5 Shocking Ways Idina Menzel Is Still Defying Gravity In The New Wicked Movie (And Her Surprise Cameo Revealed)

The question that has echoed through Oz for years has finally been answered: Is the original Elphaba, Idina Menzel, in the new Wicked movie adaptation? As of December 2025, the answer is a resounding, albeit surprising, 'Yes.' While she will not reprise her iconic leading role as the misunderstood green girl, Menzel’s presence is confirmed in a highly anticipated, meta-theatrical cameo alongside her original co-star, Kristin Chenoweth. This appearance cements her legacy as the definitive Broadway Elphaba while passing the broomstick to the next generation, ensuring the spirit of the original production flies high in director Jon M. Chu’s epic two-part film adaptation, Wicked: Part One and Wicked: For Good.

The decision to include the original Broadway stars was a pivotal move to honor the musical’s history, and Menzel’s involvement is far more than a simple blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment. Fans can look forward to seeing the powerhouse vocalist on the big screen in Wicked: Part One, which premiered on November 22, 2024, and is currently playing in theaters worldwide. Her brief but memorable role is strategically placed to celebrate the musical’s deep-rooted connection to its dedicated audience and the legendary performers who first brought Elphaba and Glinda to life on stage, making this one of the freshest and most talked-about updates to the film’s production.

Idina Menzel: A Biography of the Original Elphaba

Idina Menzel, born Idina Kim Mentzel on May 30, 1971, in Syosset, New York, is an American actress, singer, and songwriter who has achieved global recognition for her phenomenal vocal talent and stage presence. She is a true multi-hyphenate, with a career spanning Broadway, film, television, and music.

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Menzel’s career breakthrough came in 1996 when she originated the role of Maureen Johnson in the Pulitzer Prize-winning rock musical Rent, earning her first Tony Award nomination.

Her definitive role, however, arrived in 2003 with the premiere of Wicked. As the original Elphaba Thropp, the Wicked Witch of the West, her performance was a masterclass in emotional complexity and vocal power, showcasing her three-octave mezzo-soprano voice. This performance earned her the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical in 2004, solidifying her status as a Broadway legend.

Beyond Broadway, Menzel achieved mainstream success as the voice of Elsa in Disney’s Frozen franchise, performing the global hit "Let It Go." Her accolades now include a Tony Award and a Daytime Emmy Award, a testament to her sustained critical and commercial success across various mediums.

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The Surprise Cameo: Idina Menzel in the Wicked Movie

The most exciting and current news for Wicked fans is the confirmation of Idina Menzel’s appearance in the film. She does not play a new major character, but rather participates in a brilliant, meta-nod to the musical’s history.

1. The "Wiz-O-Mania Super Stars" Role.

Menzel, along with Kristin Chenoweth, the original Glinda, appears as a "Wiz-O-Mania Super Star." This is a new, narrative-expanding element for the film. They are seen as enchantresses who are narrating or reflecting on the story, a clever way to integrate the original stars without disrupting the new cast’s performance.

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2. The "One Short Day" Sequence.

The cameo takes place during the iconic musical number "One Short Day," when Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) first arrive in the Emerald City. This particular scene is a perfect moment for the original stars to appear, as it represents a moment of pure, unadulterated awe and excitement in the land of Oz.

3. A Reunion for the Ages.

The sight of Menzel and Chenoweth together on screen is a powerful moment of nostalgia for fans. The duo, who created the roles of Elphaba and Glinda, reunited on the set, sharing behind-the-scenes photos that broke the internet. Their brief return is a symbolic passing of the torch to Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.

4. A Vocal Contribution.

While their on-screen time is limited, both Menzel and Chenoweth contribute their voices to the song "One Short Day," a detail that ensures their legendary vocal talents are immortalized in the film adaptation.

Menzel's Enduring Legacy and Reaction to the New Cast

Idina Menzel’s connection to the world of Wicked extends far beyond her cameo. She has been a vocal supporter of the film and the new cast, particularly Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.

The "Too Old" Reality Check

In a candid interview, Menzel addressed the possibility of reprising her role as Elphaba, acknowledging that she was told she was "too old" for the part. The character of Elphaba in the first part of the story is a young woman attending Shiz University, a role that required a younger actress. Menzel’s gracious acceptance of this reality paved the way for the new casting while showing her maturity and support for the project.

Praise for Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande

Menzel has publicly shared her excitement for Cynthia Erivo, the new Elphaba, and Ariana Grande, the new Glinda. She praised Erivo’s immense talent and Grande’s genuine love for the musical, stating that she believes they will bring a fresh, unique energy to the beloved characters. This endorsement from the original Elphaba is a powerful stamp of approval for the highly anticipated film.

The Continuation of the Story

The Wicked film is being released in two parts: Wicked: Part One (November 22, 2024) and Wicked: For Good (November 21, 2025). This two-film structure allows director Jon M. Chu to delve deeper into the narrative and expand on the musical’s lore, including the backstory of Elphaba and her journey from Shiz to the moment she begins to "Defy Gravity." Menzel's cameo in the first part serves as a bridge between the stage legend and the new cinematic epic.

The film’s ensemble cast is packed with talent, including Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Ethan Slater as Boq, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, and Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard. This stellar lineup, combined with the blessing of the original Elphaba, ensures that the cinematic journey to Oz will be a spectacle for both new fans and long-time devotees of the musical.

Idina Menzel’s Enduring Influence on the Wicked Movie

While Menzel's time on screen is short, her influence on the Wicked movie is immeasurable. Her original, Tony Award-winning performance set the benchmark for every actress who has played Elphaba since. The new film not only pays homage to her legacy with the cameo but also carries the weight of her original interpretation of the character.

The anticipation surrounding the film is intrinsically linked to the nostalgia for the original Broadway production. By including Menzel and Chenoweth, the filmmakers have successfully managed to honor the past while confidently stepping into the future. Fans of the Broadway musical are eagerly dissecting every trailer and news snippet, searching for subtle nods to Menzel’s iconic portrayal, from the specific staging of "Defying Gravity" to the nuances of Elphaba’s battle cry riff. The Wicked movie, therefore, is not just a new adaptation; it is a continuation of the legacy that Idina Menzel helped create two decades ago.