*Wicked* has achieved a remarkable $263 million at the box office within eight days, surpassing *Gladiator II* to become the highest-grossing film adaptation of a Broadway musical in North America. Starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, the film explores the backstory of characters leading to *The Wizard of Oz*. The French adaptation, premiering December 4, emphasizes seamless dubbing and authentic performances, with separate voice actors for dialogue and singing, promising a captivating experience for audiences.
Wicked Takes the Box Office by Storm
Breaking records, *Wicked* has displaced Danny and Sandy from their long-held position, achieving an impressive $263 million in just eight days. This remarkable success outshines *Gladiator II*, which premiered on the same day in the United States, making *Wicked* the highest-grossing film adaptation of a Broadway musical in North America. The film’s enchanting tale unfolds much like a tornado that whisked Dorothy to the vibrant land of Oz in *The Wizard of Oz*.
A Magical Journey Before the Red Shoes
Starring the talented Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, *Wicked* explores the events leading up to the arrival of the iconic heroine from the classic film. While the stage version has captivated audiences in New York since 2003, the film adaptation will finally be available in French, premiering on December 4. This approach ensures that even the youngest viewers can effortlessly follow the storyline, which is interwoven with captivating songs.
Myriam Peyre, the technical director of Universal Pictures France, emphasizes the complexity of dubbing such a production. “The challenge of capturing Cynthia Erivo’s portrayal of Elphaba required a team of experts,” she explains. The adaptation aims for a seamless experience, ensuring that audiences feel as though the film was originally filmed in French, without losing the essence of the dialogues or the performances.
The adaptation process for *Wicked* commenced in January, nearly a year prior to its release. Peyre recalls attending a meeting in London where snippets of the film were showcased. “Seeing the song ‘The Wizard and I,’ or ‘Le Magicien et moi,’ left me wondering how we would tackle it,” she laughs, highlighting the technical challenges involved.
Broadway musicals typically feature performers who excel in both acting and singing, which posed a unique challenge for the French version. To ensure authenticity, the decision was made to cast two different voices for each lead character—one for spoken dialogue and another for singing. “We had to be careful not to simply imitate Ariana Grande but instead find the right essence for Glinda,” says Peyre.
The journey to find Glinda’s voice involved auditioning numerous talented individuals until they found someone who could embody the character’s charm and snobbery. The team meticulously sought a singer capable of hitting the high, operatic notes that Glinda delivers at the film’s start. “We aimed for a flawless performance that felt natural to the audience,” Peyre adds.
Similarly, the search for Elphaba’s voice was extensive. They sought someone who could convey strength and fragility while possessing a powerful vocal range. While the identities of the chosen performers remain confidential, it is known that Elphaba’s singing voice frequently travels between the United States and Paris.
Once the casting was complete, the adaptation work continued alongside the film’s final edits. Peyre remembers refining the lyrics and melodies, ensuring that the French version resonated with audiences. “Gone are the days of direct translations; we needed the words to flow naturally in French,” she notes, emphasizing the importance of rhythm in the language.
For the iconic song “Defying Gravity,” or “Défier la gravité,” the recording process took two full days, preceded by extensive rehearsals. The collaborative effort involved more than fifty individuals, from lip-sync experts to sound technicians, all dedicated to creating a flawless French adaptation of *Wicked*.
Initial reactions from Hollywood to this exquisite French version have been overwhelmingly positive, with the mixing team expressing their admiration for the final product. “Our goal is for French audiences to be so enchanted that they want to experience the film again,” Peyre shares. The success of the adaptation could lead to a future where songs from *Wicked* become popular in France.
As the anticipation builds for the release of the second part in November 2025, the French teams at Universal Pictures are focused on reveling in the audience’s response to this magical cinematic experience, perfectly timed for the holiday season.
Catch *Wicked* (2h40) in theaters starting December 4!