our first look at the WICKED movie! | my thoughts on the leaked audio of Ariana Grande as Glinda 

Since the whole show is being split in to two halves I hope nessa's song "the wicked witch of the east" gets a nice feature/scene. Its such a lovely emotional moment and song and it never ended up on the wicked cast albums!

I trust Ariana as a vocalist, I knew she COULD sing it legit, it’s just a matter of if she WOULD sing in the style of the show (because in Hairspray she didn’t try lol). My big concern is her acting. Glinda has to be funny, but she also has to change from the beginning of the story to the end. I’ve never seen Ariana do anything like that, and I hope she pulls it off because Glinda really is the heart of that show.

As someone who watched Ari when she was posting covers from her bedroom, I wholly belive the leak is her singing. She is fantastic at mimicking inflection and she has a very clear voice without any production needed. Her being friends with Chenoweth cements for me that she's trying to keep her performance in mind.

I think this was a very intentional leak. They know people are skeptical about Ariana and her musical theatre singing, that's why these were leaked.

Ariana is a master impressionist. I completely agree this was her imitating a bit. Who amongst us don't imitate a little bit when we sing the songs we love??

Tbh I have been dreading this adaptation for over a decade because adapting perfection seems inescapably imperfect. But! I am so encouraged by Ariana’s Glinda between the official photo and the leaks! I agree, though, now that our interests have been a tiny bit fed, I hope we don’t have too much spoiled for us moving forward🤞🏻

My guess is these are "Defying Gravity" (Glinda is running up the stairs before "I hope you're happy now!") and taking Elphaba the book implying this is a cupola in the Wizard's castle accessed by a huge spiral staircase. Grande is a longtime theater nerd and has legit chops, she just doesn't use them in pop. She likely just required some voice-coach workout sessions and music direction to handle Glinda's songs.

I like how they feel like they have come straight from the book. I heard that they split it into parts because they are adding more from the books. I am excited, but nervous at the same time.

I was never concerned about Ariana’s voice, I was worried about her portrayal of the character. Glinda is the heart and soul of this story and goes through the most change from beginning to end. I hope it all turns out!

Personally I never doubted that Ariana Grande COULD sing the legit soprano Glinda parts. Anyone who has seen her musical impressions knows she can mimic the best divas down to tiny details like a boss. But I worried that in casting her they would adapt the music to her pop style as a choice. I'm very relieved that doesn't seem to be the case.

I'm not always interested in leaks, but these few images and the audio of Ariana singing has quelled every single fear I had about the movie. I'm going to be ignoring any new images or scenes as best I can from now on, because I'm way more excited and hope to preserve as much as I can for its release. And this is one i do want to see IN theaters

4:55 This is such a good point and I’m so glad you brought this up. Even if Jon Chu (the director) tried to make it identical to the stage musical, the movie would still be a little bit different because it’s just that: a movie. Stage and film are two different medias and some aspects have to change when adapting a stage play or musical to film (or vice versa).

The Grimmerie is mentioned by name in the show by Glinda when Madame Morrible brings it to Elphaba in act 1: Glinda: Is that the Grimmerie? Morrible: Yes... Glinda: Can I touch it? Morrible: No..... It is also of course the name of the tie-in book about the making of the musical

People need to realize that this film has a different costume designer than the stage show. Musical films rarely copy the stage costumes exactly. Changing the color of a dress doesn't affect the story so I don't get why people are harping on these small changes.

It probably sounds so similar because she’s also famous for her impersonation. She can impersonate many people voices to a T

Wow? These long videos are coming out so fast! I've been so... Concerned for this movie, the bubble made me even more worried, the official stills were a lot more promising, but the two parts still worries me. I didn't know audio had been leaked! So excited for this video! (I've been listening to your videos non stop for the last few days so new videos are always SO welcome)

so many forget in the actual musical, way back when it was san francisco tryouts, the glinda popular dress WAS BLUE! so to be honest, the bubble dress being pink dosent bother me! x

RE: the magic/tech bubble question - it's my understanding that in the stage show the reason it looks so "tech" is because it's part of the larger mise en scène choice to frame the story with the Clock of the Time Dragon" (an important tidbit from the novel not really addressed by name in the show but visible in the mechanical dragon above the arch and in the set design). the whole stage is layered to look like the inner workings of a clock to nod to the book but ALSO to emphasize the way the story is a journey back through time as glinda remembers elphaba. i would imagine they won't try to keep this mechanized clock angle in the films because it would dominate and stifle any other creative visual choices. and like you mention, they're probably pivoting for wizard of oz aesthetics, so hyper-stylizing toward the clock is something that (while very cool on stage) would probably be a bad fit for the films.

