The story of Wicked was first presented as a book in 1995, inspired by the literary work The Wizard of Ozwritten by L. Frank Baumin 1900; When at the beginning of the 2000s it was transformed into a musical, it was a huge success in Broadway.
Now that it hits the movie screens, one cannot ignore the importance it adds to a year in which film industry has been hit economically.
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Since its announcement, the film adaptation has enjoyed a good reception from the audience, as the most film buffs have noticed that the direction runs in charge of Jon M. Chu, who in his resume has the experience of the musical on several occasions such as the successful Justin Bieber: Never Say Never y Justin Bieber’s Believewhich at the time were milestones of cinema.
But on the other hand he is in the leading role Ariana Grande, an actress who started in the medium at a very young age and who practically has several generations following her as a singer; the perfect combination of a classic story loved by the audience.
In Mexico it had its premiere that took place in the National Auditorium and where around 10 thousand fans gathered to see the co-stars Cynthia Erivo and Jonathan Bailey and, of course, parade down the yellow carpet. Ariana Grande.
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TO SAVE THE BOX OFFICE
This year there have been great dividends at the box office as with IntenseMind 2 o Deadpool y Wolverine. However, they occurred in the summer, for this final stretch of the year those figures cannot be
Although in Mexico it already premiered Gladiator II, in the United States it arrives simultaneously with Wicked and they have named this event Wickiador, similar to the sound Berbenheimer and it is no wonder, because according to specialized media they report that in terms of pre-sales, this witch film has surpassed that of the most famous doll in history.
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“When it is a male actor who does it, he is acclaimed,” he added. “There are definitely jokes made too, but always after being praised with a comment like ’wow, he was so focused on the role.’ And that’s just part of the job, really.
“It is a story as old as time; about being a woman in this industry. They treat you differently and you are low the magnifying glass in a way that other people don’t,” the actress answered the questions.
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On the other hand, this was seen as a plus point, since there are people who want to see the singer explore this tint in her voice during the film which precisely talks about the differences, of being the good and the bad, of appearance and personality.
Wicked It is in theaters this weekend and will have a
second part in 2025.
Related
What are the key themes in the story of Wicked that have allowed it to resonate with audiences over time?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Film Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to the Time.news podcast! Today, we’re diving deep into the highly anticipated film adaptation of Wicked. With us is film expert Dr. Tara Wilkins, who has extensively studied adaptations in theater and cinema. Tara, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Tara Wilkins: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss this exciting development in the film world.
Time.news Editor: Let’s start with the basics. Wicked originated as a novel in 1995, inspired by Baum’s The Wizard of Oz. Why do you think this story has endured and transformed so successfully over the years?
Dr. Tara Wilkins: That’s a great question! The themes in Wicked—friendship, identity, and societal judgment—are timeless and resonate strongly with audiences. The original book and later the Broadway musical provided new perspectives on characters we thought we knew, like the Wicked Witch of the West. It’s a fresh take that invites deeper understanding of moral complexities.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of adaptation, Jon M. Chu is directing the film. He has notable experience with musicals. How do you feel about his appointment?
Dr. Tara Wilkins: Jon M. Chu is an excellent choice. His background with musicals, especially with films like Justin Bieber: Never Say Never, showcases his ability to capture the energy and emotion that make stage productions so vibrant. His vision for Wicked is sure to bring that same passion to the screen. Plus, Chu’s experience with high-concept productions provides him with the tools to handle the grandiosity required for such a beloved story.
Time.news Editor: The casting is also drawing attention. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo will lead the film. How do you think their star power impacts the film’s reception?
Dr. Tara Wilkins: Their star power is monumental! Ariana Grande not only brings a massive fan base but also her incredible vocal ability, which is essential for a musical adaptation. Cynthia Erivo, with her powerful performances, adds depth and credibility. Together, they represent a blend of modernity and classic appeal, which can attract both younger and older audiences. This intersection of fan communities is crucial, especially in a year where the film industry has faced challenges.
Time.news Editor: Indeed, box office performance is a topic of concern. With the economic downturn in the film industry, do you think Wicked can help revitalize it?
Dr. Tara Wilkins: Absolutely! Movies that have a built-in audience, like Wicked, often perform better because they come with a pre-existing fan base eager to see their favourite characters brought to life. The film’s simultaneous release in the U.S. and Mexico, branded as “Wickiador,” is also a strategic move to generate buzz and foster a sense of community among fans across borders. This could inject some much-needed revenue into theaters during this crucial holiday season.
Time.news Editor: That’s a fascinating point! The cultural crossover feels intentional. In your opinion, what could this mean for future adaptations?
Dr. Tara Wilkins: It sets a precedent. Successful adaptations create a blueprint for reimagining other classic texts and musical works. If Wicked does well, we can anticipate a surge in more ambitious adaptations, perhaps even from literary works we haven’t seen yet. It enables filmmakers to experiment with innovative storytelling while remaining faithful to beloved narratives.
Time.news Editor: As a final thought, what are you most looking forward to in Wicked?
Dr. Tara Wilkins: Honestly, I’m eager to see how they visually interpret the vibrant world of Oz and how the musical numbers translate to film. I hope they maintain the emotional depth while enhancing the spectacle for the big screen. It’s a delicate balance, but I trust Chu and the talented cast to deliver something magical.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Tara! It’s clear that Wicked will be more than just a film; it’s an event that could influence not just box office numbers but also the future of adaptations in cinema. We can’t wait to see it!
Dr. Tara Wilkins: Thank you! I can’t wait either. Let’s hope it lives up to the excitement surrounding it!
Time.news Editor: And thank you to our listeners for tuning in. Stay with us for more insights into the film industry and the stories that shape our culture.