Universal Pictures teases new Wicked For Good trailer with character looks

In a recent Facebook post, Universal Pictures reveals the character looks in Act 2 of the Wicked movie, Wicked: For Good. 

See these visuals below which can also be their character posters:

  

Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba), Jonathan Bailey (Fiero), Ariana Grande (Glinda)

 

Michelle Yeoh (Madame Morrible), Jeff Goldblum (Wizard)

 

Ethan Slater (Boq), Marissa Bode (Nessa Rose)

A new trailer drops tomorrow. Wicked: For Good opens in theaters, November 21, 2025.

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DECEMBER 2024 MOVIES

Don’t miss these movies, opening in cinemas in December!

#GladiatorII
December 4 - Gladiator II (Paramount Pictures)
Cast: Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Lior Raz, Derek Jacobi, with
Connie Nielsen and Denzel Washington
Directed by: Ridley Scott

From legendary director Ridley Scott, “Gladiator II” continues the epic saga of power, intrigue, and vengeance set in Ancient Rome. Years after witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius (Paul Mescal) is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist. With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glory of Rome to its people.

#KravenTheHunter
December 11 - Kraven the Hunter (Columbia Pictures)
Cast: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ariana DeBose, Fred Hechinger, Alessandro Nivola, Christopher
Abbott and Russell Crowe
Directed by: J.C. Chandor

“Kraven the Hunter” is the visceral, action-packed origin story of how and why one of Marvel's most iconic villains came to be. Aaron Taylor-Johnson plays Kraven, a man whose complex relationship with his ruthless father, Nikolai Kravinoff (Russell Crowe), starts him down a path of vengeance with brutal consequences, motivating him to become not only the greatest hunter in the world, but also one of its most feared.

#LOTR
December 11 - The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Stars: Brian Cox, Gaia Wise, Luke Pasqualino, Miranda Otto
Directed by: Kenji Kamiyama

Set 183 years before the events chronicled in the original trilogy of films, “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” tells the fate of the House of Helm Hammerhand, the legendary King of Rohan. A sudden attack by Wulf, a clever and ruthless Dunlending lord seeking vengeance for the death of his father, forces Helm and his people to make a daring last stand in the ancient stronghold of the Hornburg – a mighty fortress that will later come to be known as Helm’s Deep. Finding herself in an increasingly desperate situation, Héra, the daughter of Helm, must summon the will to lead the resistance against a deadly enemy intent on their total destruction.

#thechosenholynight
December 11 - Christmas with the Chosen: Holy Night (SM exclusive)

Stars: Joshua Aaron, Sara Anne, Rom Barkhordar, Andrea Bocelli, Matteo Bocelli
Directed by: Dallas Jenkins, Jacob Schwarz, Aaron Edson

“Christmas with The Chosen: Holy Night” is the retelling of the birth of Jesus, as seen through the eyes of Mary and Joseph, that beautifully weaves the stories of The Messengers and The Shepherd into an all-new remastered feature in time for the holiday season. It features a live video message from “The Chosen” creator and director Dallas Jenkins, encouraging reflection on the deeper meaning of Christmas, along with captivating performances from renowned artists, including the legendary Andrea Bocelli and his son Matteo. Other musical performances include The Feast Worship, adding a uniquely Filipino touch to the celebration.

*Schedules are subject to change without prior notice.*

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Wicked (Part 1) Review: A Magical and Emotional Return to Oz

Years after taking Broadway by storm, Wicked finally makes its long-awaited debut on the big screen. With Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, this cinematic adaptation of the beloved musical is set to captivate both die-hard fans and newcomers alike. The global success of the stage production has set high expectations, and the film delivers, adding a fresh layer of magic for those eager to explore the backstory of The Wizard of Oz.

"Defying Gravity" Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba

From the very first scene, Wicked transports audiences back to the vibrant land of Oz. The world-building is visually stunning, with Munchkinland, Shiz University, and the Emerald City brought to life in exquisite detail. The film's production design is nothing short of magical, with sweeping landscapes and intricate set pieces that immerse us in a world both familiar and entirely new.

