The Wicked movie trailer is finally here, and if you blinked, you probably missed a dozen magical details hidden within its dazzling frames. With Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, the trailer does more than tease a fantasy epic, it tells a layered story in under three minutes.
Let’s break down what you might have missed in this spellbinding glimpse into the Land of Oz.
The Visual Callback to The Wizard of Oz
One of the most subtle but powerful moments is the opening shot, a sweeping view of the Emerald City, which mirrors the exact angle used in the 1939 Wizard of Oz classic. This is more than fan service, it’s a visual link between generations.
The yellow brick road itself seems to shimmer with magic, hinting that it may play a deeper symbolic role in the film, not just as a path but as a metaphor for destiny.
Elphaba’s Transformation Isn’t What It Seems
Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba isn’t shown fully in her Wicked Witch form, at least not yet. But if you pause the trailer at 1:24, you’ll catch her shadow stretching across a wall in the shape of the infamous pointed hat. It’s subtle, haunting, and symbolic of how society projects its fears onto others.
This visual foreshadowing aligns with director Jon M. Chu’s comments in his Vanity Fair interview, where he says, “Elphaba doesn’t change; the world changes around her.”
The Music Is More Than Nostalgia
You might have noticed a slower, orchestral version of “Defying Gravity” underscoring the trailer. That wasn’t just a remix it was re-recorded with live strings and layered harmonies by both stars. This gives the film a more emotional, cinematic feel, compared to the high-energy stage version.
Also worth noting there’s a faint chime at the 0:42 mark that matches the melody used in Glinda’s entrance in the Broadway musical. It’s a nod to longtime fans who know the original soundtrack by heart.
Glinda and Elphaba: Mirrors or Opposites?
Visually, the trailer uses lighting and framing to mirror Glinda and Elphaba in nearly every scene. Their costumes evolve in contrast, Glinda’s becoming more restrained, while Elphaba’s grow bolder. It’s a subtle cue that their character arcs are not just intertwined but inversely reflective.
This storytelling-through-styling approach is something Chu also used in In the Heights, where colors evolved to mirror identity and transformation.
The Internet Is Obsessed with One Line
The final moment of the trailer features Glinda whispering,
“Are you who they say you are?”
A line that isn’t in the musical. Fans are speculating it’s a hint at a deeper plot or a setup for the sequel, Wicked: Part Two, due in 2026.
Film Twitter and TikTok are already dissecting this line, with theories ranging from “Elphaba is a secret royal” to “Glinda’s memory is being manipulated.” One viral post even claimed the line was a nod to The Matrix. (Probably not, but the internet does what it does.)
You May Like: The Wheel of Time Canceled: What Happened?
Final Thoughts: A New Oz for a New Generation
The Wicked movie trailer doesn’t just tease a fantasy film, it reveals a layered story about identity, perception, and power. With stunning visuals, emotional music, and a duo of powerhouse performances, it’s already making waves across fan communities.
Want to see what all the hype is about? Watch the official trailer on Universal Pictures’ YouTube.
And remember, every frame of this trailer feels like it’s hiding something deeper. So go ahead, rewatch it. You might just spot another Easter egg waiting to be uncovered.
