You searched for Wicked: For Good - GAY TIMES https://www.gaytimes.com/ Amplifying queer voices. Tue, 13 May 2025 11:32:22 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.2 Wicked’s Cynthia Erivo to play Dracula in “intoxicating, blood-pumping reimagining” https://www.gaytimes.com/culture/cynthia-erivo-dracula/ Tue, 13 May 2025 11:32:22 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1432399 Cynthia Erivo has been cast as Dracula in a one-woman adaptation of Bram Stoker’s iconic vampire novel. Set to premiere next year in London’s West End, the production comes from…

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Cynthia Erivo has been cast as Dracula in a one-woman adaptation of Bram Stoker’s iconic vampire novel.

Set to premiere next year in London’s West End, the production comes from the Australian creatives and producers behind the Tony-nominated Broadway hit The Picture of Dorian Gray, which starred Succession’s Sarah Snook.

Erivo will play the titular Count, along with 22 supporting characters, in a production described as an “intoxicating, blood-pumping reimagining of the immortal gothic horror”.

Adapted and directed by Kip Williams, Dracula marks Erivo’s first role on stage since playing Celie in The Color Purple, for which she won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical and Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.

“Returning to the stage feels like a homecoming, one that I’ve been craving for a long time. To do so with a story as rich, complex, and haunting as Dracula offers a beautiful opportunity to delve into character, into myth, and into the heart of what makes us human,” Erivo said in a statement.

“From the moment I was asked, I could not get the role out of my mind. Kip’s vision is thrilling, terrifying, and deeply resonant, offering a chance to sit with not only the darkness in the world, but also the light we fight to hold onto.

“It’s a rare gift for an actor to inhabit so many voices and perspectives in one piece, and I’m honoured to do it for West End audiences in this extraordinary production. The prospect of doing this show scares me and I know it will be a huge challenge. This show will ask everything of me — and I’m ready to give it.”

Photo: Universal Studios

William praised Erivo as “extraordinary” and a “singularly gifted artist”, revealing that his take on Dracula will offer “a contemporary perspective on the vampire as a monster that lurks not beyond, but within”.

In an interview with Deadline, Michael Cassel, producer and CEO of Australia’s Michael Cassel Group, confirmed that Erivo was approached for Dracula nine months ago as she was in the midst of her promotional tour for Wicked.

Erivo memorably played Elphaba in Jon M. Chu’s acclaimed blockbuster, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

“She has really spent most of her time with Kip just talking through the inspiration and the dramaturgy of it all,” said Cassel. “For them to connect in that way has been important for them because this is a show that they go and create together.”

He confirmed that the production won’t be a “blueprint” of the Sydney version, which played at the Roslyn Packer Theatre in 2024 and starred Australian actress Zehra Newman as the ancient blood-sucker.

“I think what’s so exciting, I think for her, and for us, while we know what the story is, they get to go and create this role in the rehearsal room in London together,” continued Cassel, “and that was very appealing to Cynthia to put her own interpretation on the role and explore that with Kip.”

With Erivo playing 23 characters, including Dracula, Jonathan Harker, Mina Murray, Lucy Westenra and Van Helsing, Cassel “couldn’t be happier with Cynthia leading the charge”.

Dracula is set to haunt London’s Noël Coward Theatre for a strictly limited 16-week engagement from 4 February to 31 May 2026.

News of Erivo’s casting follows the recent announcement that she will take on the role of Jesus Christ in Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Jesus Christ Superstar.

The production will run at the Hollywood Bowl from 1 to 3 August, under the direction and choreography of Tony Award winner Sergio Trujillo. Fellow Tony recipient Stephen Oremus will serve as musical director and conductor.

From his arrival in Jerusalem to his crucifixion, the iconic rock opera chronicles the final days of Jesus’s life, with a particular focus on Judas Iscariot’s crisis of faith and growing disillusionment with Jesus’ influence.

Adding to her packed schedule, Erivo is also set to reprise her role as Elphaba in Wicked: For Good, which hits cinemas on 21 November 2025.

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]]> “I’m in awe:” Fans react to Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s “stunning” Oscars performance https://www.gaytimes.com/culture/cynthia-erivo-ariana-grande-wicked-oscars-defying-gravity/ Mon, 03 Mar 2025 03:46:48 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1423738 Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande delivered an epic performance at the Oscars, and fans (including us) are emotional.  On Sunday (2 March), the stars flocked to the Dolby Theater in…

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Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande delivered an epic performance at the Oscars, and fans (including us) are emotional. 

