Who’s Who in the Magical World of Wicked

The Wicked movie adaptation hasn’t just been a fan favorite, it’s been an awards-season darling too! With 10 Oscar nominations, it’s tied with The Brutalist and sits just behind Emilia Pérez, which leads the pack with 13 nods. The Academy has recognized Wicked in categories like Best Actress for Cynthia Erivo, Best Supporting Actress for Ariana Grande, and technical achievements including Costume Design, Production Design, and Visual Effects. Not to mention the soundtrack, which has been nominated for Best Original Score.

It doesn’t stop there! At the Critics Choice Awards, Wicked is also a top contender, with an impressive 11 nominations, tying with Conclave. It’s up for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay, along with acting honors for both Erivo and Grande. The Critics Choice Awards, happening on February 7, are another chance for the movie to shine—and judging by the buzz, Wicked is a favorite to walk away with several wins.

Beyond the accolades, the movie’s box office success, raking in over $700 million worldwide and setting digital release records, has established it as a monumental achievement in Hollywood. It’s now the top-grossing Broadway-to-film adaptation ever, raising the bar for musical films. With praise pouring in and critics raving about its breathtaking visuals and heartfelt performances, Wicked is a magical powerhouse this awards season. And now, with the awards season buzz hitting its peak, let’s dive into the amazing cast that’s bringing this enchanting story to life.

Ariana Grande as Galinda (aka Glinda the Good Witch)

Before she became Glinda the Good, she was Galinda Upland, a bubbly, self-absorbed student at Shiz University who ends up forming an unlikely friendship with Elphaba. Ariana Grande is stepping into this iconic role, showcasing her Broadway roots and powerhouse vocals. Though she’s a pop superstar with countless hits and TV appearances (Victorious, Sam & Cat, Don’t Look Up), this marks her first lead role in a major movie.

Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West)

Elphaba isn’t just a misunderstood villain, she’s a rebel with a cause. Before the world knew her as the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba was an outcast student with big dreams and even bigger challenges. Cynthia Erivo takes on this iconic role, known for her stunning voice and emotionally charged performances. Erivo is no stranger to awards, having won a Tony and Grammy for her role in The Color Purple and earning Oscar and Emmy nods for Harriet and Genius: Aretha.

Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible

Fresh off her Oscar win for ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’, Michelle Yeoh brings her commanding presence to the role of Madame Morrible, the headmistress of Shiz University. As a key player in Oz’s political schemes, Madame Morrible has a complex and manipulative role in shaping Elphaba’s and Galinda’s fates. Yeoh, known for her roles in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Crazy Rich Asians, and Star Trek: Discovery, is no stranger to powerful characters.

Jeff Goldblum as The Wizard of Oz

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is a larger-than-life character with a hidden past that intertwines with Elphaba’s story. Who better to take on the role than Jeff Goldblum? Known for his quirky charm and unforgettable roles in Jurassic Park and Independence Day, Goldblum brings a unique energy to Oz’s manipulative leader. Fans are eager to see how he balances the Wizard’s humorous façade with his darker, more deceitful side.

Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero Tigelaar

Jonathan Bailey plays Fiyero, the carefree prince who catches Elphaba’s eye and becomes part of her story in unexpected ways. Bailey, known for his breakout role as Anthony Bridgerton in Netflix’s Bridgerton, is a natural fit for the dashing and complex Fiyero.

Peter Dinklage as Doctor Dillamond

Peter Dinklage gives voice to Doctor Dillamond, a goat and history professor at Shiz University, and one of the story’s most compelling characters. Dillamond grapples with discrimination as an animal in Oz, and his experiences strike a chord with Elphaba. Dinklage, widely recognized for his Emmy-winning role as Tyrion Lannister in Game of Thrones, is well-versed in tackling intricate and thought-provoking roles.

Ethan Slater as Boq Woodman

Ethan Slater, recognized for his Tony-nominated portrayal in The SpongeBob Musical, takes on the character of Boq, a Munchkin with a crush on Galinda. Boq’s unreturned affection and his eventual transformation into the Tin Man make him an essential part of Wicked’s heartfelt narrative.

Bowen Yang portrays Pfannee

Famous for his hilarious work on Saturday Night Live, Bowen Yang steps into the role of Pfannee, one of Galinda’s friends at Shiz University. While Pfannee might be part of Galinda’s circle, Yang’s comedic timing is sure to make this supporting character unforgettable. With roles in Fire Island and his popular podcast Las Culturistas, Yang continues to show he’s a versatile talent.

Marissa Bode as Nessarose Thropp

Making her big-screen debut, Marissa Bode steps into the role of Nessarose, Elphaba’s younger sister. Bound to a wheelchair, Nessarose’s story is wrapped in both sibling love and rivalry, adding depth to Elphaba’s journey. Bode, who is disabled in real life, is making history as the first wheelchair user to portray Nessarose, providing authenticity and representation to this poignant role.