Synopsis

“Defying Gravity: The Curtain Rises on Wicked” highlights the Broadway musical “Wicked” in more detail, reveals plans for the filming of the two-part film, and presents the cast of the production working on it. This 2024 television special describes behind the scene circumstances surrounding the raising of the musical ‘Wicked’. It includes interviews with actress Cynthia Erivo and musician Ariana Grande who will play the roles of Elphaba and Glinda respectively. The audience also participates in the creation of characters and overcoming the task of transferring the fantasy story from pages to a film screen.

Release Information

NBC aired the special on November 19, 2024 at 10 p.m. ET or three days before the movie was scheduled to be released on 22nd November. Peacock users can also stream the movie.

Personal Insights

The audience for this special film gets to see much more than simply a change in the medium for the switch from ‘Wicked’ as a musical to film. The interviews demonstrate the sheer will and commitment of the cast and crew members and the changes and adaptations that need to be made, as a film obviously will require different techniques to convey themes. Given the context of how filming occurred, the way characters were portrayed as well as footage that was unused provide a deeper context for the audience about the film’s adaptation.

Cultural Significance

Ever since it hit the Broadway stage, Wicked has been a game-changer. This particular retelling of the history of the witches of Oz has dragged millions into the excitement of the musical drama. This special, along with the recently released movie, draws attention to how the work has lived on through the years. It also allowed the audience to connect with the artistic part of the people involved in the show and vice versa, consequently bringing to light the universal themes of love, acceptance, and rebellion against the norm.