Did You Catch These Four Iconic Cameos in the Wicked Movie?
Warning: Spoilers ahead for Wicked.
The highly anticipated film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical Wicked has finally hit theaters, and it’s packed with dazzling performances, stunning visuals, and a touch of nostalgia for die-hard fans. Among the highlights? Four cameos from original creators and stars that will leave Broadway enthusiasts cheering.
Fans of the original Broadway production will be thrilled to see Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, who originated the roles of Elphaba and Glinda, appear in the film’s “One Short Day” sequence. This vibrant scene, set in the Emerald City, includes an expanded version of the musical-within-a-musical Wizomania, showcasing pro-Wizard propaganda with catchy tunes and dynamic choreography.
Menzel and Chenoweth portray actors in the Wizomania performance, with subtle nods to their iconic roles. Menzel’s character exudes the star power she brought to Elphaba, while Chenoweth’s character tries to steal the spotlight, in a humorous callback to their onstage chemistry. Though Menzel isn’t decked out in Elphaba’s signature green, she delivers a powerful battle cry reminiscent of “Defying Gravity.” Chenoweth even gets a playful moment, putting her hand over Ariana Grande’s (the film’s Glinda) mouth — a comic “what-if” for fans imagining two Glindas in the same room.
Winnie Holzman, who wrote the book for the Broadway Wicked and adapted the screenplay for the film alongside Dana Fox, also makes a brief appearance in the “One Short Day” scene. Holzman, known for her groundbreaking work on My So-Called Life, plays a resident of the Emerald City, adding another layer of authenticity to the cinematic experience.
Stephen Schwartz, the composer behind Wicked’s unforgettable score, makes a more prominent cameo in the same sequence. As the palace guard who announces, “The Wizard will see you now!” Schwartz delivers a memorable line while subtly paying tribute to his role in shaping the musical’s legacy. Schwartz, a multiple Academy Award winner, is also credited with writing two new songs for the film’s sequel, Wicked: Part Two.
The cameos from Menzel, Chenoweth, Holzman, and Schwartz are a fitting homage to the musical’s Broadway roots and a treat for long-time fans. With Wicked: Part Two on the horizon, director Jon M. Chu has hinted at more surprises in store. Could original cast members Norbert Leo Butz or Christopher Fitzgerald join the cinematic adaptation as witch hunters? Only time will tell.
For now, Wicked fans can revel in these nostalgic nods while enjoying the spectacle of a musical that continues to capture hearts on stage and screen.
