NBC Reveals Epic, Behind-The-Scenes Wicked Special Defying Gravity

NBC Reveals Epic, Behind-The-Scenes Wicked Special Defying Gravity

As a long-time fan of musicals and anything related to Oz, I am absolutely thrilled about NBC’s upcoming special, “Defying Gravity: The Curtain Rises on Wicked.” Having grown up with the original novel and the Broadway production, the anticipation for this movie adaptation has been building for years. To have an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the Emerald City set, hear personal memories from the cast, and get a sneak peek of the final film is more than any fan could ask for!


In just under a month, the much-anticipated film “Wicked” will be gracing cinema screens, and NBC has an Oz-themed surprise for eager fans! The network revealed today that they will broadcast a special behind-the-scenes program, titled “Defying Gravity: The Curtain Rises on Wicked“, three days prior to the movie’s nationwide release in North America towards the end of next month.

The hour-long television special was filmed on the stunning Emerald City set for the film, and includes interviews with key cast members such as Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba), Ariana Grande (Glinda), Jeff Goldblum (the Wizard), among others. They will share their personal anecdotes, private video diaries, and interesting secrets about their experiences during the making of the Universal Pictures film. The special also offers a sneak peek of an exciting clip from the final movie, as well as advertisements themed around “Wicked” produced by brand sponsors such as Lexus and Target.

How to watch NBC’s hour-long Wicked special

Defying Gravity: The Curtain Rises on Wicked” is set to be broadcast on NBC on Tuesday, November 19, at 10 p.m. ET. Following its television premiere, it will be available on Peacock the next day. Apart from Erivo, Grande, and Goldblum, the cast includes Michelle Yeoh (Madame Morrible), Jonathan Bailey (Fiyero), Ethan Slater (Boq), Bowen Yang (Pfannee), and Marissa Bode (Nessarose).

NBC Reveals Epic, Behind-The-Scenes Wicked Special Defying Gravity

NBC Reveals Epic, Behind-The-Scenes Wicked Special Defying Gravity
NBC Reveals Epic, Behind-The-Scenes Wicked Special Defying Gravity

What is Wicked about?

In an innovative retelling of “The Wizard of Oz” story, the musical drama “Wicked” offers a fresh perspective, focusing on Elphaba (played by Erivo), a misunderstood green-skinned character who ultimately becomes known as the Wicked Witch of the West.

As a gamer, I’d rephrase it like this: Before I became known for my horde of aerial primates and allegedly giving Dorothy a hard time, Elphaba was a brilliant student at Shiz University. My magical abilities eventually caught the Wizard’s attention, who might not be as pure as people think. Standing up to him wasn’t easy, but it meant living a life of solitude and questionable reputation.

Director Jon M. Chu, from “Crazy Rich Asians” and “In the Heights,” stated to Harper’s Bazaar, “‘Truth is what we all accept as truth’ is what the Wizard says, but he also acknowledges that propaganda has always been present. However, in today’s context, it stands out significantly due to the influence of technology, allowing information to spread rapidly and determining who wields control over this information.

This cinematic spectacle is inspired by the highly praised, Tony Award-winning stage musical with the same title. This musical was originally based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel titled “Wicked: The Life and Adventures of the Wicked Witch of the West.

When does Wicked open in theaters?

On this coming Friday, November 22nd, “Wicked” will enchant audiences everywhere with its magic. The second installment is scheduled for release a year later, specifically on November 21st, 2025.

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2024-10-25 20:16