The NBC Special “Defying Gravity: The Curtain Rises on Wicked” Takes Fans Inside the Spectacular Land of Universal Pictures’ New Cinematic Event

In celebration of Universal Pictures’ new cinematic event, based on the generation-defining Broadway musical, international superstars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande lead an all-star cast in a spectacular journey through Oz for their new film, Wicked.

“Defying Gravity: The Curtain Rises on Wicked” will air Tuesday, November 19 @ 10PM on NBC, three days prior to the film’s worldwide release. Peacock will stream the special on November 20. Wicked arrives in theaters November 22.

Filmed on the movie’s stunning Emerald City set, stars Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, and Marissa Bode and will share personal memories, intimate video diaries and revealing secrets about their personal journeys through the making of the Universal Pictures film.

“Defying Gravity: The Curtain Rises on Wicked” will also debut the world premiere of a “thrillifying” scene from the motion picture that audiences can only see in this behind-the-scenes special.

With exclusive behind-the-scenes footage from the cast, unique details and stories from their time on set together, and never-before-seen footage, “Defying Gravity: The Curtain Rises on Wicked” will give fans unprecedented access to the must-see film of this holiday season.

In addition, throughout the special on NBC and Peacock, fans will be delighted with Wicked-inspired content during commercial time thanks to brand sponsors Lexus and Target.

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

ABOUT WICKED

One of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its journey to the big screen as a spectacular, generation-defining cinematic event this holiday season.

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights), Wicked is the first chapter of a two-part immersive, cultural celebration. Wicked Part Two is scheduled to arrive in theaters on November 21, 2025.

Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy®, Grammy® and Tony winning and Oscar®-nominated powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Broadway’s The Color Purple) as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart.

The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Glinda’s unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba’s determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

The film also stars Oscar® winner Michelle Yeoh as Shiz University’s regal headmistress Madame Morrible; Olivier Award winner and Emmy nominee Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton, Fellow Travelers) as Fiyero, a roguish and carefree prince; Tony nominee Ethan Slater (Broadway’s Spongebob Squarepants, Fosse/Verdon) as Boq, an altruistic Munchkin student; Marissa Bode in her feature-film debut as Nessarose, Elphaba’s favored sister; and pop culture icon Jeff Goldblum as the legendary Wizard of Oz.

The cast of characters includes Pfannee and ShenShen, two conniving compatriots of Glinda played by Emmy nominee Bowen Yang (Saturday Night Live) and Bronwyn James (Harlots); a new character created for the film, Miss Coddle, played by Tony nominee Keala Settle (The Greatest Showman) and four-time Emmy winner Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones) as the voice of Dr. Dillamond.

Wicked is produced by Marc Platt p.g.a. (La La Land, The Little Mermaid), whose films, television shows, and stage productions have earned a combined 46 Oscar® nominations, 58 Emmy nominations, and 36 Tony nominations, and by multiple Tony winner David Stone (Kimberly Akimbo, Next to Normal), with whom Platt produced the blockbuster Wicked stage musical. The executive producers are Stephen Schwartz, David Nicksay, Jared LeBoff, Winnie Holzman, and Dana Fox.

Wicked is based on the musical stage play with music and lyrics by legendary Grammy and Oscar® winning composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz and book by Winnie Holzman, from the bestselling novel by Gregory Maguire. The screenplay is by Winnie Holzman, Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox. The film score is by John Powell & Stephen Schwartz, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz.

The Broadway stage musical is produced by Marc Platt, Universal Pictures, the Araca Group, Jon B. Platt, and David Stone.