'Wicked' gets new release date, to open in PH cinemas on Nov. 20

"Wicked" is opening in theaters earlier than we thought!

The first part of Universal's film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical was supposed to open in American theaters on Nov. 27, the same day as Disney's animated musical film "Moana 2."  

In a recent development, however, "Wicked" will now be opening in American theaters five days ahead on Nov. 22, steering clear of a head-to-head with the Disney movie, according to reports by Variety and Deadline.

The release of "Wicked" will coincide with the debut of Paramount and Ridley Scott's historical epic, "Gladiator II."

"Wicked" was also slated to open in Philippine cinemas on Nov. 27, but will now open a week earlier on Nov. 20, announced Universal Pictures Philippines via social media, Tuesday.

"Good news! This year's most highly-anticipated film, #WickedMoviePH is now coming to cinemas Nov. 20," Universal Pictures PH said.

"Wicked" stars Ariana Grande as Glinda, Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, and Jeff Goldbum as the Wizard.

In a behind-the-scenes video first seen in the Philippines on GMA Integrated News, Ariana recalled that she had felt an immediate bond with the original Broadway cast when she saw the musical at just 10 years old, so much so that she burst into tears when director Jon Chu got her onboard the film adaptation.

In an exclusive interview with GMA News Online in May, Jon Chu also shared that he had seen the "Wicked" musical before it made its Broadway debut.

He added that he "100% didn't think" he'd get the opportunity to make a film adaptation of "Wicked" until in recent years, when Mark Platt of Universal finally gave him the opportunity after over 10 years of pitching the idea.

The Broadway musical "Wicked" has been a beloved longstanding production for two decades before it was adapted into film by Jon Chu.

The musical was itself adapted from Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel "Wicked," which is a prequel to L. Frank Baum's 1900 novel "The Wizard of Oz" and its namesake film adaptation in 1939 starring Judy Garland.

— CDC, GMA Integrated News