The performances are at the heart of this adaptation. Ariana Grande impresses with her powerful, operatic vocals, especially in her early scenes as Glinda. Her portrayal of the popular, bubbly witch is endearing and, at times, surprisingly grounded. Cynthia Erivo, however, is the true standout. She brings a depth and emotional richness to Elphaba, capturing the character's vulnerability, defiance, and ultimately, her iconic "wickedness." Erivo’s performance, both vocally and emotionally, gives Elphaba the justice she deserves, turning her into a character that we can’t help but love, even as she’s misunderstood.

The visuals of Oz are breathtaking, and the film’s direction ensures that every scene feels like a spectacle. I found myself particularly moved during Elphaba’s solo dance at the Ozdust Ballroom—a hauntingly beautiful moment that symbolizes her inner turmoil and longing for acceptance. The sequence, set to the haunting “Defying Gravity,” is a powerful reminder of why this story resonates so deeply with audiences. It’s a moment of liberation and defiance, both poignant and exhilarating.

"Popular" Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo

The film also pays homage to the 1939 Wizard of Oz movie with several subtle easter eggs and references. Keep an eye out for the iconic ruby slippers and some familiar nods to the original, giving longtime fans a delightful sense of continuity. There are also moments that echo the stage musical, ensuring that Wicked enthusiasts will feel right at home while still experiencing something fresh and exciting.

A standout part of the ensemble cast includes Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, who brings charm and complexity to his role, while Michelle Yeoh’s Madame Morrible is as imposing and mysterious as ever. Jeff Goldblum adds a quirky spin to the Wizard, while Marissa Bode, Ethan Slater, and Peter Dinklage round out the talented cast with strong supporting performances.

Directed by Jon Chu (Crazy Rich Asians), Wicked Part 1 is an epic, visually stunning, and emotionally resonant film that makes a powerful case for why this story has endured for decades. The film strikes a delicate balance between spectacle and heart, making it a must-see event for fans of the musical, The Wizard of Oz, and anyone who loves a good story of friendship, defiance, and self-discovery.

Opening today in theaters, Wicked Part 1 is best experienced on the biggest screen possible, preferably IMAX, where its grandeur can truly be appreciated. Don’t miss this magical journey to Oz—it’s one you won’t forget.

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Ber movies to remem-BER

The -ber months have officially started. Check out these movies coming this September.

September 4 - Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (Warner Bros. Pictures)

Cast: Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, Jenna Ortega, Justin Theroux, Monica Bellucci, Willem Dafoe
Directed by: Tim Burton

In “Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice,” three generations of the Deetz family return home to Winter River after an unexpected family tragedy. Still haunted by Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton), Lydia’s (Winona Ryder) life is turned upside down when her rebellious teenage daughter, Astrid (Jenna Ortega), discovers the mysterious model of the town in the attic and the portal to the Afterlife is accidentally opened. With trouble brewing in both realms, it’s only a matter of time until someone says Beetlejuice’s name three times and the mischievous demon returns to unleash his very own brand of mayhem.

September 11 - Speak No Evil (Universal Pictures)
Cast: James McAvoy, Mackenzie Davis, and Scoot McNairy
Directed by: James Watkins

When an American family is invited by a charming British family they befriended on vacation to a weekend in their idyllic country estate, a dream holiday is planned. Soon it warps into a psychological nightmare as not everything is what it seems. An intense suspense thriller from Blumhouse, “Speak No Evil” stars James McAvoy, Mackenzie Davis, and Scoot McNairy.

September 18 - Transformers One (Paramount Pictures)
Voice cast: Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson, Keegan-Michael Key, Steve Buscemi, with Laurence Fishburne, Jon Hamm
Directed by: Josh Cooley

“Transformers One” is the untold origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron, better known as sworn enemies, but once were friends bonded like brothers who changed the fate of Cybertron forever. In the first-ever fully CG-animated Transformers movie, Transformers One features a star-studded voice cast, including Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson, Keegan-Michael Key, Steve Buscemi, with Laurence Fishburne, and Jon Hamm.

