Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo set for TV special ahead of Wicked: For Good release
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande will lead the Wicked special TV event (Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande will lead the Wicked special TV event (Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo are set for a live US TV special ahead of the release of Wicked: For Good.
It was revealed on Wednesday (9 July) that the two stars will lead the two-hour event. The special will be broadcast on 6 November on NBC and will then be available to stream on Peacock.
The pair, who play Glinda and Elphaba respectively in the blockbuster sequel will be “joined by their co-stars and other surprise guests,” according to NBC.
The cast will perform songs from the first movie and “just maybe, a little bit from the upcoming film”.
We’ve already heard snippets of the title song from the sequel in teasers and other promos. But it sounds as if the special event could be the first chance to hear it in its entirety.
We could also be treated to other classic Wicked songs such as “As Long As You’re Mine.” That would mean Fiyero actor Jonathan Bailey making an appearance.
Wicked: For Good isn’t due in cinemas until two weeks after the special but fans got the first trailer in June which gave a glimpse at Glinda and Elphaba.
“There’s no going back,” Elphaba says. “This is between us. The wizard and I.”
Glinda and Fiyero’s wedding is also highlighted as well as some shots showing Dorothy in Oz in the company of the Tin Man, the Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion. And, of course, Toto.
Given that Wicked was a faithful adaptation of the first act of the stage musical, Wicked: For Good is expected to follow suit. But, much like the first film, the sequel is likely to include new elements to flesh out the characters and story.
What little we do know includes a change to one storyline surrounding Nessarose, Elphaba’s disabled sister. However, rumours that two fan-favourite characters would be “executed” have been denied.
Wicked grossed more than $750 million (£550 million) at the worldwide box office and bagged 10 Oscar nominations, winning two.
Wicked: For Good is due in cinemas on 21 November.
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