I really hope you're right that it's still all set as flashback - that would make a great device to split the story into two films - Glinda's telling the story, she's interrupted or overcome with emotion or something. The Grimmerie thing is like the "Congratulotions" etc... there's a bunch of deliberate mis-pronounciations in the show

"I am not trying to get a strongly worded email." This is my mantra for all work decisions.

Thank you so much for showing the shots with the changed exposure. It made a huge difference to me. Sometimes being a legally blind musical theatre fan sucks.

From the photos, it looks like "No One Mounrs the Wicked" is set in munchkinland with a Wizard of Oz-esque pink dress, which is not true to the stage musical, BUT it is to the Wizard of Oz which I kind of love. Wicked ends after those events, so it makes sense that's where we start, and that is what the average person is most familiar with. I would still love an act 2/movie 2 blue dress, but I think this set up is super smart. Excited to see what else the film adaptation adds.

as someone who has been following every single thing ariana has done since her victorious days until now i can tell you in full confidence that i know her voice like the back of my hand and that is absolutely 100% her singing in all the leaked videos. now, the question of whether she’s singing live in the actual clips or just lip syncing to her own studio track i can’t tell but it seems to me it’s the latter (this one’s difficult bc the camera is so far away that you can’t really hear her taking breaths in between). i’m also a huge fan of this musical (and a musical stan in general) and i understand when musical theatre fans were nervous or angry at ariana’s casting of glinda. however, there’s a couple things to unpack: jon specifically said no one was offered the role and everyone was treated the same at the auditions (i choose to believe he wouldn’t sacrifice the role of glinda just to get someone famous to play the role), for ppl saying she has a “pop voice” and can’t handle the vocal demands of the role: that’s not a thing. the way ariana sings for her own music is very pop sounding but it’s a stylistic choice, just like she can put it on she can “turn it off” or sing in a different style. with that last thing being said we know for a fact that ariana grew up doing theatre and got her big break on 13 the musical on broadway, this means her vocal training was musical theatre based from a very young age. this last thing combined with the fact that she was simply born with incredible vocal agility means she can adapt her voice to almost any situation (which is why she’s so good at impressions as well). and lastly, wicked is one of ariana’s favorite musicals in the entire world since she was very little, glinda has always been a dream role of hers. why is this relevant? bc it means she will (and has been) dedicating her entire time to vocally train for this role (acting as well). as a fan of both ariana and the musical, i genuinely think we’re in good hands. she’s been working hard and i think people can’t get past her pop persona to see that she’s actually, at her core, just another musical theatre fan who got cast in her dream role.

Wicked is one of my favorite musicals of a time. But! I'm also a film major. Adaptations fascinate me! And adaptational changes are necessary. And I think adaptations can be very successful, despite skepticism among fans. As long as they don't make senseless/needless changes to character or plot, then I'll probably be happy! I simply do not have the energy to care if Glinda's dress is blue or pink 😂

Can’t believe you’re literally breaking down the OPTIONS for us I love it

I like the way in which you discussed the leaks. I've seen them and you described them very well, but without showing them, which makes me feel like even if I want to avoid any more major leaks before release, I can still come here to get a preview in case I change my mind.

I agree with everything you’ve said about the reason for the dress being pink! Additionally, I also think with marketing they will lean heavily into the „Pink goes good with green“ theme and for people who have never seen the stage version it might be confusing if her main dress would be a different colour.

WOAH I actually had no idea they were splitting it into 2 movies - it makes perfect sense story-wise but also that is a BOLD financial risk. What if the first one bombs? What if it does well financially but everyone hates it and won’t have interest in paying to see the second part? Like, dang, the balls (Edit to add: I was a skeptic but I think Ariana sounds perfect)

In the musical Glinda is asked by Elphaba if the Wizard invented the bubble for her. It happens during the confrontation about the shoes.

100% agree with your points on this film not being a carbon copy to the show. I’m looking forward to the adaptation, the stage show will always hold a place in my heart, but this opens up the show to more audiences that may not access theatre land. 😊

she sounds divine! i can't wait ❤ can't believe we have to wait till next year

Kind of spoilers? Hey I actually saw the leaked footage in real time and met the guys taking it. There were three people, two with long range cameras and one person with a drone, so that’s how they got the footage. The gold clam thing was lowered down on a crane in one take so that’s definitely part of the bubble. There’s also two large sets being built next to Munchkin Land, one looks like castle and the other looks like it’s from Emerald City. I’m not sure if she lip synced but the music and vocal was super amplified. I’m guessing it’s her voice tho. All the music was lovely and the sets looked amazing so wicked fans should be happy.

