Importance Score: 25 / 100 🔵
Wicked Movie Sequel Promotes Universal’s CinemaCon Presentation in Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS – Anticipation surrounded the film adaptation of “Wicked” when Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, and director Jon M. Chu first previewed the project at CinemaCon in Las Vegas last April. The initial presentation sparked a sense of cautious optimism for the long-awaited movie. Returning to the same stage at this year’s CinemaCon convention on Wednesday to promote “Wicked: For Good,” the atmosphere shifted to one of triumph, celebrating the first film’s critical reception and commercial success.
Triumphant Return for “Wicked” Team
“This marks the third consecutive year ‘Wicked’ has concluded Universal’s CinemaCon presentation,” Chu noted. “Thankfully, it all worked out.”
“Wicked: For Good,” slated for theatrical release in November, concludes the cinematic rendition of the celebrated Broadway musical originating from “The Wizard of Oz.” Erivo embodies Elphaba Thropp, the green-skinned character who becomes the infamous Wicked Witch of the West, while Grande portrays Galinda, who evolves into Glinda the Good Witch.
“We’ve already prepared our tissues,” Grande playfully mentioned, alluding to their emotionally charged press tour, which frequently left one or both actresses in tears.
“I’m promising fewer waterworks this time,” Erivo added, preceding the debut of a brief montage showcasing scenes from the upcoming film.
The “Wicked” segment served as the finale to Universal Pictures’ impressive and theatrical showcase of its upcoming film slate.
CinemaCon: Hollywood Studios Showcase Future Films
The annual Hollywood awards season transitions into CinemaCon, a convention and trade show where studios and cinema operators convene to bolster enthusiasm and recognize achievements within the movie industry.
Universal effectively employed music to enhance their presentation, incorporating iconic and nostalgic tracks from both classic and contemporary films, including “Psycho,” “Jurassic Park,” and “Wicked.” A live orchestra amplified these familiar melodies as the studio presented its lineup of movies on the main stage at Caesars Palace.
Star Power for “Jurassic World: Rebirth”
Universal mobilized significant resources for “Jurassic World: Rebirth,” a major summer blockbuster set to premiere in July. Stars Mahershala Ali and Scarlett Johansson, accompanied by director Gareth Edwards, joined the presentation as the orchestra performed the series’ iconic theme music.
“Being part of a ‘Jurassic’ movie has been a lifelong aspiration. For the past 15 years, every time I heard about a new film in development, I contacted them expressing my interest,” Johansson revealed.
“How to Train Your Dragon” Live-Action Adaptation
The Universal presentation followed an earlier preview screening of “How to Train Your Dragon,” a live-action adaptation of the popular animated franchise. Starring Gerard Butler and Mason Thames, the film is scheduled for release in June.
Emmy Award-winning composer Rickey Minor, previously the bandleader for “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” directed the orchestra.
Horror Highlights from Blumhouse Productions
The presentation extended beyond live music, incorporating theatrical stunts. Producer Jason Blum, while promoting his numerous upcoming horror projects, appeared in costume as Freddy Fazbear, teasing “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2,” slated for a December theatrical release.
“M3GAN 2.0” and Surprise Performance
Adding to the Blumhouse Productions segment, 30 performers dressed as M3GAN, the AI character from the film “M3GAN,” danced to a rendition of “Oops!…I Did It Again.” “M3GAN 2.0” is scheduled to arrive in cinemas in June.