The world of Oz is undergoing a massive transformation, both on the big screen and the stage, making this the most exciting time for fans of the beloved musical, Wicked. As of December 2025, the focus is squarely on the highly anticipated two-part film adaptation, with the first installment, Wicked Part One, having already cast its spell on audiences, and the second, Wicked: For Good, rapidly approaching its November 2025 release. Simultaneously, the global stage productions—from Broadway to the West End—have unveiled their own fresh, dynamic casts for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, ensuring the story of Elphaba and Glinda remains evergreen and continuously updated for a new generation.
This comprehensive guide provides the definitive, most current look at every major actor stepping into the iconic roles, detailing the star-studded ensemble of the film, the creative minds behind the adaptation, and the new powerhouse performers taking the stage in London and New York. The sheer depth of talent, from EGOT nominees to global pop icons, promises a dazzling new era for the story of the Wicked Witch of the West.
The Powerhouse Cast: Full Biographies of the Wicked Film Leads
The success of the Wicked film adaptation rests on the shoulders of its leading ladies and gentlemen, a quartet of globally recognized and critically acclaimed actors. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the film’s creative team has selected a cast with deep roots in both musical theatre and major film/television franchises.
Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Thropp (The Wicked Witch of the West)
- Role: The misunderstood, green-skinned young woman whose powerful magic and passion for justice sets her on the path to becoming the Wicked Witch of the West.
- Biography Highlights: Erivo is a Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award-winning actress, placing her just one Oscar away from achieving the coveted EGOT status. Her Broadway debut in The Color Purple earned her a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. On screen, she is known for her Oscar-nominated portrayal of Harriet Tubman in the film Harriet. Her casting as Elphaba was celebrated for bringing a formidable vocal talent and dramatic gravitas to the role.
Ariana Grande as Glinda Upland (Glinda the Good)
- Role: The bubbly, ambitious, and popular young woman who starts as Elphaba’s rival before becoming her closest friend, eventually known as Glinda the Good.
- Biography Highlights: Grande began her career on Broadway in the 2008 musical 13: The Musical before rising to global fame as a pop superstar. Her early acting career included the Nickelodeon series Victorious and Sam & Cat. Her return to her musical theatre roots for the role of Glinda marks a significant moment in her career, bringing her massive global fanbase to the world of Oz.
Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero Tigelaar
- Role: The charming, carefree prince and love interest who finds himself caught between Elphaba and Glinda.
- Biography Highlights: Bailey is a highly decorated English actor, known internationally for his role as Anthony Bridgerton in the Netflix series Bridgerton. His stage work is equally impressive, having won a Laurence Olivier Award for his performance in the play Company. More recently, he earned a Critics’ Choice Television Award and a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for his role in the miniseries Fellow Travelers.
Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible
- Role: The manipulative and politically ambitious headmistress of Crage Hall at Shiz University, who recognizes Elphaba’s magical potential.
- Biography Highlights: Yeoh is an Academy Award-winning actress, celebrated for her groundbreaking work in films like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and her Oscar-winning performance in Everything Everywhere All at Once. Her casting in Wicked marks her first major musical role, bringing a new level of prestige and star power to the character.
From Shiz University to the Emerald City: The Complete Wicked Movie Cast List
The creative team, including composer Stephen Schwartz and screenwriter Winnie Holzman, made the decision to split the narrative into two films to allow for a richer, more faithful adaptation of the original stage show’s complex plot and music. The full cast is a deep bench of talent, ensuring every character in Oz is brought to life by a seasoned performer.
The first film is set for release on November 22, 2024, with the second, Wicked: For Good, following on November 21, 2025. The adaptation includes the original, iconic songs but also features new material written by Stephen Schwartz specifically for the films, a major enticement for long-time fans.
Key Supporting Cast and Characters:
- Jeff Goldblum as The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: The powerful, yet ultimately fraudulent, ruler of the Emerald City.
- Peter Dinklage as Dr. Dillamond (Voice): The beloved, hoofed history professor at Shiz University who serves as a mentor to Elphaba. The character is voiced by the four-time Emmy winner.
- Ethan Slater as Boq: The optimistic Munchkin and classmate of Elphaba and Glinda, who is infatuated with Glinda.
- Marissa Bode as Nessarose Thropp: Elphaba’s wheelchair-bound sister, who later becomes the Wicked Witch of the East. Bode is an actress with a physical disability, bringing authenticity to the role.
- Bowen Yang as Pfannee: A classmate of Elphaba and Glinda at Shiz University, known for his witty remarks and social commentary.
- Bronwyn James as ShenShen: Pfannee’s companion and another member of Glinda’s inner circle at Shiz.
- Keala Settle as Miss Coddle: A new character created specifically for the film adaptation, adding another layer to the world of Oz. Settle is a Tony Award nominee known for The Greatest Showman.
Beyond the Big Screen: The Latest 2025/2026 Stage Cast Updates
While the film dominates the headlines, the live stage productions of Wicked continue to defy gravity in major cities around the world, with new casts stepping into the roles for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. These changes provide theatergoers with a fresh interpretation of the iconic characters and music.
London’s West End: The 2025/2026 Shift
The West End production at the Apollo Victoria Theatre is set for a major overhaul in March 2025. This new cast signals a renewed energy for the London show, which remains one of the longest-running musicals in the city’s history.
- New Elphaba: Emma Kingston. Kingston, known for her powerful performances in productions like Heathers: The Musical, will be taking over the green makeup.
- New Glinda: Zizi Strallen. Strallen, a West End veteran whose credits include the title role in Mary Poppins, will bring her acclaimed stage presence to the role of Glinda.
Broadway and US National Tour: New Faces for 2025
The original Broadway production at the Gershwin Theatre and the highly successful US National Tour have also announced significant cast changes for the 2025 season, ensuring the show remains a must-see event across North America.
- Broadway’s New Elphaba: Lencia Kebede. Kebede joined the Broadway company in March 2025, bringing her unique talent to the role.
- Broadway’s New Glinda: Allie Trimm. Trimm, alongside Kebede, is part of the new group of performers welcomed to the Gershwin Theatre, continuing the tradition of fresh talent.
- US National Tour Leads (2025-2026): The tour will be led by Jessie Davidson as Elphaba and Zoe Jensen as Glinda, carrying the magic of Oz to cities nationwide.
The Enduring Legacy of Wicked
The continuous updates to the Wicked cast across film and stage underscore the musical’s status as a generational cultural phenomenon. With the film adaptation featuring a creative team that includes original book writer Winnie Holzman and composer Stephen Schwartz, the cinematic version is poised to honor the stage show while expanding the lore of Oz.
Whether you are preparing to see Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s highly anticipated performance on the big screen, or planning a trip to see the new cast members like Emma Kingston and Zizi Strallen live on stage, the story of the two witches of Oz remains a testament to friendship, perspective, and the true meaning of being "wicked." The sheer volume of new talent ensures that, for fans old and new, the magic of Wicked is truly "For Good."
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