September 18 - Taklee Genesis: Worlds Collide (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Cast: Paula Taylor, Peter Corp Dyrendal, Wanarat Ratsameerat, Nuttacha Jessica Padovan
Directed by: Chookiat Sakveerakul

During the Vietnam War, the US Armed Forces built a large Radio Research Field Station (RRFS) at Ramasun Camp. It’s believed to be a test site for the warp-speed teleporter by the name of “Taklee Genesis.” Stella (Paula Taylor), a single mom experiencing a twist of fate, receives a call from her childhood friend Ith (Peter Corp Dyrendal) asking her to return to her hometown to care for her critically ill mother Duangphon (Jenjira Widner). Stella left Ban Don Hai when she was a child after testifying that her father had mysteriously disappeared in a forbidden forest, to no one’s belief. Now back in her hometown 30 years later, Stella receives a call from her missing father asking her to bring him back.

*Schedules are subject to change without prior notice.*

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James McAvoy is terrifying in "Speak No Evil"

James McAvoy

A British family welcomes an American family to their idyllic farmhouse for the weekend, but the dream vacation soon turns into a nightmare in Speak No Evil. Playing the role of the charismatic, alpha-male host and head of the family Paddy is BAFTA award-winner James McAvoy (known for his role as the young Charles Xavier in the X-Men universe), who was immediately intrigued when director James Watkins pitched him the role. “Blumhouse has done so many kinds of movies, but they’re mostly known for the horror genre, and they’re exceptionally good at it,” says McAvoy. “But reading the script, what kept me going after page three was the fact that these characters felt like real people and that it was based on things that we can recognize in the real world.” Watch the trailer below:

Director James Watkins thought only of James McAvoy when looking for who to play the complex role of Paddy. “Paddy must charm us even while being on the edge of horrifying us, and James knows how to walk that line,” Watkins says. “I watched him in the film Filth and was mesmerized: his character is horrible, but James somehow takes us with him. A lesser actor would have lost us. As well as a movie star, James is a brilliant stage actor. Exploring Paddy, he not only mines his own experience but taps into a deep well of classical resources: Iago, Richard III, Mephistopheles. I don’t think anyone else in the world could have played Paddy as well as James. His understanding of psychological and emotional space—of mapping tiny shifts on an emotional gradient—is second to none. He was the first and only actor I approached.”

The character’s layers and deep-rooted darkness cloaked over by masculinity and charisma was a fascination for McAvoy. “Paddy holds to an older, traditionalist expression of manhood,” says McAvoy. “James Watkins and I really leaned into that aspect of him as we fleshed out who Paddy is and what he means to the story and to the culture, giving him some mythic heft with timely resonance. Here’s this man’s man, beholden to some ancient idea of masculinity, living in the countryside, living off the land, or so you think. It all seems so wholesome and earthy. And yet this is ancient England that we’re talking about, and there’s darkness in the land; there’s a history of violence and bloodshed and horrible things in that dirt, and so there’s evil in that earthy masculinity that he’s romanticizing and selling.”

Paddy’s strong personality made him a fun character for McAvoy to embody, but he was also aware of the importance of nuance in playing a man with a powerful personality. “Paddy is incredibly entertaining and he’s always performing,” McAvoy says. “But you have to be careful playing a character like that, because then it can become a showy turn, and while that could be very effective for an audience, it doesn’t necessarily have a lot of truth to it. We were always working to ground the character in real history, motivation and desire, and to earn the revelations of his true nature. As much as Paddy is this likably mercurial, counter-cultural figure, there’s real darkness in him, and it’s always there for the audience to see.”

A tense, hair-raising thriller awaits as Speak No Evil arrives in Philippine cinemas on September 11, from Universal Pictures International.

Follow Universal Pictures PH (FB), UniversalPicturesPH (IG) and UniversalPicsPH (TikTok) for the latest updates on “Speak No Evil.”

