorced from husband Dalton Gomez due to the distance in their relationship throughout production.

Ariana later found love on the set of the project and she’s still happily in that relationship.

So, who is Ariana Grande dating right now?

Keep reading to find out more…

Ariana Grande’s boyfriend is Boq actor Ethan Slater!

Ariana is currently dating Ethan Slater, who plays the munchkin Boq in Wicked. His character is in love with Ari‘s Glinda… and now they’re together in real life!

The two reportedly got together after Ethan broke things off with his wife Lilly Jay, and after Ariana ended things with Dalton, causing plenty...

Spoiler Alert !!!Spoiler Warning for Wicked (2024)

Jon M. Chu’s highly-anticipated film Wicked finally hit the theatres on Friday, November 22, 2024. Starring Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, the Broadway musical adaptation also featured Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey. Releasing over two decades after the Tony-winning musical, the movie has so far attracted a fair share of audiences to the theaters.

Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba in Wicked (2024) | image: Universal Pictures

However, while Wicked has so far achieved positive reviews, a few changes to the story and subtle plot holes have sparked debates online. Among all, the one thing that left people baffled was Elphaba’s tears, despite Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West clearly stating that water can kill the green witch.

Netizens Seem Confused by Elphaba’s Tears in the 2024 Wicked Movie

With Wicked finally arriving in theaters,...

“Defying Gravity” is one of the most iconic Broadway songs of all time and Cynthia Erivo has given us a perfect rendition in the new movie Wicked: Part One.

The Tony-winning actress belts out the song in the final moments of the movie and sings alongside Ariana Grande throughout the number.

The lyrics in the movie version of Wicked are slightly different than the Broadway lyrics. There’s even a small addition to the end of the song.

In a recent interview, a reporter for Gay Times told Cynthia that “people are taking the lyrics of ‘Defying Gravity’ and really holding space with that, and feeling power in that.”

Cynthia‘s response has been going viral.

Keep reading to find out more…

“I didn’t know that that was happening,” Cynthia responded. “That’s really powerful—that’s what I wanted.”

While Cynthia takes a moment to absorb the information,...

Jonathan Bailey is 36-years-old in real life and his Wicked character Fiyero is a college student in the movie, so you might be wondering how old he’s actually supposed to be.

Fiyero is a Winkie prince who arrives at Shiz University in the middle of the school year and disrupts all the order that has been established. In the song “Dancing Through Life,” he reveals he’s been kicked out of several schools, which means he’s tried out plenty of colleges before reaching Shiz.

So, how old is Fiyero?

Keep reading to find out more…

Incoming students at Shiz are believed to be about 17-18. We can assume that Fiyero is a year or two older than everyone else, as he’s been hopping around schools for a bit.

Fiyero is most likely 18-20 in the movie. In the novel Wicked, he’s 18 when he enrolls at Shiz.

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, the dynamic duo in Jon M. Chu’s Wicked, truly felt unlimited in their approach to portraying the bond between Elphaba the Wicked Witch and Glinda the Good Witch in Part 1 of the film adaptation of Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman’s Broadway musical.

The pair first met at Erivo’s house for a five-hour chat before testing their vocals together singing at Chu’s house, which allowed them to commit to forming their friendship both on screen and off.

“Both of us made the decision and have had the discussion about really being good to each other, making space for each other, being honest with each other and choosing to build our friendship,” Erivo told Deadline.

They also credited Chu’s enthusiasm on set as another key to the final product.

“Everyone feels the love and the warmth and the respect,” Grande told Deadline.

Spoiler Alert: This post spoils some surprise appearances in Wicked: Part One.

Jon M. Chu’s Wicked has a star-studded cast led by Ariana Grande as Galinda the Good Witch and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba the Wicked Witch of the West.

Several other familiar faces accompany the witches at Shiz University and beyond. Many of them sing at points in the film, including Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum and Michelle Yeoh.

Scroll through the below photos o read more about the cast of Jon M. Chu’s Wicked: Part One.

Related: All The ‘Wicked’ Press Tour Looks So Far: From Ariana Grande’s Glinda Pink To Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba Green...

“Wicked,” part one of the long-awaited screen adaptation of one of Broadway’s longest-running musicals, has a bevy of seasoned experts in the musical genre both in front of and behind the camera. The film is directed by Jon M. Chu, who previously received critical acclaim for his movie version of Lin Manuel-Miranda’s “In the Heights.” Leading the cast as Elphaba is Cynthia Erivo, a Tony winner for “The Color Purple,” while her love interest Fiyero is played by Jonathan Bailey, an Olivier Award winner for a role in a London revival of “Company.” And beyond being one of the biggest pop stars of the last decade, Ariana Grande is a theater kid at heart who got her start in showbusiness in the ensemble of tween musical “13.”

