How to watch Wicked behind-the-scenes special for free in the UK or US
Defying Gravity: The Curtain Rises on Wicked is available to stream now.
Wicked is released in cinemas worldwide this Friday 22 November, and to get you in the mood there’s a behind-the-scenes special which you can stream for free.
Defying Gravity: The Curtain Rises on Wicked goes on set of the massive new movie, based on the smash hit musical.
Fans get to hear from the cast including Jonathan Bailey, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Cynthia Erivo in the special documentary. In the US, you can stream it on Peacock or watch it for free on NBC and in the UK, you can watch it via NOW TV and Sky Arts.
One of the most cherished and enduring stage musicals, Wicked, makes its grand debut on the big screen this holiday season as a breathtaking cinematic experience.
Helmed by acclaimed director Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights), Wicked unfolds as the first installment of a two-part immersive journey, celebrating culture and storytelling. The highly anticipated second chapter, Wicked Part Two, is set to hit theaters on November 21, 2025.
This reimagined tale of the witches of Oz stars Emmy, Grammy, and Tony-winning, Oscar®-nominated powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Broadway’s The Color Purple) as Elphaba, a young woman shunned for her green skin who is yet to realize her immense power. Opposite her is Grammy-winning, multi-platinum global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a privileged and charismatic young woman who must discover her true sense of compassion.
The story begins at Shiz University in the magical Land of Oz, where Elphaba and Glinda form an unexpected yet deep friendship. However, a pivotal meeting with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz sets their lives on diverging paths, ultimately leading them to their fated roles as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
The ensemble cast boasts Oscar® winner Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, the dignified headmistress of Shiz University; Olivier Award winner and Emmy nominee Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton, Fellow Travelers) as Fiyero, a charming and carefree prince; Tony nominee Ethan Slater (SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical, Fosse/Verdon) as Boq, a well-meaning Munchkin student; Marissa Bode in her feature film debut as Nessarose, Elphaba’s cherished sister; and beloved pop culture icon Jeff Goldblum as the legendary Wizard of Oz.
Additionally, the cast includes Bowen Yang (Saturday Night Live) and Bronwyn James (Harlots) as Glinda’s scheming allies Pfannee and ShenShen. Keala Settle (The Greatest Showman) brings to life a new character created for the film, Miss Coddle, while four-time Emmy winner Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones) lends his voice to Dr. Dillamond, completing the roster of vibrant characters.