The *Wicked* film adaptation is arguably the most anticipated movie musical in decades, and as of late 2024 and early 2025, the full cast list for the two-part cinematic event is officially locked in. This article provides the most current, comprehensive look at the actors bringing the magical world of Oz to life, focusing heavily on the powerhouse talent leading the film, which is set to conclude with *Wicked: For Good* in November 2025. The casting choices have sparked intense excitement, blending world-class musical theatre veterans with global pop superstars and acclaimed dramatic actors, promising a fresh and unforgettable take on the beloved story.
The film, directed by Jon M. Chu, is a monumental undertaking, splitting the original Broadway musical into two separate movies to fully honor the depth of the story, the iconic score by Stephen Schwartz, and the complex relationship between the two witches of Oz, Elphaba and Glinda. The sheer talent assembled for this production ensures that both long-time fans of the musical and newcomers will be utterly captivated by this journey to the Emerald City.
The Principal Witches: Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande Biography & Profiles
The heart of *Wicked* lies in the unlikely friendship between Elphaba and Glinda, and the casting of these two roles represents a perfect blend of established stage brilliance and global pop cultural phenomenon.
Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Thropp (The Wicked Witch of the West)
- Role in *Wicked*: Elphaba Thropp, the misunderstood, intelligent, and passionate young woman with green skin who eventually becomes the Wicked Witch of the West.
- Date of Birth: January 8, 1987 (38 years old as of December 2025).
- Place of Birth: London, England.
- Notable Awards: Erivo is an Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award winner (EGOT-adjacent), needing only an Oscar to complete the quartet. She won the 2016 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her Broadway debut as Celie in *The Color Purple*. She also has two Academy Award nominations for her work in *Harriet*.
- Career Highlights: Her career spans theatre (The Color Purple, Sister Act), film (*Harriet*, *Bad Times at the El Royale*), and television (*Genius: Aretha*). She is widely regarded as one of the most powerful vocalists of her generation.
Ariana Grande as Glinda Upland (Glinda the Good)
- Role in *Wicked*: Glinda Upland, the popular, ambitious, and bubbly young woman who initially clashes with Elphaba but grows to become Glinda the Good.
- Date of Birth: June 26, 1993 (32 years old as of December 2025).
- Place of Birth: Boca Raton, Florida, U.S.
- Notable Awards: Multiple Grammy Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, and Billboard Music Awards, establishing her as one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
- Career Highlights: Grande began her career on Broadway in the musical *13* (2008) before rising to fame as Cat Valentine on the Nickelodeon shows *Victorious* and *Sam & Cat*. Her transition to film for *Wicked* marks a return to her musical theatre roots after a decade of pop superstardom.
The Star-Studded Supporting Cast of the Film Adaptation
The excitement surrounding the *Wicked* movie is amplified by a supporting cast filled with globally recognized and critically acclaimed actors. These performers bring not only star power but also significant dramatic weight to the citizens of Oz and the students of Shiz University.
Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero Tigelaar
Jonathan Bailey, best known for his charismatic role as Anthony Bridgerton in the hit Netflix series *Bridgerton*, takes on the coveted role of Fiyero. Fiyero is the charming, carefree love interest who becomes the object of affection for both Glinda and Elphaba. Bailey's background in both television and West End theatre, including a Laurence Olivier Award for his work, makes him a formidable choice to portray the complex character of the Vinkus Prince.
Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible
Oscar-winner Michelle Yeoh, celebrated for her roles in films like *Everything Everywhere All at Once*, steps into the role of Madame Morrible. Morrible is the powerful, manipulative headmistress of Shiz University, whose influence is central to the plot's dramatic turns. Yeoh’s casting brings an incredible level of prestige and gravitas to one of the musical's most pivotal non-singing roles.
Jeff Goldblum as The Wizard of Oz
The legendary Jeff Goldblum, known for blockbusters like *Jurassic Park* and *Independence Day*, is cast as The Wizard of Oz. The Wizard is the mysterious, all-powerful figure in the Emerald City whose true nature is a key revelation in Elphaba’s story. Goldblum's unique charm and eccentric delivery are expected to bring a fresh, compelling dimension to this iconic character.
Key Ensemble and Other Magical Citizens of Oz
The world of Oz is populated by a diverse and talented ensemble, many of whom are accomplished stage actors and comedians, ensuring the film maintains the musical's theatrical integrity. The casting choices for these roles highlight the film's commitment to both vocal talent and dramatic performance.
- Ethan Slater as Boq: A Tony-nominated actor for his role in *SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical*, Slater plays the lovestruck Munchkin, Boq, who is infatuated with Glinda.
- Marissa Bode as Nessarose: Making her feature film debut, Bode portrays Elphaba’s younger sister, Nessarose, who becomes the Wicked Witch of the East. Bode, an actress who uses a wheelchair, brings authentic representation to the role.
- Peter Dinklage as Dr. Dillamond: The Emmy and Golden Globe-winning star of *Game of Thrones* voices Dr. Dillamond, the goat professor at Shiz University.
- Bowen Yang as Pfannee: The *Saturday Night Live* star and comedian plays Pfannee, a fellow student at Shiz and a friend of Glinda.
- Keala Settle as Miss Coddle: The *The Greatest Showman* star and Tony nominee is confirmed to be playing Miss Coddle, a new character created for the film adaptation.
Topical Authority: The Latest Broadway Cast Update (2025)
While the film dominates current headlines, the original stage production of *Wicked* continues its record-breaking run on Broadway at the Gershwin Theatre. As of the most recent updates, the Broadway cast continues to evolve, keeping the show fresh for its dedicated audience.
The current Broadway cast, which saw new members join in early 2025, maintains the tradition of phenomenal vocal talent. As of March 2025, the roles of the two main witches are portrayed by a new generation of stage stars:
- Lencia Kebede as Elphaba: Kebede took over the role of Elphaba, bringing her own powerful interpretation to the iconic songs like "Defying Gravity" and "No Good Deed."
- Allie Trimm as Glinda: Trimm stepped into the role of Glinda, continuing the character's journey from "Popular" student to Glinda the Good.
- NaTasha Yvette Williams and Brad Oscar: Other key roles are currently filled by Broadway veterans, including NaTasha Yvette Williams and Brad Oscar, who bring significant experience to the production.
These stage actors stand on the shoulders of giants like Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, who originated the roles and whose performances are legendary in the annals of musical theatre history. The enduring success of the musical is a testament to the timeless story and the incredible talent that continuously cycles through the Broadway and West End productions.
What to Expect from the Two-Part Film Release
The decision to split the movie into two parts—*Wicked* (Part 1, 2024) and *Wicked: For Good* (Part 2, November 21, 2025)—was made to ensure the narrative's complexity and the musical's extensive score were fully preserved. Director Jon M. Chu has promised a visually spectacular and emotionally rich adaptation that honors the source material while bringing a fresh, modern sensibility. The first film will focus on the early days of Elphaba and Glinda at Shiz University and their burgeoning friendship, while the second film, *Wicked: For Good*, will cover the dramatic second act, culminating in Elphaba’s transformation and the iconic "For Good" moment.
The anticipation for this cast's take on the beloved songs is palpable. Cynthia Erivo's rendition of "Defying Gravity" and Ariana Grande's performance of "Popular" are already generating significant buzz. The film will serve as a powerful new entry point into the world of Oz for a global audience, securing the musical's legacy for a new generation.
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