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TWISTERS movie review

I can still remember a scene wherein we are able to see inside the eye of a tornado in the 1996 version of Twisters. In this remake from the same producers, Warner Bros. Pictures, Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment, our characters are braver to get into it and apparently were able to find a solution to "tame" nature's wrath.

In Twisters, it advances the technology of forecasting a tornado and tracking its course which somehow our characters would be able to prevent its destruction and help in the survival of the communities it may hit.

The difference between the 1996 and this versions, is that they injected a love factor between Kate (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Tyler (Glen Powell) while they are pursuing their passion with science. And what's more scary if a tornado hits at night? If I remember correctly, the 1996 version sends you in the experiences of the characters and it's very original at that time. That would make it a hit especially when played in a 4D theater house.

Daisy Edgar Jones and Glen Powell's on screen chemistry was at least not cringey and lines were not cheesy. Anthony Ramos at least got his character arc which I also thought if he was ever going to be in a love triangle with Kate and Tyler. But are conversations in Kate's old lab and scientific explanations accurate? Hope someone can explain to me in the comments.

Twisters is now playing in theaters.

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DESPICABLE ME 4 movie review

Recently got invited to the VIP screening of Despicable Me 4 and I was very excited to see the minions again and Gru's (Steve Carell) recent adventure. This time, juggling his way into fatherhood with his family and the most adorable baby, his junior.

The film starts with a school reunion — the Lycée Pas Bon School of Villainy Class of '85 — where Gru (Steve Carell) encounters an old rival, Maxime le Mal (Will Ferrell), a French-accented insect-obsessed villain. An old time beef escalated that threatened Gru and his family's safety which AVL came into rescue.

While meeting new neighbors is a major adjustment with Gru and the girls while taking his cover from Maxime, a handful of minions are getting a major upgrade in AVL. There's a new line up of super minions that for sure you'll add to your collection. Aligned with Marvel superpowers, these minions are up to save Gru and his family. DM4 presents Gru in a more vulnerable guy than an unruly villain. 

Aside from Maxine, Gru has established another villain with no other than their school principal which is a total delight for us viewers. A sinister grandma is maybe what we needed for a more comic relief than with the minions entertaining us with their usual antics.

Despicable Me 4 is also a grand reunion of Gru's nemeses which you will find at the end of the movie. A fun closing to the installment. It's also a great treat to the fans to see them all in one screen enjoying their life in jail. Despicable Me 4 puts family as a major support in your background and Gru shows that he is another person on the inside and willing to sacrifice for the safety of his family.

Despicable Me 4 is now showing in theaters.

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Wicked Movie comes in two parts

After the exciting announcement of the cast in November, Jon M. Chu, director of Crazy Rich Asians and In The Heights,  is proud to announce that the highly-acclaimed musical movie adaptation will be divided in to two parts, to give justice to elements that might be in danger to be omitted in the full length movie.

Here's the official statement from Jon M. Chu:

SPECIAL WICKED UPDATE / Thank you for all the support these past several months in anticipation of the WICKED movie. We have so many exciting things to share but for now I'm giving you one... or two, rather.

Here's what happened as we prepared this production over the last year, it became increasingly clear that it would be impossible to wrestle the story of WICKED into a single film without doing some real damage to it. As we tried to cut songs or trim characters, those decisions began to feel like fatal compromises to the source material that has entertained us all for so many years. So we decided to give ourselves a bigger canvas and make not just one WICKED movie but TWO!!!! With more space, we can tell the story of WICKED as it was meant to be told whole bringing even more depth and surprise to the journeys of these beloved characters.

Cynthia, Ariana, and I -- and all of the cast and crew -- pledge to create nothing less than an experience that honors its foundation for all the fans who've waited for this movie, and to offer a thrilling, fantastical world full of dynamic characters that invites in those who are unfamiliar.