Love that you always dress for the occasion (aka the theme) 🌟

She did such a good job with The Wizard and I on the anniversary concert…no worries on this end…

I heard the clips and went yessss! My worry was her diction in her pop songs was not great, she really ran her words together. These clips I can hear every word and I love it

I am a huge Wicked the Musical fan, but I am also trying to remind myself that the movie adaption is going to be different! I am excited to see what they come up with and I am trying to go into it with little to no expectations. I have a feeling it will really draw on what you said the aesthetic of the Wizard of OZ, but also the book and then the music from the show. It will be interesting to see what they come up with!

I am actually so excited and happy to get any content. But where is Jonathan Bailey?! I just want something 😭😂

As a singer myself, Ariana also could've picked up some of the inflections in the song because she was studying the original music for her own performance. I know when I'm preparing for a performance, I will listen to a recording of the song in my downtime, especially to help with memorization in the beginning.

wicked brazil this year has had a whole lot of changes on scenery and outfits, and it’s insanely good and refreshing and still very much wicked. glinda has a pink dress in no one mourns the wicked/for good and it’s so beautiful, and so glinda.

She sounds good from what you can hear over the w8nd and outdoor sounds. The soprano high notes are lovely and she's gorgeous as Glenda. Cannot wait until November

I live a roughly 5-10 minute drive from the set and have seen it from above while driving past, it looks so good!

These clips make me feel so much better about Ariana as Glinda. I was nervous but now I am very excited.

In the book/s, Glinda is actually quite proficient in magic and witchcraft ~ and it’s Elphaba who struggles with it, or it doesn’t come as naturally to her. So if they’re referencing the book at all in this movie, then I think having the bubble as magical and not technological would make sense.

The Grimmerie is the book from the show and novel and is pronounced phonetically. A grimoire is an actual book of shadows in pagan/witchcraft culture. So, yes, Grimmerie is accurate for Wicked.

ariana can imitate anyone, that’s her doing Kristen Chenowiths Galinda 🖤

Her voice sounds simply beautiful for glinda, and I admire they are giving her the pink Glinda dress over the blue as it seems more fitting to her

They did say they'd add stuff from the book. Hoping for the animal rights plot to be more relevant than in the stage musical. The whole reason she becomes "wicked!"

I love that we're getting to see Ari's extensive training and musical theater background shine. She's said that her pop style diction is a choice, if you've seen her sing on Carpool Karaoke, she does "Suddenly Seymour" and it's SO GOOD, and not an impersonation at all. I'd rather see well-recorded stage versions of the shows, but hopefully the film will be good, and I'm glad they're incorporating more of the book.

I will be annoyed if 'No Good Deed' gets cut. Having said that I am really looking forward to it! Should be good!

I’m pleasantly surprised, because Hollywood producers are infamous with making awful creative choices when it comes to movie musicals (*cough* CATS *cough*) I was worried that they would push Ariana to sing in a pop style. And while to me it doesn’t sound like she’s going for the usual full operatic sound, her voice still sounds lovely, clear, and floaty! Exactly what I’d look for in a Glinda vocal ❤

Since it’s 2 movies, they’re probably taking some inspiration from the book as well, more source material. Especially since it was a book before it was musical.

I agree I have a feeling the "leak" of her vocals was to quell the "naysayers" for Ariana. there was brief moment where after they announced her that they were rumoring her doing a 2 week stint on Broadway to "show the world she can do it" but it never happened i think this was a wiser decision on their part! also I think i read somewhere that they are filming the whole 2 films like one long one and then just splitting them for release so while yes they me "re-order" the sequence of events in the film but movies famously film out of order so them having already filmed for good wouldn't be a surprise to me and i think you are correct the shot of Ariana running up the stairs is post for good and yes you are 100% pronouncing the title of the book correctly!!!! also yes while we don't know how they are adapting the movie in their own was im just assuming the lack of "epicness" to Cynthya's black dress its not her "act 2" look she probably is standing in the attic of the Emerald city palace just about to "defy gravity" I LOVE everything they have released so far she looks amazing the set design is SPECTACULAR!!!! also Ariana is an AMAZING impressionist so sounding like Kristen in certain parts is not a stretch in the least!

i saw the pictures, hadn't seen the clips until i saw your video and dang ariana really is killing it

In the novel that the musical is loosely based on, the book IS called the Grimmerie, so you're saying it correctly 😊

I do wonder if they'll explore the relationship between Galinda and Elphaba more since it will be two parts. If they stay true to the books, their relationship as some romantic elements as well.