But in two key roles are actors who are probably the most familiar faces for cinephiles and moviegoers — but not ones known for breaking out in tune.

Update 1: Heading into Friday, “Wicked” had already made $19.2 million in previews: $2.5 million from Monday showings, $5.7 million from Wednesday advances, and $11 million for Thursday screenings. Comparatively, “Gladiator II” made $6.5 million in Thursday previews. This is shaping up to be one of the biggest box office weekends of the 2024 calendar year.

What will be the winners and the losers this week at the U.S. box office? Universal Pictures’ “Wicked” and Paramount Pictures’ “Gladiator II” (affectionately known online by the combined name of “Glicked”) both open in theaters on Friday, as does Angel Studios’ “Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin.” They’ll be facing off against the current top five money-makers: “Red One,” “Venom: The Last Dance,” “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” “Heretic,” and “The Wild Robot.”

Gold Derby predicts that “Wicked” will win the Nov. 22 – Nov. 24 weekend with more than $125 million domestically. “Gladiator II” is the runner-up choice of our odds-makers. Do...

The concept of a prequel is a well-worn one in literature. Not only did authors like J.R.R. Tolkien further flesh out their characters and worlds in books set before previously published adventures, but L. Frank Baum, author of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," wrote "Ozma of Oz," the first prequel to be set in that particular universe. In cinema, however, the concept took a while to catch on, and it wasn't really until "Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace" that the cinematic prequel became popular. To say that the process had some bumps in the road would be an understatement; "The Phantom Menace" and its two sequels were loudly reviled upon their initial release, with everything from their characters to their dialogue to their visual aesthetic taken to task for not looking or feeling enough like the original "Star Wars" trilogy. Despite George Lucas' claims that the films...

Spoiler Alert: This story contains spoilers for “Wicked,” now playing in theaters.

Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth have found their way back to Oz. Broadway’s original witches make a surprise appearance in director Jon M. Chu’s “Wicked,” but not as Elphaba and Glinda.

The duo, who originated the leading roles in 2003, sing a new verse in “One Short Day,” telling the story behind the wonderful Wizard of Oz. Their characters fight for the spotlight in the Emerald City, prompting Menzel’s character to shut down the competition by belting out her famous “Defying Gravity” riff.

Composer Stephen Schwartz also cameos as the Oz soldier who allows Elphaba and Glinda into the Wizard’s palace, while the musical’s book writer Winnie Holzman similarly appears in the Emerald City, touting the Wizard’s ability to read the Grimmerie.

Clad in over-the-top pink and purple poofy dresses, Menzel and Chenoweth...

[The following story includes major spoilers for Wicked.]

One short day. That’s, coincidentally, how much time the Wicked filmmakers had to shoot those cameos for the “One Short Day” scene in the film based on the iconic Broadway musical of the same name.

In the film, when Glinda (Ariana Grande) and Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) head to the Emerald City to meet the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum), they watch a stage show on the history of Oz. At that point, original Broadway castmembers Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel, who played Glinda and Elphaba, respectively, in the musical appear to take audience members through the vibrant story of the city.

“There was no world where we wouldn’t invite them to come be a part of this,” director Jon M. Chu tells The Hollywood Reporter. “The question for us was, how, and how much are they willing to do in it, and how much can the story itself handle it?...

The Wicked movie is finally in theaters and Ariana Grande is gaining rave reviews for her performance as Glinda, a role she got over many other actresses.

Four stars have confirmed that they auditioned to play Glinda in Wicked, though we’re pretty sure there were dozens of others who were up for the role as well.

“I think one of the most overlooked facts of the #WickedMovie Casting was that Everyone Had to audition. No straight offers & they showed up! It was incredibly humbling to witness these actors spill their guts on the floor for this movie,” director Jon M. Churevealed last year. “Cynthia and Ariana Earned their roles and brought our little audition room to tears multiple times throughout the process. I can’t believe I had the privilege of witnessing the birth of their Elphaba and Galinda. And one day you will too!!”

Tickets are on sale Now for Wicked,...

“Wicked” is now in theaters, and you may or may not know that it is indeed split into two parts. So you might be wondering, does Part 1 give any kind of teaser for Part 2, perhaps in the form of a post-credits scene?

Based on the book and subsequently the Broadway musical of the same name, the movie tells the story of what happened in Oz before Dorothy arrived, when Glinda the Good Witch and the Wicked Witch of the West were actually friends. How, exactly, did Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) become so wicked? Has Glinda (Ariana Grande) always been so good?

