The adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, "Wicked," to film has become one of the most anticipated cinematic events of the year, particularly with the long-awaited release of the soundtrack featuring all new recordings of classic tunes. Central to this adaptation is the song "Defying Gravity," which not only showcases the talents of its lead actress Cynthia Erivo, who plays the iconic Elphaba, but also serves as the emotional climax of the film.
Editor Myron Kerstein reflects on the laborious efforts to deliver this iconic performance on screen: "We worked tirelessly to make 'Defying Gravity' feel like this gigantic set piece. We have the balloon and the flying monkey chase beforehand, and those scenes don’t need to be there, but it helps the audience to sort of keep them on their feet and enjoy the ride." This notion encapsulates how the film strives to exceed the expectations set by its Broadway counterpart.
Director Jon M. Chu described the importance of nuanced storytelling, stating, "It felt like there was something missing in her [Elphaba's]journey. It didn’t give an emotional full circle for her." He addressed the emotional core of the narrative by introducing new scenes intended to highlight Elphaba’s internal struggles and her quest for self-acceptance. By doing so, Chu has elevated the character's backstory, ensuring viewers understand her motivations.
Emphasizing the visual storytelling aspects, cinematographer Alice Brooks crafted scenes rich with meaning. Investigated through the lens of light and shadow, she conveyed, "The light is not always the light and the darkness is not always the dark." This creative choice amplifies the thematic depth of the characters’ experiences throughout the narrative.
One of the standout moments involves Erivo portraying Elphaba literally defying gravity as she performs airborne stunts. "She’s just a powerhouse, doing every single one of those stunts and singing live," Brooks remarked, admiring Erivo's ability to navigate physical and vocal demands simultaneously. Each performance, marked by technical challenges, showcases Erivo's exceptional talent and dedication.
Costume designer Paul Tazewell highlighted the significance of Elphaba's cape, which has become almost character-like itself within the narrative. "If it had been a lightweight cape, it never would have had the gravitas," he explained, pointing out how the weight and design of the cape add layers to Elphaba's transformation and symbolize her acceptance of power.
With the soundtrack freshly released, Erivo praises her experience working on the iconic notes of the musical. "I wasn’t searching to do a riff. It just landed," she revealed, indicating the organic process of finding her unique sound within the established canon. Her dedication to the original musical format, coupled with her personal flair, has resulted in a captivating interpretation of Elphaba.
Jon M. Chu described the set atmosphere during the recording of “Defying Gravity,” noting the emotional weight of the moment as Erivo sang live rather than relying on pre-recorded tracks. "I hope we pressed record," he mentioned, alluding to the teary-eyed crew members who witnessed Erivo's powerful rendition echo throughout the sound stage.
The film adaptation of "Wicked" ambitiously seeks to open up and explore the beloved characters of Elphaba and Glinda, with Grande’s portrayal of Glinda poised to complement Erivo's formidable performance. Grande, who fell in love with the musical as a young girl, shares her excitement for contributing to this legendary tale. "This feels like the most important, full-circle thing I've ever done," she reflected, hinting at her deep connection to the characters and story.
Fans and new audiences alike are eagerly awaiting the film’s full release and the emotional revelations it promises. The culmination of richly layered narratives, breathtaking visuals, and powerful performances ensures "Wicked: The Soundtrack" not only pays homage to its Broadway roots but also paves the way for the continuation of Elphaba and Glinda's saga with the upcoming sequel, "Wicked: For Good," set to hit theaters on November 21, 2025. This tale of friendship, self-discovery, and acceptance resonates far beyond the confines of stage and screen, aiming to connect with audiences on multiple levels.