Wicked | The Stars Turn Greenwich Green Ahead Of The Launch Of The Movie
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Carl Roberts 
Jon M Chu, Jeff Goldblum, Cynthia Erivo, and Jonathan Bailey attend a photocall at the Royal Observatory, switching on the Greenwich Mean Time laser separating the world into East and West, to celebrate the launch of Universal Pictures "WICKED" on November 20th, 2024 in London, UK. (Photo by StillMoving.Net for Universal Pictures)
Cynthia Erivo, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey and Jon M. Chu turn Greenwich green ahead of the release of the cinematic event, Wicked
Look to the Western sky! The stars of Wicked switch on the Greenwich Meridian Line laser at the Royal Observatory, precisely where the Eastern and Western hemispheres meet, to celebrate Universal Pictures’ spectacular new cinematic event, which soars into cinemas on November 22.
Grammy, Emmy and Tony-winning powerhouse and Academy Award® nominee Cynthia Erivo, pop culture icon Jeff Goldblum, Olivier Award winner and Emmy nominee Jonathan Bailey and director Jon M. Chu attended the magical photocall, in which, after the green laser divided the night’s sky, surrounding buildings from the Queen’s House to the Old Royal Naval College lit up green in honour of Erivo’s character, Elphaba, The Wicked Witch of the West.
CELEBRATE
In celebration of the film’s release, Mayor Jit Ranabhat temporarily renamed the Royal Borough of Greenwich to “GreenWitch” last week. From now until the 24th of November, fans and visitors to the newly named “GreenWitch” can collect a map (either from the GreenWitch Tourist Information Centre. Or by downloading from the visitgreenWitch website) and embark on a spell-binding walking trail. Spotting several road signs and directional signs as soon as you come out of Greenwich Station. Up through GreenWitch High Road and past the perfectly named The Green Café and GreenWitch Picturehouse cinema.
Visitors will be dazzled by the magical roof installation at GreenWitch Market. With an enthralling new sign at each entrance to the market. After this, fans and visitors can carry on to the GreenWitch Tourist Information Centre. And GreenWitch Foot Tunnel to view the newly unveiled plaque. Before making their way past the University of GreenWitch to see the final Ozian signs at the top of King William Walk.
Partners involved in “GreenWitch” include VisitGreenwich. Royal Borough of Greenwich. Greenwich Market. University of Greenwich. Greenwich Student’s Union and the Greenwich Picturehouse.
THE MOVIE
Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony-winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Broadway’s The Color Purple) as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart.
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. Glinda’s unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba’s determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfil their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
ALSO STARRING
The film also stars Oscar® winner Michelle Yeoh as Shiz University’s regal headmistress Madame Morrible. Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton, Fellow Travelers) as Fiyero, a roguish and carefree prince. Tony nominee Ethan Slater (Broadway’s Spongebob Squarepants, Fosse/Verdon) as Boq, an altruistic Munchkin student. Marissa Bode in her feature-film debut as Nessarose, Elphaba’s favoured sister. And pop culture icon Jeff Goldblum as the legendary Wizard of Oz.
The cast of characters includes Pfannee and ShenShen. Two conniving compatriots of Glinda played by Emmy nominee Bowen Yang (Saturday Night Live). And Bronwyn James (Harlots). A new character created for the film, Miss Coddle, is played by Tony nominee Keala Settle (The Greatest Showman). And four-time Emmy Winner Peter Dinklage (Game Of Thrones) as the voice of Dr. Dillamond.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights). Wicked is the first chapter of a two-part immersive, cultural celebration. Wicked Part Two is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on November 28, 2025.
Wicked is produced by Marc Platt (La La Land, The Little Mermaid). Whose films, television shows and stage productions have earned a combined 46 Oscar® nominations. 58 Emmy nominations and 36 Tony nominations. And by multiple Tony winner David Stone (Kimberly Akimbo, Next to Normal), with whom Platt produced the blockbuster Wicked stage musical. The executive producers are David Nicksay, Stephen Schwartz, Winnie Holzman, Dana Fox and Jared LeBoff.
BASED ON
Based on the bestselling novel by Gregory Maguire. Wicked is adapted for the screen by the stage production’s book writer Winnie Holzman. And by legendary Grammy and Oscar® winning composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz. Universal Stage Productions is the producer of the Broadway stage musical. Marc Platt. The Araca Group. Jon B. Platt and David Stone. The screenplay is by Winnie Holzman and Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox. The film score is by John Powell & Stephen Schwartz, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz.
SELECTED IMAGES FROM THE EVENT
Wicked is released in cinemas on November 22nd.
Introducing Carl! As the News Editor at Future of the Force, Carl has been an invaluable member of our team since early 2016. His expertise and dedication have made him an integral part of our editorial staff. Beyond his professional role, Carl is a fervent supporter of Liverpool F.C. and an avid follower of pop culture. He has a deep passion for Halloween, Friday the 13th, and the iconic movie franchises Star Wars and Star Trek.
He can be found either at his neighborhood cinema, enjoying the latest releases on the big screen, or at home streaming the newest blockbuster movies.
