Get ready to dive into the enchanting world of the new "Wicked" movie! With rumors swirling for over a decade, fans have been eagerly awaiting how the original Broadway stars, Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, would be incorporated. Now, the answers are here, and they are truly extraordinary.

Uncover the Secrets of "Wicked" on the Big Screen

Elphaba and Glinda's Journey in the Emerald City

In the late part of the movie, sorcery students Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) find themselves invited to the Emerald City. Midway through "One Short Day," they buy tickets to the stage show "Wizomania." This song is significantly expanded in the film version, as the Ozians perform a lavish number about the origins of the Grimmerie. According to ancient prophecy, only Elphaba can decipher the book's magic spells and save Oz. Menzel and Chenoweth gracefully deliver this information as the fabulous leading ladies of "Wizomania." Initially, there was a thought of having them as Elphaba or Glinda's mothers, but director Jon Chu had a brilliant idea. He had them come as the wise women of Oz, which added a whole new layer to the story. Midway through the song, Menzel works in Elphaba's famous "Defying Gravity" riff, and Chenoweth hits one of Glinda's iconic high notes. It's like one big Easter egg hunt for "Wicked" fans.

Other Beloved "Wicked" Stage Alums' Cameos

In addition to Menzel and Chenoweth, theater fans will be delighted to spot other beloved "Wicked" stage alumni. Kerry Ellis and Dianne Pilkington make appearances, adding to the nostalgia. Schwartz himself appears as an Emerald City guard, proclaiming, "The Wizard will see you now!" Holzman also pops in during a crowd scene with a giant wig, saying, "He must be a wizard!" It's a fun surprise for fans to see these familiar faces. Schwartz jokes about how recognizable he is despite his acting skills. Holzman shares that it was a "minor miracle" to get both Chenoweth and Menzel to the London set on the same day, as they were preparing for other Broadway productions. Watching the "Wicked" veterans dance and sing alongside the new generation of witches was an extremely emotional experience. "We cried through the whole night," Schwartz says. Ariana and Kristin are very close, having met backstage at "Wicked" when Grande was just 10. And seeing Idina and Cynthia together was very sentimental. It was a beautiful moment.