LAS VEGAS, Nevada – Pop star Ariana Grande and actress Cynthia Erivo made a grand entrance at CinemaCon, the annual convention for movie theater owners. The duo, dressed in the iconic pink and green costumes of their characters from the upcoming movie musical “Wicked,” took the stage at Caesars Palace to dazzle the audience with insights into the highly-anticipated film set to hit theaters around Thanksgiving.
Grande and Erivo expressed their deep connection to their roles and the responsibility they felt in honoring the characters they portray in the film. Despite not performing any songs during their presentation, they introduced an extended featurette that showcased the visually stunning world of “Wicked” and key moments from the storyline.
Universal confirmed at CinemaCon that actor Peter Dinklage will voice the beloved character Dr. Dillamond in the film, which serves as a prequel to “The Wizard of Oz” and explores the backstory of the iconic characters. The presentation highlighted the enduring popularity of the Broadway show and the significant impact it has had on audiences for over two decades.
Director Jon M. Chu expressed his ambitious vision for “Wicked,” aiming to stay true to the source material while creating a new and immersive cinematic experience for viewers. The film, scheduled to be released in two parts, promises to transport audiences to a magical land filled with wonder and enchantment.
In addition to Grande and Erivo, the star-studded cast of “Wicked” includes Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, and Michelle Yeoh in pivotal roles. Producer Marc Platt, who played a key role in the success of the Broadway show, also joined the cast and crew at CinemaCon to promote the film.
With elaborate costumes on display in the lobby and special light-up badges for attendees, Universal made sure to leave a lasting impression at CinemaCon, building anticipation for the film’s release. The promise of turning theaters “green in every sense of the word” this holiday season indicates the studio’s confidence in the success of “Wicked” and the impact it is expected to have on audiences worldwide.