The first film of the duology charts Act 1 of the musical, ending with the show-stopping anthem “Defying Gravity.” But, where the song took the Broadway show to intermission, the movie sequence takes fans to the end credits of Part 1.

But, might it contain a mid- or post-credits scene giving a...

Nominations voting is from January 8-12, 2025, with official Oscar nominations announced January 17, 2025. Final voting is February 11-18, 2025. And finally, the 97th Oscars telecast will be broadcast on Sunday, March 2 and air live on ABC at 7:00 p.m. Et/ 4:00 p.m. Pt. We update our picks through awards season, so keep checking IndieWire for all our 2025 Oscar predictions.

The State of the Race

It has already been said plenty of times, even since Cannes, but this is a really weird year for Best Picture. Academy rules have changed to make it so there will be 10 nominees no matter what, but there are only five to seven films that feel like shoo-ins for an Oscar nomination in the category.

With all the uncertainty around what films will make it in, there’s room for one or two newcomers to claim a spot. With critics having seen the last crop of major live-action awards contenders,...

Several musicians and singers who began their careers releasing albums have crossed over into acting, or some started out as actors to begin with.

From Ariana Grande’s latest blockbuster Wicked alongside Cynthia Erivo to Lady Gaga’s appearance in Joker: Folie À Deuxc and her casting in Season 2 of Netflix’s Wednesday, famous voices and faces go a long way in the entertainment industry.

Read on to learn about more singers who act and/or actors who also sing.

Related: ‘Wicked’ Movie Cast: Who Plays Who?...

Thank goodness! For musical theater kids everywhere who have been eagerly waiting for Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s vocal takes on their iconic “Wicked” roles, look no further because “Wicked: The Soundtrack” has arrived.

The soundtrack includes all 11 songs from Jon M. Chu’s film adaptation of Act 1 of the long-running Broadway musical, including a bonus track “Ozdust Duet.” For over two decades, fans have listened to Kristen Chenoweth and Idina Menzel belt out the show tunes on the original Broadway cast recording, and now they will have the chance to hear the songs anew.

Erivo’s iconic Elphaba battle cry in “Defying Gravity,” Jonathan Bailey’s exciting opt-up in “Dancing Through Life” and Grande’s comedic choices in “Popular” bring new energy to the Broadway staples — but you may miss a couple of your favorite hits in the first film.

The iconic friendship duet between Glinda (Grande) and Elphaba (Erivo), “For Good,...

Welcome to our weekly rundown of the best new music — featuring big singles, key tracks from our favorite albums, and more. This week Kendrick Lamar shakes the music world with a surprise album, Rosé slows it down in a soul-baring ballad, and Ariana Grande makes her dreams come true with a highlight from the Wicked soundtrack.

Kendrick Lamar feat. Sza, “Luther” (YouTube)

Kendrick Lamar, “Man at the Garden” (YouTube)

Rosé, “Number One Girl” (YouTube)

Ariana Grande, “Popular” (YouTube)

Jack Harlow, “Hello Miss Johnson” (YouTube)

Tyla, “Tears” (YouTube)

Banks, “Best Friends” (YouTube)

Wizkid feat.

Heading into an opening night double feature of "Gladiator 2" and "Wicked," I was confident which film I would enjoy more. I'd heard mixed things about the "Wicked" movie (/Film's 4 out of 10 review is not kind to the film) despite enjoying a traveling version of the stage show many years ago, and after rewatching Ridley Scott's original "Gladiator" for the first time in at least 15 years and being impressed by it all over again, I was amped to return to the Colosseum and see what Scott and his collaborators had cooked up with their sequel.

But for me, "Gladiator 2" ended up being a letdown while "Wicked" soared above my expectations.

Read more: /Film's Top 100 Movies Of All Time

In This Year's Version Of Barbenheimer, Wicked Comes Out On Top

There are a few flashes of freshness in Ridley Scott's "Gladiator 2" -- the Colosseum is filled with shark-infested...

The highly anticipated “Wicked” film adaptation is here. After a tear-filled press tour, Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba and Ariana Grande’s Glinda will finally take audiences by storm.

The two leading ladies have become true sisters in the rollout of the film, even revealing several matching tattoos together. While the duo seem picture perfect for the musical adaptation, a list of stars admitted to being in the running for the powerhouses, including Dove Cameron, Renee Rapp and Amanda Seyfried for Glinda.

Jon M. Chu’s adaptation is chalked full of musical theatre trained actors, here’s your guide to the “Wicked” cast.