Now that I can actually SEE those pictures, I actually wonder if they’re meant to go together. Like, Glinda’s climbing the stairs to get to wherever Elphaba’s just landed.

I'm going to bet this was all from the Defying Gravity scene. I've seen other animatics and this is very similar to planned shots for definitely gravity.

BEYOND exciting to see both their character interpretations. The design, everything - gonna be awesome. I hadn't seen these pics so thanks for sharing ;-)

I need to track down that leaked audio/video. Like a lot of people here, I had no doubts about Ariana's ability to sing the score (great technique, very light and bright soprano with very good control even through whistle). The only thing I worried about with her was her diction. That worry was squashed when she sang Somewhere Over the Rainbow recently and her diction was lovely. I like the pink on her too. The shot of Elphaba looks like straight up CG to me. Not a fan of heavy CG (the Beast from 2017 looked dated even on release, whereas Smeagol and Aslan still look good), but see the value in it. I think this is our best shot at a truly listenable soundtrack for a movie musical since Chicago.

I saw the outside shots and have heard about some of the cast but now I want to look up more. Iv been waiting for a wicked movie for years and I cannot wait.

Louise Dearman’s option up on her final night singing No One Mourns the Wicked with the “diiieeeeeee alonnnneee” still shakes me!

I actually think "no one mourns the wicked" will be the opening of the second film...and the events will almost happen chronologically. It makes sense to do it this way because first movie will be young glinda and second movie would be the elevated fully realized good witch. because it's 2 movies, it will give audience new visuals for the second film to anticipate rather than giving away what she will become right away. Think of it like a superhero movie...there's always anticipation to see what the new costume/version will be in the next film.

Also Im sooo confused because Mickey keeps saying that the pink dress and No One Mourns The Wicked is before Glinda finds her magical prowess. Isn't it after? Super confused. SPOILER: But The show ends where it begins, with Glinda addressing the munchkins after Elphaba's "death." This all happens after Dorothy visits and "kills" Elphaba. So by now Galinda is in fact Glinda and has all her magical prowess. It isn't the end of Act 1. It's the end of the show. She is the same Glinda from the films at this point, the one who greeted Dorothy in a real bubble.....Also I think that staircase scene is either Defying Gravity.

It’s defo Ari singing over Kristin as you can obviously tell it’s her in some bits

The grimorie (apologies if I mispelled that) is pronounced with the “ie” on the end sound in the stage version. However in the world outside of the show it’s pronced the second way when referring to a book of spells.

The picture of Elphaba in an article like room could be those places you suggested but it also could be the last scene where she is hiding when Glinda comes to say farewell and the pink dress could be that ame attic where glinda is going up to her to say goodbye

There's a line in the stage show I hope doesn't get cut in the film version. "This prince shows up and now everyone is obsessed with a cultish social gathering." Loved that line in the show. But it's the type of thing they could cut.

I’m glad to hear all this, especially about the color grading 😂

I WAS WAITING FOR THIS VIDEO

Amazing recall TJ!!!

If that is accurate about the Chenoweth similarity it could be extremely troubling and concerning for Ariana the artist. But how intimating to walk in those shoes. Hope AG has the best teachers supporting her!!!

I was really worried about this film ngl. Not about the casting, I thought the casting was excellent actually. My worry came from splitting it into two movies, and this quelled my fears. Really excited

does anyone have the link to the ‘and goodness knows the wicked die alone’ segment? it’s one of my favourite vocal moments in in the show and i can’t find it online

personally i also really hope they don't go full chronological. the show starting with the end is such an important part of the (and such a theatrical!) way the narrative is told and imo noone mourns the wicked would be so much weaker if they put it chronologically

So excited for this movie!

I actually know where the film starts :) It opens with a scene set in Kiamo Ko... though i wont spoil what the scene is about. Last week they were filming up in the highlands... quite a bit outside of London lol I personally loved the teaser shots. I though they were atmospheric, they were grand in scale and I thought they also showed something of their individual characters. I agree that people should not be expecting the stage version on screen. This is it's own thing. Mr Chu knows his way around a movie musical. Trust.

I think that the Ariana picture was the last scene where Glinda watches Elphaba gets melted or after

🤩 Into the Woods is also my absolute favorite musical....and also resulted in a somewhat disappointing movie adaptation. Thank goodness that one does have a pro-shot of the OBC! We'll see how the pink dress question is resolved....next year 😒

Can’t find the snippets…..lots taken down….darn!