On Sunday (2 March), the stars flocked to the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, California, for the 97th Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O’Brien.

To kick off the evening’s festivities, Wicked stars Erivo and Grande brought viewers back to Oz with jaw-dropping renditions of ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ from The Wizard of Oz and ‘Home’ from The Wiz.

In addition to singing tracks from two iconic Wizard of Oz films, the pair delivered a powerful performance of Wicked’s ‘Defying Gravity’ – filled with showstopping vocals and Erivo’s now iconic riff.

Naturally, Erivo and Grande’s reunion was an immediate hit with fans on social media, who showered the two vocal powerhouses with praise.

One viewer wrote: “This will be played at every gay guy music video night for years to come.”

Another fan tweeted: “No, cause I was sobbing something about wicked makes me so emotional can’t explain it.”

A third viewer echoed similar sentiments, writing: “The girls, gays and theys have been DREAMING of this moment, and it will be replayed until the end of time.”

“Sitting in front of my computer screen SOBBING. CYNTHIAAAAA,” a fourth fan added.

Wicked secured two out of its 10 nominations at the Academy Awards, including Best Costume Design and Best Production Design.

The film’s Best Costume Design win also made Oscar history, with openly gay costume designer Paul Tazewell becoming the first Black man to take home the award.

@gaytimes They’re the greatest team there’s ever been! @Cynthia Erivo and @arianagrande open @The Oscars with a wicked performance 💚🩷 #wicked #defyinggravity #wickedmovie #wickedthemusical #arianagrande #cynthiaerivo #oscars #ariana ♬ original sound – GAY TIMES

While the Wicked: Part One era has come to a close, it’s not the end of the beloved adventure.

On 21 November, the highly anticipated sequel – Wicked: For Good – is due for release and will see the return of Erivo as Elphaba, Grande as Galinda/Glinda, Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Ethan Slater as Boq Woodsman, Marissa Bode as Nessarose Thropp, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible and Jeff Goldblum as The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

Picking up after the events of the first film, the upcoming feature will follow Elphaba and Glinda as they navigate their new titles as Wicked Witch of The West and Glinda the Good, respectively.

In addition to adapting the second half of the beloved Broadway musical, Wicked: For Good will feature not one but two original songs sung by Elphaba and Glinda.

“I don’t know if you’re ready for it. I mean, I love the song, and I remember when we filmed it, the cast and crew were crying,” Erivo teased on Variety’s Awards Circuit podcast.

“So I don’t know. And I don’t know if that’s just because they were emotional that day or that’s what the song does.”

Grande also shared exciting details about her untitled Glinda song in a separate Variety’s Awards Circuit podcast episode.

“It’s a pivotal moment in Glinda’s journey. It shows a side of her we’ve never seen before. In the stage show, this transformation happens offstage,” she revealed.

“But in the movie, we get to see her make the decision that defines who she is. It’s a privilege to sing this song and be the first Glinda to bring it to life.”

Check out more fan reactions to Grande and Erivo’s performance below.

While we patiently await Wicked: For Good, revisit our interview with Erivo and Grande for Wicked below.

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]]> Jonathan Bailey fans are ‘losing their minds’ over these Wicked workout photos https://www.gaytimes.com/culture/jonathan-bailey-wicked-workout-gym-photos/ Wed, 05 Feb 2025 16:45:36 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1421191 “Zaddy,” “oh my god” and “a loss for the heterosexuals” are just a few of the many relatable, and NSFW, fan reactions to these new Jonathan Bailey photos. On February…

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“Zaddy,” “oh my god” and “a loss for the heterosexuals” are just a few of the many relatable, and NSFW, fan reactions to these new Jonathan Bailey photos.

On February 5, celebrity trainer Rik Melling shared new photos of the Fellow Travelers star in workout mode, ahead of his performance as Fiyero in Wicked.

In his caption, Melling said that working on the musical blockbuster was “such a dream”, and that he and everyone involved knew it was “going to be something special, and it really was”.

He praised Bailey for the “time, work, and effort” he put into training, calling his dedication to shaping his physique for the character “next level”: “The results speak for themselves. It was a true pleasure to work with someone so dedicated.”

