See who’s playing Elphaba, Galinda, Wizard of Oz, more

On November 30, 2024By Littum

“Wicked” continues to defy gravity, soaring to new heights at the box office and enchanting moviegoers as they take a trip to the Land of Oz.

Adapted from the hit Broadway musical based on Gregory Maguire’s book and directed by John M. Chu, the film is a revelatory prequel to “The Wizard of Oz” and the first in a two-part epic. It follows Elphaba and Glinda, who “meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical land of Oz and form an unlikely but deep friendship,” according to the film’s synopsis. Their “extraordinary adventure in Oz” ultimately sees them “fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.”

The film has created magic at the box office, pulling in $114 million in US and Canadian theaters, plus $50.2 million in international markets, for a global total of $164.2 million, marking the biggest opening weekend for a film based on a Broadway musical.

USA TODAY film critic Brian Truitt gave the film ★★★ out of four, writing that “even with a few missteps, it’s easy to get swept up in director Jon M. Chu’s colorful spectacle (rated PG).”

“The movie musical is both redundant and gorgeous, yet it casts a big-hearted spell that you’d have to be evil not to appreciate at least a little bit. The song-filled character study of the Wicked Witch of the West’s early years is echoed by stunning performances from Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who will wow musical theater kids and old-school “Oz” fans alike,” Truitt wrote in his review.

Here’s a look at the key characters in Oz and the actors who play them.

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Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Thropp

Born with iridescent green skin and mystical abilities she cannot control, Elphaba Thropp is the eldest daughter of Munchkinland’s Governor Thropp. As the only person in Oz with green skin, Elphaba is a racial minority, making her an outcast.

Universal Pictures describes Elphaba as “a young woman misunderstood because of her green skin who has yet to discover her true power” and fulfill her destiny as the Wicked Witch of the West. But beneath the tough exterior is a woman with a full and compassionate heart.

Ariana Grande as Galinda Upland

Galinda Upland aka Glinda the Good is described as a “popular young woman gilded by privilege who has yet to discover her true heart.” While she loves gathering followers and collecting footwear, her heart longs to possess something that money cannot buy: magical power.

Michelle Yeoh as Madam Morrible

Madame Morrible is Shiz University’s “Royal Headmistress” and Dean of Wizardry Studies. Admired by all, Madam Morrible is the first person in Oz to recognize Elphaba’s true potential.

Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard of Oz

The Wizard of Oz may be known as “wonderful,” except he’s anything but.

Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero Tigelaar

Fiyero is carefree and carefree, the crown prince of Winkie County, one of several regions in the land of Oz.

“Fiyero Tigelaar seems to pass the hours perfecting his image as a carefree player; committed only to whatever (and whoever) tickles his (fleeting) imagination,” reads his character bio.

Ethan Slater as Boq Woodsman

Boq, an altruistic Munchkin student at Shiz University, is smitten with Glinda while being the object of Nessarose’s affections.

Marissa Bode as Nessarose Thropp

Nessarose is the younger daughter of Governor Thropp and Elphaba’s sister. Elphaba is fiercely protective of her sister, who is her closest confidant. Nessarose is in love with Boq, who is more interested in Glinda. Nessarose is described as a “heartbroken young woman striving for control over her own life.”

Peter Dinklage as the voice of Dr. Dillamond

The only animal on Shiz University’s faculty, Dr. Dillamond, is Elphaba’s history professor and a mentor to her.

Starring: Anika Reed, Jay Stahl, Anna Kaufman, Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.