Prepare to defy gravity once more. In sync with the highly anticipated cinematic release of Wicked, the arrival of Wicked: The Soundtrack has come along for the ride. A reimagining of one of Broadway’s most beloved musicals, the soundtrack brings a fresh take to iconic songs while remaining true to the show’s heart. The soundtrack, penned by legendary composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz, reinvents classics like “Dancing Through Life” and “Defying Gravity.” Schwartz’s celebrated music is given new dimensions under the direction of Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In The Heights), who helms the film adaptation. Chu’s vision for Wicked unfolds as a two-part cinematic event, with the second chapter slated for release in November 2025.

Fans are in for power-packed performances from a stellar cast. Cynthia Erivo, an Emmy, Grammy, and Tony winner (and Oscar nominee), shines as Elphaba, the misunderstood witch with a green hue and a towering voice. Ariana Grande, a Grammy-winning pop icon, takes on Glinda, blending charisma and vocal prowess in tracks like “Popular” and “The Wizard And I.” Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, and Jeff Goldblum round out the star-studded lineup, with Yeoh lending her gravitas to Madame Morrible and Goldblum bringing his quirky charm to the role of the Wizard.

The film takes a deep dive into the untold backstory of Oz’s most famous witches. Set at Shiz University, it explores the unlikely friendship between Elphaba and Glinda, whose lives diverge after a fateful encounter with the Wizard. Themes of identity, ambition, and sacrifice resonate as their paths lead them to their destinies as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good. Backed by powerhouse producers Marc Platt (La La Land, The Little Mermaid) and David Stone (Next to Normal), the film boasts a screenplay by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox, based on Gregory Maguire’s bestselling novel and the original Broadway book by Holzman. With a celebrated cast, lush score, and Chu’s immersive direction, Wicked is poised to be the holiday season’s defining cultural moment.