For a full breakdown of the cast of “Wicked,” keep reading.

Cynthia Erivo in “Wicked” (Credit: Universal Pictures) Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba

Erivo leads the larger-than-life film adaptation as Elphaba. The witch (who was born green) attends Shiz University and is randomly paired with popular girl Galinda (Ariana...

Universal’s Broadway adaptation Wicked has earned an estimated $19.2m from advance screenings and previews at the North American box office.

The first part in John M.Chu’s adaptation starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande earned $2.5m from Amazon Prime screenings in 750 US theatres on Monday, $5.7m from 2,000 theatres in the US and Canada on Wednesday, and $11m from standard previews in 3,300 sites on Thursday.

Wicked has earned rave reviews and is forecast to gross in the region of $120m in North America this weekend, when it goes up against Paramount’s big opener, Gladiator II.

Sections of the...

Note: Spoilers ahead for “Wicked.” Turn back now if you wish to remain pure.

Good news! “Wicked” is finally here — or at least, part one is — and fans can now see Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s takes on Glinda and Elphaba in full. But you’ll also see some familiar faces singing to them.

Now in theaters, “Wicked” tells the story of what happened before Dorothy came to Oz, and how the witches came to have their reputations. No, Elphaba (Erivo) wasn’t always the Wicked Witch of the West. And yes, she and Glinda (Grande) were friends. But that was a long time ago.

“Wicked” was indeed first a book, but the story shot to fame when it was adapted into a Broadway musical in 2003. To date, it is one of the longest-running and highest-grossing musicals ever. In that original Broadway cast, Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel played Glinda and Elphie,...

L to R: Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba and Ariana Grande is Glinda in Wicked, directed by Jon M. Chu. Photo Credit: Universal Pictures Copyright © Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved. The wait is over! After years of anticipation, the beloved stage musical Wicked has finally flown onto the big screen. And with a Rotten Tomatoes score of 89%, it seems critics and fans alike are enchanted. Stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande poured their hearts and souls into bringing these iconic characters to life. But even they were awestruck by the sheer scale of the film’s production. Stepping onto those meticulously crafted sets for the first time was an experience they won’t soon forget. The attention to detail was simply magical. (Click on the media bar below to hear Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande describe the experience.) https://www.hollywoodoutbreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Cynthia_Erivo_Ariana_Grande_Sets_Wicked_.mp3 Wicked...

The current Wicked promotion has everyone buzzing, especially with Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo tearing up at every interview. But amid all the emotional moments, rumors are circulating that Erivo might be heading to the MCU.

Credits: Cynthia Erivo in Wicked / Universal Pictures

And let’s just say, fans aren’t exactly rolling out the welcome mat. While Erivo’s talent is undeniable, many Wicked fans are not thrilled by the idea of her stepping into the superhero world. Here’s why this potential move is stirring up some drama among fans.

Fans Don’t Want Cynthia Erivo as Storm in the MCU’s X-Men

The casting chatter kicked off when Cynthia Erivo posted some Storm fan art on Instagram a few months ago, sparking speculation that she might be the in the running for the role. It’s got fans thinking, and speculating, she’s either already auditioned or is being seriously considered.

When Wicked hit the big screen, it wasn’t just another adaptation—it was a game-changer. Fans flocked to theaters, and it didn’t take long for the box office to reflect the magic. The buzz was real—and with Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo at the center of it all—the film shattered records and made waves in more ways than one.

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo in Wicked | Credits: Universal Pictures

But the big question wasn’t just how much it made; it was what this milestone really meant for the future of musicals on film.

Wicked Breaks Box Office Milestones: Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo Lead the Way Ariana Grande in Wicked | Credits: Universal Pictures

“This is going to blow everything out of the water!” Those words from a fan on X captured the excitement surrounding Wicked‘s 2024 film adaptation. The movie didn’t just meet expectations—it smashed them.

It’s the moment all music theater majors have been waiting for:

The big screen adaptation of Wicked is now playing across the country.

Starring Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elpahaba, Wicked tells the story of the Witch of the West — before she became, well, wicked.

It’s a prequel to the Wizard of Oz.

Cynthia Erivo (left) and Ariana Grande in Wicked. (Giles Keyte /© Universal Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection)

But is it worth seeing? Is it worthy of all the hype? What are movie critics saying about the film?

We’ve compiled some of the most helpful, insightful and revealing reviews all in one place: Right here, right now, on this very celebrity gossip website.

Scroll down to read them!

Wicked has finally made it to the big screen! (Universal Picture)

How do I love the film of the hit stage musical, let me count the ways,...