Wicked Movie: Jeff Goldblum's Emotional Trailer Viewing

Jeff Goldblum’s Heartfelt Reaction to the Wicked Movie Trailer

Before clinching the coveted role in Jon M. Chu’s big-screen reimagining of the hit musical, which stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, Goldblum saw the original Broadway production led by Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth. “I was a mess,” he recalls. “I didn’t know what it was. Somebody said, ‘Oh, there’s a hot ticket,’ and I went in. I had been such a fan for the movie [1939’s The Wizard of Oz]… I don’t know what it is about that primal thing—going home, or Judy Garland, or that whole movie—it just gets me.

Goldblum Shares his Journey with Wicked

Goldblum joined the Wicked films—part one debuts on November 22 this year, while part two hits theaters on November 26, 2025—after unknowingly meeting one of its leading ladies. As he tells VF, Goldblum met an 11-year-old Grande following a performance of his 2005 Broadway play, The Pillowman. “I was doing this thing at the Booth Theatre, and she saw productions with her mom,” says Goldblum. “Now, working with her, to play that part, she’s absolutely incredible,” he continues.

Cast and Goldblum's Unique Character

The film’s cast includes Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, Fellow Travelers star Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Tony nominee Ethan Slater as Boq, and newcomer Marissa Bode as Nessarose, alongside Emmy winner Peter Dinklage as Doctor Dillamond and Saturday Night Live star Bowen Yang as a fellow Ozian. Goldblum shares that his take on the Wizard is “a little different” from what audiences expect. “I’m kind of a [Nikola] Tesla character who’s invented the 20th century, in a way…”

Reflections on a Legendary Career

Goldblum also delves further back into his five-decade career, sharing experiences of his collaboration with Steven Spielberg on Jurassic Park and fond memories of his late costar in The Big Chill, William Hurt. Watch the full video above for additional insights.