The Wicked Movie Already Has Me So Excited For 1 Character’s Journey

I am so excited for one character’s journey in the Wicked movie after seeing the latest teaser. I have been a longtime musical theater fan, so seeing the original Wicked musical was and is one of my favorite memories. The characters in the production especially struck me, as their journeys were enriched both by the great story and heart-pounding songs. That being said, when I saw the new update for the Wicked movie, I became even more excited to see how the film would reexamine these stories.

Wicked‘s cast of characters go through years of change in only two acts in the original musical, with the onstage venue speeding many aspects of those changes along. My hope is that with the slightly less constrictive format of a film, some of the character arcs that I felt did not get to bloom organically could finally get their due. One particular example of this is Fiyero, which is why the newest teaser featuring him makes me so excited to see how the Wicked movie reframes his arc.

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The Newest Wicked Movie Teaser Highlights Fiyero

Fiyero’s Flirty And Laid-Back Nature Are Highlighted In A New Teaser

The newest teaser for the Wicked movie highlighted Jonathan Bailey’s Fiyero, showcasing his laid-back nature and his characterization for the first film. The teaser showcases the arrival of Fiyero, who immediately has both the school and Galinda (Ariana Grande) in the palm of his hand. Though he does not say any of his iconic quotes from Wicked in the movie teaser, Bailey’s rendition seems faithful to the onstage version as he mentions his goal of “corrupting my fellow students”. His faithful characterization continues as he butts heads with Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) who tries to see beyond the flirty facade.

This Teaser Has Me So Excited For Fiyero’s Arc In The Wicked Movies

We May Get To See His Transformation In More Detail In The Wicked Movies

I am so excited for the Wicked movies after this teaser as it seems like they will be going more in-depth with Fiyero’s arc. Fiyero’s journey in the musical was always fascinating to me, especially as his journey is ironic in that his finally choosing to care about something cost him his humanity, forcing him to live as a scarecrow. The ending of the teaser, with Fiyero and Elphaba talking in the woods, seems to suggest that the film will look more deeply at his transformation from selfish to caring, allowing the Wicked movie to improve the original musical.

The conversation in the woods seems to mirror one had in the musical between these two after Elphaba frees the Cowardly Lion. However, as the film has more time, their romance could be explored more in-depth, sharpening their connection and Elphaba’s impact on Fiyero. As a result, his shift can be given the time it deserves, making his transformation more gradual versus a sharp shift between acts. It would also allow the Wicked movies to make Fiyero’s fate all the more tragic, as we get to see more of his love for Elphaba and how that love ultimately costs him.

Wicked

Based on the famous play that stemmed from The Wizard of Oz, Wicked is a fantasy musical that sees an all-new cast take on the modern tale. The film explores the origins of the Wicked Witch of the West, a woman scorned by society due to her green skin, with even the Wizard of Oz framing her for a crime she didn’t commit. 

Director

Jon M. Chu

Release Date

November 27, 2024

Distributor(s)

Universal Pictures

Writers

Winnie Holzman , Stephen Schwartz