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The highly anticipated film adaptation of “Wicked,” originating from the beloved stage musical and inspired by Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel derived from the timeless tale of “The Wizard of Oz,” has been a project long in development. Maguire’s narrative delves into the life of Elphaba, also known as The Wicked Witch of the West, providing a rich backstory to the iconic character. With the movie finally on the horizon, speculation abounds regarding its cast, including whether Bowen Yang will be featured.
Aside from Yang’s involvement, the star-studded ensemble includes Cynthia Erivo portraying Elphaba Thropp, Ariana Grande as Glinda Upland, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard of Oz, and Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero Tigelaar, among others.
Originally slated for a 2019 release, the film faced delays, notably to accommodate another Broadway adaptation, “Cats.” Then, a planned December 2021 premiere was halted due to the pandemic, causing further setbacks.
Bowen Yang, recognized for his contributions to the comedy landscape as a cast member of “Saturday Night Live,” has carved a unique path to fame. As the first Chinese-American and Australian-American to join the SNL ensemble, Yang’s talent has earned him a Primetime Emmy nomination. His appearances extend beyond SNL, including roles in “Girls5Eva,” “The Other Two,” “Ziwe,” and “Awkwafina is Nora from Queens.”
Yang’s journey to success has been marked by personal challenges, including grappling with his sexual orientation amidst familial pressures. Forced into conversion therapy as a teenager after his father discovered his sexuality, Yang reflects on the experience with a sense of resilience and understanding.
In “Wicked,” Yang takes on the role of Pfannee, a fellow student at Shiz University alongside Elphaba and Glinda. Pfannee, hailing from Munchkinland, plays a minor yet significant role in the narrative, characterized by her skepticism towards Elphaba’s unusual appearance and a prank she orchestrates involving mistaken identity.
Details regarding Yang’s portrayal of Pfannee in the film remain scarce, leaving audiences eager for insights as the release date draws nearer. Despite the uncertainties, Yang’s involvement in “Wicked” promises to elevate his burgeoning career to new heights, hinting at a bright future ahead.