‘Wicked’ Behind-the-Scenes Special to Air on NBC Ahead of Movie Premiere

NBC will air a behind-the-scenes special about “Wicked” on Nov. 19 at 10 p.m., just ahead of the film’s Nov. 22 theatrical release date.

Titled “Defying Gravity: The Curtain Rises on Wicked,” the special features Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang and Marissa Bode, who all star in “Wicked,” as they “share personal memories, intimate video diaries and revealing secrets about their personal journeys through the making of the Universal Pictures film.”

The special was filmed on the set of “Wicked” and will also include a scene from the film that has not yet been scene. Throughout the one-hour telecast, NBC and Peacock will air “‘Wicked’ inspired content” from brand sponsors Lexus and Target during commercial breaks.

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“Defying Gravity: The Curtain Rises on Wicked” is produced by Monkey, which is part of Universal International Studios. Rob Bagshaw and Andy Charles Smith serve as executive producers for Monkey, while NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution is handling international sales.

“Wicked,” directed by Jon M. Chu, is based on the first act of the musical of the same name set in the Land of Oz. Grande and Erivo star as Elphaba and Galinda, respectively, who are assigned to be roommates at Shiz University. Taking place largely before the events of “The Wizard of Oz,” the film follows the beginning of their unlikely friendship, which later transforms, with the pair becoming known as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.

Universal will release “Wicked Part Two,” based on the musical’s second act, in 2025.