Wickeddirector Jon M. Chu and cinematographer Alice Brooks break down the filming of the “Dancing Through Life” sequence and the challenges associated with the spinning “tornado” set. Serving as an adaptation of the hit Broadway musical of the same name, which is itself based on the book by Gregory Maguire,Wickedhit theaters last month, starring Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elpheba. TheWizard of Ozprequelfeatures a handful of stunning musical sequences, including “Dancing Through Life,” which serves as Fiyero’s (Jonathan Bailey) major number.
In a recent installment ofVanity Fair’s “Notes on a Scene” series, Chu and Brooks walk viewers throughWicked’s “Dancing Through Life” sequence, revealing the behind-the-scenes process of filming it. The set itself presented major challenges, asthe entire thing was built practically, and it really did spin:
“We had to convince a lot of people that it was worth spending this money on a set that spun […] and that it wouldn’t be dangerous. Because the weird thing about this one is these things are locked in, so if you get caught in between your head could get chopped off. So try having that conversation with the insurance company.
In addition to the practical elements of filming on a spinning set,there was also a great deal of thought put into its thematic connections to the largerWickedstory and its characters, with Chu explaining that the idea of gravity was important to the sequence. “We wanted to sort of physicalize [gravity] in this,” Chu explains, “that Fiyero was sort of playing with that idea just not in a magical power way.” Check out the full video breaking down the sequence below:
What Wicked’s Practicality Meant For The Movie
The Wizard Of Oz Prequel Has Been A Major Success
ThoughWickedrelies heavily on CGI and VFX throughout, the focus on practicality is significant. In addition to the spinning set for “Dancing Through Life,“the film also planted 9 million real tulips for a sequence early on in the movie. In addition, much of Shiz University was built practically, as was the large Wizard of Oz puppet featured closer to theWickedending. Other elements, however, such as certain backgrounds and, obviously, the flying monkeys and Peter Dinklage’s Dr. Dillamond, were accomplished digitally.
Every Song In Wicked, Ranked
The Wicked movie brought all the songs from the Broadway musical’s first act to the screen, and though each is great, they weren’t created equal.
This focus on practicality is likely part of why the film carries an estimated budget of about $150 million. The investment, however, has evidently paid off.Wickedreviewshave been glowing,and the film currently enjoys an 89% critics score and 96% audience scoreonRotten Tomatoes. What’s more, the film has been a box office smash success, and it has, as of writing, grossed $373 million worldwide, showing no signs of slowing down.
Our Take On Wicked’s Dancing Through Life Sequence
The Sequence Was A Strong Character Introduction
“Dancing Through Life” may not be the best or most notable song and dance number fromWicked– that honor would probably go to “Defying Gravity” – but it is certainly a lot of fun and a dynamic mid-movie experience. The sequence doesn’t really raise the stakes, butit’s catchy and energetic, and it captures what is often special about experiencing stage musicals.
Wickedstands as the fourth longest-running show in Broadway history.
What’s more,it also serves as a great introduction for Fiyero, establishing his personality, and, crucially, how it differs from Elphaba’s. This sets him up for an important role inWicked Part 2, which hits theaters in November 2025. With Chu and Brooks also working together on the sequel, audiences can surely expect more of what they loved aboutWicked.
Wicked
Cast
Wicked adapts the Broadway musical into a two-part film, following the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, born with green skin, and Glinda, a popular aristocrat, in the Land of Oz. As they navigate their contrasting paths, they evolve into Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
