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‘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.

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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.

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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.

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Artist Spotlight

Sahara CyberStars evokes a soul-stirring sonic charm with its new release, “Winds of Time”

Occasionally, a musical composition emerges with the soaring intensity of an impending storm, captivating attention, and provoking thought. “Winds of Time,” the latest single by Sahara CyberStars, epitomizes this phenomenon. Rooted deeply in the heart of classic rock balladry, this track from the Irish-Australian duo Trish and Dave Long presents a reflective exploration through chaos, resilience, and the inexorable wheel of time.

Originally penned during calmer periods, which they refer to as “more normal times,” the song feels eerily prophetic today. Its lyrical foundation is substantial, notably illustrated in lines such as “the power of greed came to plunder, pull our world asunder.” There’s no cryptic poetry here; Sahara CyberStars speaks plainly and impactfully, whispering universal truth within a melodically sophisticated framework.

Trish’s hauntingly ethereal vocal delivery juxtaposes beautifully with Dave’s intricate instrumentation, imbuing the track with organic warmth. Their sound harkens back to their roots in Dublin’s music scene while incorporating expansive cinematic narrative styles in Aussie landscapes. The interplay between their voices and instruments conveys an authenticity that feels both lived-in and emotionally profound.

But its intrinsic sense of hope distinctly elevates “Winds of Time.” Yes, it reflects on a fractured societal narrative and simultaneously seeks to illuminate pathways toward recovery and renewal. The chorus crescendos with a subtle optimism, reminding listeners that, despite turbulent conditions, the resilience of the human spirit remains undiminished. It asserts that while times may change and bring something brighter, the healing potential is inevitable.

Sahara CyberStars has effectively distilled a timeless essence within “Winds of Time” that resonates with contemporary rock ballad audiences. Amidst the chaos, “Winds of Time” stands out as a profoundly earnest sonic testament to our identity, the history of where we’ve been, and the vital importance of perseverance through adversity. It’s a perfect anthem for visionaries and those navigating the impossible-to-ignore whirlwind of shared experiences, searching for meaning through sincere expression.

For more information about Sahara CyberStars, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Sahara CyberStars’s “Winds of Time“ on Spotify.
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Mainstage

Shannon Sharpe Steps Away From ESPN Amid Explosive Lawsuit

Pro Football Hall of Famer and a popular personality on ESPN, Shannon Sharpe, has decided to step away from his job at the network temporarily. This decision comes after a $50 million lawsuit was filed against him this week by an anonymous woman who accuses him of sexual assault. Sharpe strongly denies these claims. Sharpe addressed the situation directly in a message on social media, making it clear that he believes the relationship in question was completely consensual. He emphasized that while the accusations are serious, he is not trying to avoid them but rather to confront them head-on.

In his message, he announced, “At this juncture, I am electing to step aside temporarily from my ESPN duties. I will be taking this time to focus on my family and to respond to these false allegations against me.” He reassured fans and colleagues that he plans to return to ESPN by the start of the upcoming NFL season, expressing gratitude for the support he has received. ESPN has expressed agreement with Sharpe’s decision to take a break, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation in a brief statement.

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Sharpe is known for his strong opinions and charismatic presence on shows like First Take, and his absence is sure to be felt by fans. Despite the controversy, many feel that this is not a permanent farewell but rather a difficult pause in his career. While the allegations hang over him, Sharpe’s determination to address the situation could pave the way for a comeback in the media world. The public’s acceptance of his return will likely depend on both the legal proceedings and how they perceive the situation, as public opinion can shift dramatically, often before any final decisions are made in court.

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