Never worried about Ari’s vocals. I’m worried about her ACTING

After watching the footage I can say with a bit of confidence that she is lip synching. Recording vocals in a wide open space like that is impractical and her lip synching means that she can focus more on emoting with her face and her body language. Doesn't mean that they aren't going to sing live at other points of the movie, just for this scene in particular it wouldn't make sense. Those are probably her vocals being played on loudspeakers, and since Glinda is essentially performing in front of the residents of Oz in this scene it makes sense that her voice sounds the way it does. I imagine for other scenes Grande will sound much more like how we expect her to with her natural singing voice.

That attic where Elphaba ends up, with that giant circular window - I think it’s a nod to the cover for the first “Wicked” book by Gregory Macguire. The book was the first thing that came to mind when I saw that picture of Elphie with her broom.

Fact is that the majority of screen adaptations of successful stage shows fall flat on their face. I wonder how many new songs will be added to the movie version?

Looks stunning!

What are your thoughts on Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible? I absolutely love her as an actor and I'm really excited to see how she pulls off Morrible's ICONIC line.

Omg!!! I love that shirt!!!

I heard the leaked audio and immediately teared up. She sounds so good (and it's clearly her - like you said, the phrasing and timing is different than Chenoweth's), and with so many of us having waited something like 10 years for this film to be made... I don't know, it hit me hard. It was the first moment it truly felt real and sunk in that this is finally happening!

It's her voice. She had theatre training and Chenoweth mentioned she's in constant contact with Ariana. Plus yes, she's superb at impressions.

I don't usually look at leaks because I HATE spoilers. but I couldn't help myself when I saw it on Twitter. The wicked movies are going to be amazing no matter what for me. It could be as camp and cheap as anything and I'd still adore it. But this looks so high on budget. There's a level of love and appreciation for this movie already. I have no idea how much they're allowed to spend but the sets and costumes alone give me hope that the special effects, the background scenery, and the musicality will be phenomenal. I probably won't look at any more leaks because I don't want anymore being spoiled. But these leaks have proved to me that the movie is actually happening this time. It has given me hope that it is going to look pretty good and it's shown me that a lot of love and respect is being given. Although ngl I would love for the DVD/Blu-ray releases they provide an extra disc, alongside both discs for each part, where both parts of the movie are connected so it's just one long movie. I will happily sit through it all in one sitting. Very Excited about all this. In the heights was outstanding. I have no worries.

Excited for the movie but REALLY wish they were not splitting it; there are songs from the stage show that I would cut rather than add more.

I did not expect Ari to be hitting those opera notes. 😍😍😍

I think the actual term is “gremoire,” as you pronounced it initially. But the show uses lots of fun variations on regular English words (or French, in this case) so I always assumed it was just an Oz-ification of the original term. But I failed college English twice, so do not take my words as gospel 😂

You're so smart, I love this.

Y’all some of you need to relax and understand it’s not going to be a copy paste from Broadway and some people have different interpretations. Like y’all need to breath and either wait for the film comes out or just not see it in general. Ariana clearly has been working so hard and y’all just are so bitter. Just relax. Lmao

Ariana is more than a huge fan of the musical, she was backstage while younger and met Kristen Chenoweth who told her she was not only special but had a place in the industry, she also gave her a special piece from the set. The reason i stated this is because of this, costume changes are nbd, they are not huge issues, Any changes to the general plot would be a HUGE deal for not only Ariana but for Kristin and Indina (both of who were asked to be just background characters, they may do it in the 2nd one- just as nods). The plot will be as close as possible, like Rent was as close as possible.

Omg Into the Woods is also my favie!

And being filmed right here in the UK at the New Sky/Universal Elstree Studios!!

So is this movie going to be made from the musical or from the book. I liked both but the book obviously has more details

I will never be a "fan" of Ariana because I just don't vibe with her. That being said this doesn't make me believe for a second she won't be a great Glinda. The leaked audio sounds incredible & vocally you know she's going to slay it. As a fan of the original film & book series (it was read to me in the womb so it's been ingrained in me from pre birth) the dress being based off the look of the film brings me great joy. My only "concern" may be too much pink if her Popular/Ozdust looks don't lean on other options.

I just find it wild that Disney buys airspace to prevent these kind of leaks but Universal haven't done that? Im SO glad they are using big outdoor sets but I'm not strong enough to ignore spoilers. Ive avoided asking Cynthia anything (except one thing) because I want the theatrical experience to be as exciting as it can be!