The “swole” photos immediately went viral after X/Twitter accounts, such as Pop Base, Film Updates and Pop Crave, reshared them.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Rik Melling (@rikmellingfitness)

It resulted in thousands of thirsty responses, from “he needs me” to “we were robbed of that shirtless scene” and “Wicked Part 2 will be taking place in my bed”.

Bailey’s performance as Fiyero received overwhelmingly positive reviews from fans and critics, earning him nominations at the Screen Actors Guild Awards and Critics’ Choice Awards. He will return as the Winkie prince in the upcoming sequel, Wicked: For Good.

Besides Wicked, the British actor has made waves in the industry in recent years with the following roles: Anthony Bridgerton in Bridgerton (2020-present), John in Cock (2022) and Tim Laughlin in Fellow Travelers (2023).

Later this year he will star as Dr. Henry Loomis in Jurassic World: Rebirth, alongside Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, Rupert Friend and Ed Skrein.

Check out the best responses to Rik Melling’s BTS photos of Jonathan Bailey below.

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]]> “It’s a pivotal moment”: Ariana Grande teases Glinda’s new song in Wicked: For Good https://www.gaytimes.com/culture/its-a-pivotal-moment-ariana-grande-teases-glindas-new-song-in-wicked-for-good/ Sun, 12 Jan 2025 19:45:50 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1416906 Ariana Grande has shared exciting new details about the Wicked sequel. Since November, fans have immersed themselves in the film adaptation of the popular Broadway musical. Directed by Jon M.…

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Ariana Grande has shared exciting new details about the Wicked sequel.

Since November, fans have immersed themselves in the film adaptation of the popular Broadway musical.

Directed by Jon M. Chu, Wicked: Part One dives into the unlikely friendship between Elphaba Thropp (Cynthia Erivo), a powerful young woman misunderstood and feared due to her green skin, and Galinda Upland (Grande), a blonde and whimsical woman “gilded by privilege and ambition.”

The synopsis reads: “The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads, and their lives take very different paths.”

Since its release, the fantasy musical has received unanimous acclaim from critics and viewers – who have lauded the cast performances, musical numbers and special effects.

In addition to earning rave reviews, the film has broken an array of box office records, including the biggest global opening for a non-sequel film for 2024 and the highest-grossing Broadway adaptation globally – earning an estimated $634 million.

Fortunately, the Wicked phenomenon is showing no signs of slowing down. On 21 November, fans will be treated to the exciting sequel Wicked: For Good.

While the highly anticipated film will bring to life the second act of the beloved stage musical, it’s also set to feature new music.

During a recent episode of Variety’s Awards Circuit podcast, Grande revealed that she recorded an original Glinda song – written by legendary composer Stephen Schwartz – for the upcoming sequel.

“It’s a pivotal moment in Glinda’s journey. It shows a side of her we’ve never seen before. In the stage show, this transformation happens offstage,” she revealed.

“But in the movie, we get to see her make the decision that defines who she is. It’s a privilege to sing this song and be the first Glinda to bring it to life.”

Towards the end of her statement, Grande expressed her hopes for the exciting new song to be included in the stage version, adding: “Wouldn’t that be lovely?”

Glinda isn’t the only Wicked character to receive an original new song in Wicked: For Good.

In a December episode of the aforementioned podcast, Erivo confirmed that Elphaba will sing her heart out in a new original song she co-wrote with Schwartz.

“I don’t know if you’re ready for it. I mean, I love the song, and I remember when we filmed it, the cast and crew were crying,” she teased.

“So I don’t know. And I don’t know if that’s just because they were emotional that day or that’s what the song does.”

Erivo went on to describe the untitled song as “very, very special” before stating that she didn’t want to give away any more details.

“I have a feeling that even the title will move you,” she cheekily added.

For more Wicked content, check out GAY TIMES’ recent interview with director Jon M. Chu – who opened up about the fan favourite ship Gelphie.

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]]> Here’s your first look at Wicked star Jonathan Bailey in Richard II https://www.gaytimes.com/culture/heres-your-first-look-at-wicked-star-jonathan-bailey-in-richard-ii/ Tue, 07 Jan 2025 15:40:22 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1416564 The first images have been released of Jonathan Bailey in rehearsals for Nicholas Hytner’s production of Richard II.  Described as a “fresh take on Shakespeare’s subtle, caustic and powerful play,”…

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The first images have been released of Jonathan Bailey in rehearsals for Nicholas Hytner’s production of Richard II. 

