The 2024 Tony Awards came to a dazzling close with a powerful performance by Idina Menzel and Cynthia Erivo. The two talented actresses and singers graced the stage at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City, where they presented the award for Best Musical, ultimately won by The Outsiders. However, it was the heartfelt interaction between Menzel and Erivo that stole the show. In a spontaneous moment, Menzel expressed her excitement for Erivo’s upcoming role in the film adaptation of the Wicked musical, a character that Menzel herself had originated on Broadway. Erivo responded with love, and Menzel emphasized the importance of “green girl power” in their exchange. The genuine connection between the two stars was truly a highlight of the evening.
The much-anticipated film adaptation of Wicked, directed by Jon M. Chu, is set to be released in two parts. The first installment is scheduled to premiere on November 27, 2024, with the sequel following on December 25, 2025. Chu explained the decision to split the film into two parts in a social media post, citing the complexity and depth of the story as the primary motivation. He recognized that condensing the beloved source material into a single film would have required significant sacrifices, ultimately compromising the essence of Wicked. By opting for a two-part format, Chu and his team aim to stay true to the original story while exploring new dimensions and surprises within the world of Wicked.
In addition to Idina Menzel and Cynthia Erivo, the film adaptation of Wicked boasts an impressive ensemble cast. Ariana Grande, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Bowen Yang, Bronwyn James, Keala Settle, and Peter Dinklage are among the talented actors set to bring the iconic characters to life on the big screen. The script for the film was penned by Wicked’s original book writer, Winne Holzman, and composer-lyricist, Stephen Schwartz. Marc Platt is producing the film through his production company, Marc Platt Productions, in collaboration with David Stone. The project is overseen by Universal’s Senior Executive Vice President of Production, Erik Baiers, and Vice President of Production Development, Lexi Barta. David Nicksay, Stephen Schwartz, and Jared LeBoff serve as executive producers on the highly-anticipated adaptation.
The 2024 Tony Awards closing performance not only marked a memorable moment for Broadway fans but also offered a glimpse into the exciting future of Wicked on the silver screen. With a stellar cast, a visionary director, and a dedicated production team behind it, the film adaptation of Wicked promises to captivate audiences and honor the beloved stage musical in a fresh and enthralling way. The union of Idina Menzel and Cynthia Erivo on stage was a touching reminder of the magic of storytelling and the power of shared passion in the world of entertainment.
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