Emerald City is set to welcome a host of A-list actors for the upcoming Wicked movie, including Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba. The film, which will be directed by Jon M. Chu, will feature talented actresses in the lead roles.

Two Wicked Movies

Erivo wrote to Grande, expressing her congratulations and stating that the role was made for her. She also expressed excitement at the prospect of sharing a musical journey with Grande and pointed out that pink looks good with green, referencing a famous line from the musical. In response, Grande wrote back, saying that she was honored and couldn’t wait to hug Erivo, adding that she would see her in Oz.

Grande and Erivo Will Play the Witches

Due to the complexity of the story of Wicked, it was determined that it would be necessary to split the adaptation into two films. Filming for the first movie began in December, and both movies are scheduled for Christmas releases in 2024 and 2025. In order to preserve the integrity of the source material, the decision was made to divide the story into two films rather than attempting to fit everything into one and potentially sacrificing important elements. As the creative team worked to condense the story, they found that cutting songs or trimming characters felt like unacceptable compromises to the beloved story that has captivated audiences for so long.

The cast for the upcoming production of Wicked includes Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, Ethan Slater as Boq, Jeff Goldblum as The Wizard, Marissa Bode as Elphaba’s sister Nessarose, and Bowen Yang, Bronwyn James, Keala Settle, Aaron Teoh, and Colin Michael Carmichael in unspecified roles. Yeoh will portray the headmistress-turned-Wizard’s press secretary, Slater will play the lovestruck munchkin, and Goldblum will take on the role of The Wizard. Recently, it was revealed that Bode would join the cast as Nessarose, and the other actors were also announced as part of the cast.

The Movie Will Resemble the Musical

The movie is expected to follow the same plot as the Broadway musical, which tells the origin story of the two young witches, Glinda and Elphaba, who meet at school and eventually become the Good Witch of the North and the Wicked Witch of the West. The story follows the witches through a series of events that shape their relationships and ultimate destinies.

Grande has been a vocal fan of Wicked for years, even releasing a cover of “The Wizard and I” in 2018 that has gained widespread popularity. She has frequently expressed her love for the show, and in 2019, when asked about the possibility of a Wicked movie, she stated that she would do anything to be a part of it but didn’t want to talk about it because she was afraid of getting emotional. The singer also revealed that she often listens to the musical when she is feeling anxious or nervous about something.

Matcha tea is a Japanese green tea traditionally drank unsweetened and hot. However, many modern innovations from cold brew to delicious matcha lattes lead to the popularization of this beverage in many parts of the world. This green tea variant is available in different price ranges, grades, and flavors. In addition to being delicious, it’s also one of the healthiest beverages in the world.

The Main Benefits of Drinking Matcha

Matcha is a great source of good caffeine, making it a valid energy booster. It’s very rich in antioxidants that help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. Because of the high levels of an amino acid called L-theanine, this beverage has a soothing effect without also making a person sleepy. It’s an excellent way to remain alert without the risk of having jitters or experiencing a crash like with coffee or sugary beverages. While most teas are made by steeping tea leaves in hot water, this tea specifically is made by grinding up the green tea leaves so people can enjoy all the benefits the plant offers.

The Popularization of This Tea

Popular chains and small private coffee shops took advantage of the rising popularity of matcha tea. It can be found as a cold brew, lattes, teas, and is sometimes used in baking to create innovative desserts. Paru Tea Bar in San Diego is one of the modern coffee shops that offer a wonderful selection of products and drinks inspired by the diverse cultural background and love of tea shared by the owners Amy Truong and Lani Gobaleza.

Making a Quality Matcha Beverage

The trick to making an excellent beverage at home, is it’s important to buy ceremonial-grade tea instead of culinary-grade whenever possible. The ceremonial variety is made of younger leaves and offers subtler flavors. Sift the powder to remove clumps. Lastly, use hot but not boiling water. Many shops will be happy to offer a demonstration, which can be more helpful than online tutorials.