Described as a “fresh take on Shakespeare’s subtle, caustic and powerful play,” it will star Bailey as the “charismatic, eloquent and flamboyantly witty” title character.

“And a disastrous King – dishonest, dangerous, and politically incompetent,” reads the synopsis. “Echoing down the centuries is the perennial problem: how to deal with a ruler who has a rock-solid right to rule but is set on wrecking the country he leads.”

The play will follow “two startlingly modern figures: Richard, an autocrat who believes he is divinely sanctioned, and Henry Bullingbrook (played by Royce Pierreson), a hard-headed pragmatist who has genuine authority.”

The cast also includes Christopher Osikanlu Colquhoun as Earl of Northumberland, Olivia Popica as Queen Isabel, Amanda Root as Alice Green and the Duchess of York, Phoenix Di Sebastiani as Thomas Mowbray and Groom, Clive Wood as John of Gaunt and Michael Simkins as the Duke of York.

Photo: Craig Sugden

More incoming: Adam Best as Sir John Bagot, Seamus Dillane as Lord Surrey, Vinnie Heaven as Aumerle, Jordan Kouamé as Sir John Bushy and Harry Percy, Gerard Monaco as Sir Stephen Scroop and Keeper, George Taylor as Lord Fitzwater and Badria Timini as Abbess of Carlisle.

While Bailey is best-known for his roles as Anthony Bridgerton in Bridgerton (2020-present), Tim Laughlin in Fellow Travelers (2023) and Fiyero in Wicked (2024), the British actor began his career with productions at the Royal Shakespeare Company.

His stage credits include Othello (2013), The Last Five Years (2016), King Lear (2017), The New York Realist and Company (2018).

For originating the gender-swapped role of Jamie in the latter, Bailey won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical.

Bailey next stars as Dr. Henry Loomis in Jurassic World Rebirth (2 July), and will reprise his role as Fiyero in Wicked: For Good (21 November).

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]]> Wicked: Ariana Grande says sequel will explore Elphaba and Glinda’s relationship “in-depth” https://www.gaytimes.com/culture/wicked-ariana-grande-says-sequel-will-explore-elphaba-and-glindas-relationship-in-depth/ Sat, 04 Jan 2025 19:45:42 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1416139 Ariana Grande has teased what fans can expect of Glinda and Elphaba’s relationship in Wicked: For Good. Back in November, moviegoers worldwide were finally treated to the highly anticipated film…

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Ariana Grande has teased what fans can expect of Glinda and Elphaba’s relationship in Wicked: For Good.

Back in November, moviegoers worldwide were finally treated to the highly anticipated film adaptation of Wicked.

Following its release, the fantasy adventure became a smash hit amongst critics and viewers, who praised the film for its larger-than-life musical numbers, cast performances and special effects.

In addition to becoming one of the biggest films of 2024, Wicked Part One garnered the attention of LGBTQIA+ fans, with many shipping Elphaba and Glinda romantically due to their electric chemistry.

Ahead of the release, Grande opened up to GAY TIMES about the popular “Gelphie” ship and even teased that Glinda “might be a little in the closet.”

“They do have a real relationship. It is true love, which is probably why people are shipping it. What they build with each other is an unbreakable bond and love,” she said.

She also didn’t rule out a future in which a queer Glinda is made canon in the films: “You never know, give it a little more time. It is just a true love, and I think that transcends sexuality.”

While we are still a ways away from the release of Wicked: For Good, Grande gave further insight into her thoughts on Glinda’s sexuality and the future of “Gelphie” while speaking to Variety.

“I think she’s a person who loves so much, and I do think that it goes beyond gender, and I think that’s a common theme in OZ,” she explained.

“I also think that the ways in which she loves Elphaba so much, and in that forgiveness and that unconditional love that they share –– I think they’re in love with each other.

While Grande added that Glinda and Elphaba’s relationship is “platonic,” she seemingly teased that the upcoming Wicked sequel will explore their bond even more deeply.

“But we’ll talk about it more in-depth in movie two,” she added.

Grande isn’t the only creative from the Wicked films to chat about the fan favourite “Gelphie” ship.

In a recent interview with GAY TIMES, director Jon M. Chu described the characters’ bond as “very intimate” and “beautiful.”

“I think that that’s what a real friendship feels like, as intimate or not intimate as you want it to be,” he explained.

“I don’t always understand the magic that’s happening. I’m just there to capture it and lean into the things that intrigue me the most, or awaken something in me.

