The 'Wicked' movie saga is the cultural event everyone is talking about. You want to know the stars bringing Oz to life, but you don't want the magic spoiled. Here’s your guide to the incredible cast, focusing on who they are, not what they do.
Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba
At the
story's heart is Elphaba, a brilliant and passionate young woman who is misunderstood because of her green skin. Taking on this iconic role is Cynthia Erivo, a powerhouse performer who has already won a Tony, a Grammy, and an Emmy. Known for her commanding stage presence and a voice that can fill any theater, Erivo was a natural choice. She previously won a Tony for her role in 'The Color Purple' on Broadway and earned an Oscar nomination for portraying Harriet Tubman in 'Harriet'. For 'Wicked,' she brings a deep, textured emotional landscape to a character many only know as a villain, exploring the woman before the witch.
Ariana Grande as Glinda
Playing opposite Erivo is global pop superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, the effervescently popular and ambitious blonde who becomes Glinda the Good. This is a dream role for Grande, who has been a fan of the musical for years. She even performed 'The Wizard and I' in a 2018 television special. While known for her multi-platinum music career and four-octave vocal range, Grande started her career in musical theater. Her casting brings an authentic pop sparkle to the character, but also the acting chops to explore Glinda's complex journey from a privileged university student to a leader navigating a complicated political landscape.
Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero
The charming and carefree Winkie prince Fiyero, who finds himself between Elphaba and Glinda, is played by Jonathan Bailey. Best known for his role as Anthony Bridgerton in Netflix's 'Bridgerton,' Bailey is a decorated stage actor with an Olivier Award to his name. He brings a necessary swagger and complexity to Fiyero, a character who initially appears shallow but undergoes a significant transformation. Bailey's performance captures the 'dancing through life' attitude while hinting at the deeper conflicts within, making the love triangle compelling and heartfelt. His chemistry with both leads is central to the film's emotional core.
Jeff Goldblum as The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Who better to play the charismatic and mysterious Wizard than the inimitable Jeff Goldblum? The Wizard is the powerful, unseen ruler of Oz who Elphaba and Glinda travel to meet. Goldblum is a screen legend known for iconic roles in films like 'Jurassic Park' and 'Independence Day.' His unique brand of quirky charm and intellectual authority is perfectly suited for a character who may not be what he seems. He brings a layer of gentle charisma and subtle menace, embodying the man behind the curtain who believes the best way to unite people is to give them a common enemy.
Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible
Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh plays Madame Morrible, the powerful and calculating headmistress of Shiz University. In the film adaptation, her role is shifted to Dean of Sorcery, where she first discovers Elphaba's immense magical talent. Yeoh, famous for her roles in 'Everything Everywhere All At Once' and 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,' brings a gravitas and intensity to the part. Though initially a mentor to Elphaba, Morrible's own ambitions and alliance with the Wizard place her in a more antagonistic position. Yeoh masterfully portrays this complex arc from nurturer to manipulator.
Ethan Slater as Boq
Boq, a sweet and earnest Munchkin who is hopelessly smitten with Glinda, is portrayed by Ethan Slater. Slater is a celebrated Broadway performer, having earned a Tony nomination for his leading role in 'SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical'. His stage background makes him a perfect fit for the musical world of Oz. Slater brings a mix of heart and comedy to Boq, a character whose unrequited love for Glinda sets him on a tragic and transformative path. His performance is noted for being naturalistic and emotionally driven, providing a soulful counterpoint to the grand spectacle.
The Supporting Stars of Oz
The world of Oz is filled out with a host of incredible talent. Marissa Bode makes her film debut as Nessarose, Elphaba's younger, wheelchairbound sister. 'Saturday Night Live' star Bowen Yang and Bronwyn James play Pfannee and ShenShen, Glinda's university friends. The great Peter Dinklage lends his voice to Dr. Dillamond, a Goat professor at Shiz who faces persecution. And the cast also includes stage and screen veteran Keala Settle as Miss Coddle, a character newly created for the film.
