10 Cool 'Wicked' Movie Facts That Will Make You Love It Even More

The movie adaptation of the beloved Wicked musical has finally hit theatres, and it’s everything we dreamed of and more.

Behind the scenes, the production team pulled off some incredible feats to make the magic happen. From planting actual tulip fields to building jaw-dropping sets, the dedication and creativity behind this film deserve their own spotlight. So, let’s dive into some of the most mind-blowing facts about Wicked—you might just find yourself falling even more in love with this story.

1. 9 Million Tulips, Zero CGI

   Photo from Universal Pictures

   The production team planted and grew 9 million tulips to create Munchkinland’s iconic landscape. Since Munchkins collect colours from the fields in the story, the filmmakers wanted real flowers instead of relying on CGI.

2. The Battle for Fiyero

   Photo from Getty Images, Universal Pictures

   Nick and Joe Jonas both auditioned for Fiyero, but ultimately the role wen to Jonathan Bailey. Nick felt great about his audition and said he’d always dreamed of playing Fiyero. He even shared his excitement for Jonathan, calling him the perfect choice.

3. And Glinda

   Photo from Getty Images

   Ariana Grande scored the role of Glinda after auditioning alongside stars like Reneé Rapp, Dove Cameron, and Amanda Seyfried.

4. Green Glam Takes Time

   Photo from Universal Pictures

   Photo from Universal Pictures

   Photo from John Shearer/Getty Images

   
   Cynthia Erivo’s green transformation required approximately four hours of work every day. On days with less skin showing, like when she wore gloves, the team managed to cut the process down to two hours and 45 minutes. She also wore prosthetic ears during the movie since her real ears are covered in piercings. Instead of removing them all, she used special covers to keep them hidden.

5. Real Sets, Real Magic

   Photo from Universal Pictures

   Photo from Universal Pictures

   Photo from Universal Pictures

   Photo from Universal Pictures

   The filmmakers built practical sets instead of using CGI to create the immersive world of Oz. They hand-painted the Emerald City’s floors and laid every brick on the Yellow Brick Road.

6. The Movie Set is Also a Recording Studio

   Photo from Universal Pictures

   Photo from Universal Pictures

   Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande refused to lip-sync. They insisted on singing live to capture the raw emotion and stay true to the spirit of Broadway performers who do it eight times a week.

7. The Emerald City Express Train, is a Real Train

   Photo from Universal Pictures

   Photo from Universal Pictures

   Photo from Universal Pictures

   The 16-ton green train that carries Elphaba and Glinda to the Emerald City is 100% real. Moving it to the set took two full days of work.

8. Stunts, Singing, and a Corset

   Photo from Universal Pictures

   Photo from Universal Pictures

   Photo from Universal Pictures

   Cynthia Erivo did her own stunts, including flying through the air in a corset and harness while singing. She adapted her breathing technique to handle the physical demands without missing a note.

9. Jonathan Bailey’s Favourite Horse

   Photo from Universal Pictures, Netflix

   Jonathan Bailey’s horse in Wicked is the same one he rode in Netflix's Bridgerton. He loved working with the horse, named Jack, and requested him specifically for this film.

10. The Long Road to Oz

    Photo from Getty Images, Shutterstock

    After the Wicked book came out in 1995, Whoopi Goldberg tried to buy the film rights. Demi Moore won the bidding war but couldn’t get a script that worked. Universal later adapted the story into the Broadway musical we know and love. Wicked has crushed Broadway records since its 2003 debut. It’s the second-highest-grossing show of all time, raking in a mind-blowing $1.7 billion and counting.