“For the audience to then take it and make it ‘Gelphie‘ or whatever they want. To me, that’s kind of the point.“

Fortunately, fans won’t have to wait too long for Wicked: For Good, with the highly anticipated sequel hitting cinemas on 21 November.

See below our full interviews with Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, and Jon M. Chu.

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]]> Wicked director Jon M. Chu on Gelphie: ‘It’s intimate and beautiful’ https://www.gaytimes.com/culture/wicked-director-jon-m-chu-on-gelphie-its-intimate-and-beautiful/ Fri, 03 Jan 2025 15:36:48 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1416116 Fellow Ozians! After rumours and speculation, innuendo and outuendo, Wicked director Jon M. Chu has finally shared his thoughts on ‘Gelphie’. In December, GAY TIMES was invited to Napa Valley,…

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Fellow Ozians! After rumours and speculation, innuendo and outuendo, Wicked director Jon M. Chu has finally shared his thoughts on ‘Gelphie’.

In December, GAY TIMES was invited to Napa Valley, California, to spend ‘One Short Day’ in the Emerald City and sit down with Chu to talk all things Wicked ahead of its home release on 3 January 2025.

Since its release in November, the blockbuster has reignited conversations around Oz’s legacy, with fans reflecting on the powerful relationship between Elphaba and Glinda – affectionally dubbed ‘Gelphie’. (It even birthed a few of the internet’s greatest memes of 2024.)

When asked if he’s holding space for the box office hit being dubbed “the gayest blockbuster in history,” Chu responds with a giggle.

“Listen, I’ll take whatever they want it to be. It’s no longer mine, which is what I love about movies” he says. “We get to make a timeless piece that people get to take and do whatever they want with.”

Elphaba and Glinda’s relationship has been the subject of thrillifying online discussion, especially after Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande themselves voiced their support for ‘Gelphie’ in a now viral interview with GAY TIMES.

Even Broadway icon (and original Glinda) Kristin Chenoweth joined the conversation. In response to Grande calling the beloved character “queer”, the Tony winner wrote: “I thought so too way back when….”

Reflecting on the dynamic between the two witches, Chu says: “The relationship is very intimate, it’s beautiful. And I think that that’s what a real friendship feels like, as intimate or not intimate as you want it to be.

“I don’t always understand the magic that’s happening. I’m just there to capture it and lean into the things that intrigue me the most, or awaken something in me.”

However, for Chu, it’s not about prescribing meaning, it’s “for the audience to then take it and make it ‘Gelphie’ or whatever they want. To me, that’s kind of the point.”

As fans eagerly anticipate Elphaba and Glinda’s arc in the upcoming Wicked: For Good (previously known to the world as Wicked: Part Two), Chu teases what’s to come. “Get ready!” he says, hinting at breathtaking performances from Erivo, Grande, and the internet’s boyfriend, Jonathan Bailey.

We can expect “tear the roof off” renditions of fan-favourites ‘No Good Deed’ and ‘As Long As You’re Mine’, which promise to showcase the cast’s immense talents.

“Just wait,” Chu adds. “I’ve given you too much. I cannot say too much. Other than… I’ve seen both movies back-to-back already, and I love it. I love it so much.”

Sadly, us regular folks will have to wait until November 2025 before we get to see the story unfold.

Beyond the technicolour spectacle and powerhouse ballads, Chu hopes the Wicked home release will offer something deeper – a glimpse behind the emerald curtain.

Bonding over our shared childhood love for ‘Making Of’ documentaries and DVD extras, he says: “To me, not having access to film school at that time, this was like my film school. I’m just glad that we get to share this stuff on home video.”

Chu is excited for fans to dive into the documentary, deleted scenes and featurettes: “More people will understand, watching a deleted scene, why we cut a scene.

“They may not agree. And there’s plenty of things that I struggled with, but they understand. I think people appreciate it in a different way. So I’m excited for that.”

Of course, we’re GAY TIMES, we are queer media, so we had to ask about Oz’s longstanding queer legacy.

Chu remains reverent. “I think it’s not my place to say what I think about the history of Oz in there. I will say the spirit of this community, of building real culture in this community, reflects our real world.” He hopes the film will open conversations on “what beautiful is,” “what love is” and “what a hero looks like.”

“We hoped in this that we would create a fairy tale for 2024 that would last forever. And those things are just normalised, that they’re not even a point in the thing. It just is the way life is. And that’s how we see life.”

