The 4 Biggest Surprise Cameos in 'Wicked'

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Wicked superfans are in for a big treat, as the first of the two-part movie adaptation has finally arrived in theaters.

While Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande dominated the screen with their excellent portrayals of Elphaba and Glinda, respectively some eagle-eyed fans may have caught onto some little surprises throughout the film's two-hour-and-41-minute run.

Fans of Wicked who have not yet seen the movie may wish to avoid the incoming spoilers below.

Wicked premiere 2024
Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Michelle Yeoh, Bowen Yang, Karis Musongole and Bronwyn James attend the "Wicked: Part One" European Premiere at The Royal Festival Hall on November... Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

When Elphaba and Glinda arrive to Oz's capitol, Emerald City, they are greeted and serenaded by a group of key figures.

Among these figures are Idina Menzel, who played Elphaba in the original Broadway production in 2003. Menzel is joined by Kristen Chenoweth, who played Glinda in the original Broadway production, as the two offer greetings and benedictions for Erivo and Grande's Elphaba and Glinda. Accompanied by a chorus of performers and creatures, Menzel and Chenoweth lend their vocals to fans in a performance of "One Short Day."

These two are perhaps the most noticeable of the cameos, but those who are mega Broadway fans may have caught onto two others.

During this number, Winnie Holzman, who wrote the book for the 2003 musical, as well as the screenplays for the 2024 and 2025 film adaptations, can be seen and heard saying "He can read it [the Grimmerie]! He must be a Wizard!"

Stephen Schwartz — who wrote the music and lyrics for the musical — can also be seen briefly from a tall watchtower as the Emerald City Guardian of the Gates. He announces to Elphaba and Glinda "the wizard will see them now."

Fans who didn't catch these cameos will have to look for them the next time around. And perhaps they'll be more familiar with the music in time for Christmas.

On Christmas Day, which falls on Wednesday, December 25 this year, several theaters nationwide will host singalong screenings of Wicked.

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