The vibrant heart of London’s South Bank has been magically transformed into the dazzling Emerald City for the much-anticipated European premiere of *Wicked*, the cinematic adaptation of the beloved stage musical. This iconic film delves deep into the backstory of the Wicked Witch of the West from the timeless classic *The Wizard of Oz*.

The premiere was a star-studded affair, with the likes of Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, and Jeff Goldblum braving the rainy skies to celebrate this monumental occasion. Much like the whimsical Barbie press tour last year, the cast embraced the *Wicked* theme with their outfit choices, sporting colors that mirror their characters' essence.

Both Grande and Erivo expressed their excitement about being part of this cinematic journey. Cynthia Erivo, embodying Elphaba, stated she felt “finally back home” in London. Co-star Ariana Grande, who takes on the role of Glinda, shared that Erivo’s guidance significantly helped her nail her British accent during filming.

The film not only showcases a powerful narrative but also highlights the significant resurgence of stories centered around witches, with both actresses reminding us how essential sisterhood and community are in today’s world. The narrative intricately unfolds the complex friendship between the two witches during their time at Shiz University.

Interestingly, Michelle Yeoh, who plays the formidable Madame Morrible, revealed she had never watched the musical before her casting. Initially apprehensive about the singing aspect, she later immersed herself in the spectacle and quickly understood its widespread allure. “I met one man who had seen it 12 times and he said he loved it even more every time,” Yeoh recounted, illustrating the deep emotional impact of this story across generations.

Jeff Goldblum, portraying the Wizard, shared a charming anecdote about his children falling in love with the London stage show just before the film premiered. Their enthusiasm added an extra layer of joy to the event as they eagerly awaited to see their dad on the big screen.

The film is not just about scattered melodies and magical spells; it tackles vital contemporary issues of acceptance, tolerance, and the treatment of animals—topics that resonate deeply in today's society. With a runtime of two and a half hours, this movie marks only the beginning, with the second installment set to grace theaters in November next year.

Fans of the musical and the classic *Oz* saga can hardly contain their excitement, as the friendly rivalry between Elphaba and Glinda promises to captivate audiences anew. If the premiere is anything to go by, *Wicked* is set to enchant viewers with its powerful storytelling for years to come! Don't miss out on this soaring spectacle!