In a world too often divided, Wicked stands as a reminder of the transformative power of friendship, allyship and acceptance. For Jon M. Chu, that’s where the true magic lies.

Wicked is available to buy or rent at home now.

Watch our full interview with Jon here or below.

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]]> Wicked makes history as the highest-grossing stage musical adaptation of all time https://www.gaytimes.com/culture/wicked-makes-history-as-the-highest-grossing-stage-musical-adaptation-of-all-time/ Mon, 30 Dec 2024 18:10:10 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1415922 Wicked: Part One has added another incredible record to its already long list of achievements. Over the last few months, the fantasy feature has dominated the pop culture sphere following…

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Wicked: Part One has added another incredible record to its already long list of achievements.

Over the last few months, the fantasy feature has dominated the pop culture sphere following its release on 22 November.  

From its larger-than-life musical numbers to the showstopping cast performances, Wicked: Part One has solidified itself as one of the biggest hits of 2024.

In addition to earning universal acclaim, the film has broken an array of box office records, including the biggest global opening for a non-sequel film for 2024 and the biggest global and domestic opening for a movie based on a Broadway show.

While Wicked: Part One’s theatrical run is slowly coming to an end, the movie has continued to achieve incredible feats.

On 30 December, it was announced that the beloved film had become the highest-grossing Broadway adaptation globally, earning an estimated $634 million.

The film that previously held the record was 2008’s Mamma Mia!, which earned a whopping $610 million worldwide.

The recent box office news comes a year before the musical’s highly anticipated sequel, Wicked: For Good, hits cinemas.

On the latest episode of Variety’s Awards Circuit podcast, Cynthia Erivo teased what fans can expect from the upcoming film, revealing she co-wrote an original song with legendary songwriter Stephen Schwartz.

“I don’t know if you’re ready for it. I mean, I love the song, and I remember when we filmed it, the cast and crew were crying,” she teased.

“So I don’t know. And I don’t know if that’s just because they were emotional that day or that’s what the song does.”

Erivo went on to describe the untitled song as “very, very special” before stating that she didn’t want to give away any more details.

“I have a feeling that even the title will move you,” she cheekily added.

Directed by Jon M Chu, Wicked: Part One dives into the unlikely friendship between Elphaba Thropp (Erivo), a powerful young woman misunderstood and feared due to her green skin, and Galinda Upland (Ariana Grande), a blonde and whimsical woman “gilded by privilege and ambition.”

The synopsis reads: “The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads, and their lives take very different paths.

As previously mentioned, Wicked: Part One received widespread acclaim from critics and viewers after its release, with many lauding Erivo and Grande’s captivating performances, the film’s special effects and the story’s faithfulness to the source material.

Fortunately, viewers at home can finally binge-watch Wicked: Part One when it lands on digital platforms on 3 January in the UK and 31 December in the US.

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]]> “I don’t know if you’re ready”: Cynthia Erivo teases new song for Wicked sequel https://www.gaytimes.com/culture/i-dont-know-if-youre-ready-cynthia-erivo-teases-new-song-for-wicked-sequel/ Fri, 27 Dec 2024 18:55:22 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1415580 Cynthia Erivo has shared exciting new details about the Wicked sequel. On 22 November, fans of the long-running stage musical were finally treated to the highly anticipated film adaptation. Directed…

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Cynthia Erivo has shared exciting new details about the Wicked sequel.

On 22 November, fans of the long-running stage musical were finally treated to the highly anticipated film adaptation.

Directed by Jon M Chu, Wicked: Part One dives into the unlikely friendship between Elphaba Thropp (Erivo), a powerful young woman misunderstood and feared due to her green skin, and Galinda Upland (Ariana Grande), a blonde and whimsical woman “gilded by privilege and ambition.”

The synopsis reads: “The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads, and their lives take very different paths.

Since its release, the fantasy musical has received unanimous acclaim from critics and viewers – who have lauded the cast performances, musical numbers and special effects.

Fortunately, the Wicked phenomenon is showing no signs of slowing down. The sequel, Wicked: For Good, will hit theatres on 21 November 2025.  

While the highly anticipated release is a year away, Erivo spilt some tea about what fans can expect, including the new music featured in the film.

On the latest episode of Variety’s Awards Circuit podcast, the vocal powerhouse revealed that she recorded and co-wrote a new track for her character alongside legendary songwriter Stephen Schwartz.

