Mainstage
‘Wicked: Part One’ Stuns CinemaCon with Exclusive Trailer Reveal
Hey Moviegoers, Universal Pictures stunned us WOW’d the world with a mind-boggling exclusive “Wicked: Part One” trailer at CinemaCon 2025, a modern film for movie and theater lovers alike. Its big-screen adaptation, featuring Renstar, Cynthia Erivo, and Ariana Grande, is one of the most Webby-obsessed, world-famous pieces of the Broadway smash you’ll have the treat to see off-Broadway released in 2025. The first “Wicked: Part One” trailer was released at CinemaCon, the biggest gathering of movie theater owners and insiders. It’s been exciting in the entertainment world. With its dazzling visuals, career-defining songs, and an all-star cast, the trailer teased a movie poised to take over the 2025 holiday box office.
Fans of Wicked and The Wizard of Oz have been anticipating the film version of the smash hit Broadway show that has delighted audiences for over 20 years. Wicked: Part One will be directed by Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights) and promises to bring the magical land of Oz to the big screen through advanced visual effects, awe-inspiring musical moments, and a new perspective on Elphaba and Glinda’s story. The trailer starts with a breathtaking shot of the Emerald City, with an ocean of glowing green lights, teasing the magical wonder it promises to bring. Fans were excited to see glimpses of Cynthia Erivo’s powerful performance as Elphaba, the misunderstood witch whose transformation from pariah to Wicked Witch of the West is the story’s beating heart. Ariana Grande dazzled as her Good Witch, Glinda, a bubbly but ambitious girl who becomes best friends with Elphaba, the misunderstood teenage outcast.
Check out this article: Why Do Some Artists Blow Up Overnight While Others Struggle for Years?
Universal Pictures spared no expense to make “Wicked: Part One” a visual and emotional tour de force. The CinemaCon footage offered quick glimpses of some of the musical’s most treasured songs, including Defying Gravity, which sent chills down attendees’ spines. Erivo’s powerhouse vocals during the climactic scene where Elphaba ascends into the sky sealed the movie as an instant watch for both fans of musical theater and casual moviegoers alike. Another standout from the trailer was Grande’s performance of Popular, which brought to life bright costumes, playful choreography, and trademark vocal flourishes that helped make Glinda feel both new and recognizable. The ensemble of “Wicked: Part One,” including Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, and Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard, is ready to deliver unforgettable performances.
The trailer, which debuted exclusively at CinemaCon this week, received rapturous applause and excited social media reactions from industry insiders and attendees able to score a sneak peek. Many touted the film as the next great blockbuster, likening its epicness to Les Misérables and The Greatest Showman, while others sang praises of Jon M. Chu’s visionary direction in bringing the land of Oz to the big screen. Fans took to X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram to share their responses, with some calling the trailer “spellbinding” and “everything we dreamed of.” Others lauded the film for maintaining the Broadway production’s faithful adaptation, thereby preserving the magic of Wicked on the big screen.
What lies ahead for ‘Wicked: Part One’?
With the initial entry scheduled for release in November 2025, Universal’s marketing push is likely to kick into high gear after the CinemaCon debut. The studio has teased more trailers, behind-the-scenes featurettes, and interactive fan events ahead of the movie’s release.
Moreover, splitting the film into two parts enables the full depth of Elphaba and Glinda’s journey to receive ample time to fill the screen. “Wicked: Part Two” is currently scheduled for a 2026 release. This two-part format opens up the possibility of a more expansive story, allowing viewers to get a much deeper experience than a singular, tragically told film would reach.
Check out this article: How to Get Your Music Featured on Spotify Playlists in 2025
The “Wicked: Part One” trailer screened at CinemaCon 2025 has laid the groundwork for what could be one of the most popular movie musicals of all time. The movie is a true nostalgic playground with exciting visuals and powerhouse performances that are sure to entice long-time fans as well as newcomers.
As the months continue to dwindle until “Wicked: Part One” hits the theaters, one thing is for sure: this film will take us on a magical ride, and we will all be defying gravity. “Wicked: Part One,” but stay tuned to Honk Magazine for exclusive updates, interviews, and a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film that you won’t find anywhere else.
Artist Spotlight
Owen Rivera turns summer romance into an irresistible experience with “LaiLuv”
Owen Rivera’s new single “LaiLuv” is one of those rare releases that makes you feel as if you are in a free-spirited evening, golden sunsets, open roads, and memories for a lifetime. This track has a tropical feel which delivers a refreshing anthem, designed for the soundtrack of summer.
“LaiLuv” is a simple but touching song with an inviting melody and polished production. It is fresh, lively, and textured with just enough heat to make each listen like returning home to a favorite space. Rivera’s vocals are sincere, and it sits easily in the arrangement and gives the narrative a real and accessible feel. The young love, warm nights, and long drives are brought to life with real emotion, painting vivid pictures that many will recognize in their own lives.
“LaiLuv” alone displays Rivera’s talent for combining accessible pop songwriting with rock textures that make for a song that feels timeless. Owen Rivera’s “LaiLuv” is a feel-good release that celebrates the beauty of fleeting moments and reminds us why some memories of summer never fade away, all wrapped up in a breezy vibe, catchy melody, and heartfelt storytelling.
Artist Spotlight
Benji Miller captures the weight of loving someone through depression on “Hey Darcey”
R&B artist Benji Miller has crafted a deeply empathetic, poignant track with “Hey Darcey,” a song about the emotional toll of watching the slow fade of someone you love. The track is the second single from his forthcoming debut EP, “Love Or Pain,” and offers a reflective look at an artist who isn’t afraid of having tough conversations with honesty and heart.
Built with warm, understated R&B production that lends the track an intimate sound where every melodic choice feels intentional. The production is free of dramatic arrangements, giving space to the emotion and putting the vocals into the spotlight. Benji Miller’s honest, understated performance has a quiet openness that gets to the uncertainty, helplessness, and hope that are at the heart of the story.
“Hey Darcey” is about those who support loved ones with depression and the confusion, concern, and emotional exhaustion that is often left unspoken. The reflective tone is an encouraging reminder that compassion, patience, and presence still matter, even when solutions seem impossible to find. “Hey Darcey” is a story for the ones who may be going through the same struggles, and reminds us that music can still be one of the most powerful ways to connect.
-
Artist Spotlight4 days agoDan Webb creates a captivating reflection on change with “Hungry Ghosts”
-
Artist Spotlight5 days agoWyn Calico create the need to support with his latest release “Support”
-
Artist Spotlight4 days agoJoseph Turner & The Dudes of Hazard confront lingering fear on “The Shadow Remains”
-
Artist Spotlight4 days agoFrench Inhaler explores desire and disconnection through “TV LOVE”
-
Album Review4 days agoR3b3l I explores self-discovery through sound on “A Different Frequency” album
-
Artist Spotlight4 days ago“Signalling Signatures” finds Mr Pigeons exploring dreams, truth, and hidden meanings
-
Artist Spotlight5 days agoT.Scales picks up speed with explosives on new release “Ooh Wee”
-
Artist Spotlight5 days agoKojo Kay Takes Us On A Colorful Ride With “OVERTURE TO SOMEWHERE”