“I don’t know if you’re ready for it. I mean, I love the song, and I remember when we filmed it, the cast and crew were crying,” she teased.

“So I don’t know. And I don’t know if that’s just because they were emotional that day or that’s what the song does.”

Erivo went on to describe the untitled song as “very, very special” before stating that she didn’t want to give away any more details.

“I have a feeling that even the title will move you,” she cheekily added.

Erivo isn’t the only one to tease new information about Wicked: For Good.

In a recent interview with the Associated Press, Chu revealed that Elphaba’s journey in part two will be “more complicated and nuanced.”

“She can make a choice to be a certain way, but the consequences of that can be very, very messy,” the Crazy Rich Asians director explained.

“And Cynthia and I have talked about that from the very beginning where that meat comes in movie two. It almost catches up to where we are in the world right now of… once you know who you are, how hard is it to stick to those things and how tempting it is to even go back to the way things were.”

Toward the end of his sit down, Chu gushed about Erivo’s performance in Wicked: For Good, describing it as “profound and beautiful.”

Wicked: Part One will be available to buy on digital platforms on 3 January in the UK and 31 December in the US.

The post “I don’t know if you’re ready”: Cynthia Erivo teases new song for Wicked sequel appeared first on GAY TIMES.

]]> “It’s true love”: Wicked’s Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande on “Gelphie” ship https://www.gaytimes.com/films/wicked-cynthia-erivo-ariana-grande-on-gelphie-elphaba-glinda-romance/ Fri, 22 Nov 2024 12:46:52 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=378426 The relationship between Elphaba and Glinda is “true love”, according to Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. In a recent interview, we came prepared with various rainbow-hued questions, from…

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The relationship between Elphaba and Glinda is “true love”, according to Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.

In a recent interview, we came prepared with various rainbow-hued questions, from how their respective experiences as a queer woman and LGBTQIA+ ally impacted their performances, what Pride looks like in Oz and – we had to! – their thoughts on “Gelphie”.

Originating from Gregory Maguire’s novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, which in turn inspired the iconic stage musical and new blockbuster, “Gelphie” is a long-running femslash ship that vehemently supports a romance between Elphaba and Glinda.

There’s not a lack of sapphic evidence, either: in the aforementioned novel, the witches share a kiss and, in many stage productions, are incredibly close to one another – physically. Songs such as ‘For Good’ and ‘What Is This Feeling?’ are also noted to have queer undertones.

Oh, and more incoming: Maguire even said in an interview that “hints” at romantic attraction between the characters.

When we mentioned how passionate the supporters of “Gelphie” are, Grande immediately responded: “I bet!”

@gaytimes What do @arianagrande and @Cynthia Erivo think of the #Gelphie ship? 🩷💚 @Wicked Movie #wicked #arianagrande #cynthiaerivo #glinda #elphaba #wickedmovie #wizardofoz #sapphic ♬ original sound – GAY TIMES

“I think Elphie is… She’s goes wherever the wind goes. I think she loves Glinda, I think she loves love. And I don’t think there’s anything wrong with celebrating the deep connection the both of them have,” said Erivo.

“They do have a real relationship. It is true love, which is probably why people are shipping it. What they build with each other is an unbreakable bond and love.”

Grande continued: “And trust and truth and such a safe space for one another, which is what all relationships should be, whether it’s romantic or platonic.”

The ‘Into You’ singer went on to say that Glinda “might be a little in the closet” and didn’t rule out a future where “Gelphie” is canon in live-action: “You never know, give it a little more time. It is just a true love, and I think that transcends sexuality.

“It’s a deep safety within each other and that’s why [fans] probably ship it.”

Directed by Jon M Chu (Step Up 2: The Streets, Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights), Wicked is now out worldwide.

Erivo and Grande are joined by Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Michelle Yeoh as Shiz University’s headmistress Madame Morrible, Ethan Slater as Boq, an “altruistic Munchkin student” and Marissa Bode as Elphaba’s “favoured sister” Nessarose.

Deep breath for even more star power: Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard of Oz, Bowen Yang as Pfannee, Bronwyn James as ShenShen, Peter Dinklage as Doctor Dillamond and Keala Settle as Miss Coddle.

Watch GAY TIMES‘ interview with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande here or below.

The post “It’s true love”: Wicked’s Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande on “Gelphie” ship appeared first on GAY TIMES.

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