So get ready, because WICKED is finally coming to you on successive Christmas holidays beginning December 2024. Until then, I will be keeping you up to date throughout rehearsals, the shoot, and even editing. Here. We. Go. #WickedMovies

Jon M. Chu

Wicked Movie initially cast Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba (Wicked Witch of the West) and Ariana Grande as Glinda / Galinda. With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman. It is based on the 1995 Gregory Maguire novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, based on the characters and setting of the classic 1900 novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum and the 1939 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film The Wizard of Oz. The first movie is scheduled for release on Christmas 2024 under Universal Pictures.

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Super Mario movie from Nintendo and Illumination coming in 2022

Universal Pictures released a teaser for an upcoming Super Mario-themed movie on 2022. The yet untitled movie, in partnership with Nintendo and Illumination, reveals cast in their Instagram account.

Chris Pratt as Mario

Anya Taylor-Joy as Peach
Charlie Day as Luigi
Jack Black as Bowser
Keegan-Michael Key as Toad
Seth Rogen as Donkey Kong
Fred Armisen as Cranky Kong
Kevin Michael Richardson as Kamek
Sebastian Maniscalco as Spike
Surprise cameos from Charles Martinet

I'm looking forward to this. :)

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Ben Platt stars in heartbreaking Dear Evan Hansen movie

Universal Pictures releases the trailer of the film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical, Dear Evan Hansen. Ben Platt (Pitch Perfect) reprises his role that made him a Broadway star.

The musical was a Tony and Grammy Award-winning production about the coming of age of Evan Hansen, a highschool senior with Social Anxiety Disorder and his journey of self-discovery and acceptance following the suicide of a fellow classmate.

Ben Platt is joined by Amy Adams, Julianne Moore, Kaitlyn Dever, Danny Pino, Colton Ryan, Amanda Stenberg, Nik Dodani and more.

Nik Dodani and Ben Platt

Amy Adams and Danny Pino

Ben Platt and Julianne Moore

Directed by Stephen Chbosky and written for film by Steven Levenson based on the musical by Benj Pasek. Watch the trailer below.

 

Dear Evan Hansen opens in theaters September 24, 2021 under Universal Pictures.

*screenshots from Dear Evan Hansen trailer. From Universal Pictures

 

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PACIFIC RIM UPRISING movie review

From 2015's blockbuster Pacific Rim, comes a sequel that I am not sure that we really needed it or not.

But for new viewers like me that wasn't able to catch the first movie, I'd say that Pacific Rim Uprising is beginning to be a Michael Bay Transformers franchise in the making. With the high CGI visuals less Michael Bay explosives that Pacific Rim has, in fairness to the latter is that the story picks up from the former movie. A good refresher for everyone who are eager to watch Jaeger robots battling Kaijus. Also the "uprising" was only made by a single person. How can they make Charlie Day into an antagonist?

I am not a fan of epic speeches but I think Scott Eastwood has the most natural acting in the whole movie. Maybe that's why I didn't watch the first part either. For John Boyega and Cailee Spaeny, the partnership may have worked better. I just don't get the connection.

You might be wondering if there will still be Filipino pride inside the movie. Well, Manila has a good airtime long enough to be noticed.

If you really like Pacific Rim and would not agree to this review, you can watch Pacific Rim Uprising starting on March 31.

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MOVIE REVIEW - Victoria & Abdul

When we hear a lot of good things about the Victorian era, we have been told about how great the United Kingdom under Queen Victoria's reign. The advancement of science and industries occur during that time. But until the discovery of a diary that linked Her Majesty to the controversial relationship with an Indian servant Abdul Karim, we learn that behind all the successes of the era, the persona of Queen Victoria is sad. It is even more sad that we learn about how this was erased in history to serve the successor.

Judi Dench and Al Faizal star as Victoria & Abdul, the world's most unlikely friendship between a monarch and a servant whom the Queen found favor during her reign. The imagery is clear for a humble servant to experience prejudice and discrimination by the own members of the Queen's household when he just opened up his culture to the person who rules it.

Judi Dench reprising the role of England's Queen is still as regal in her portrayal in Shakespeare in Love. Could we have proper accounts about Abdul Karim played by Ali Fazal, we could have a better or more realistic portrayal of the Munshi. He acted childish in front of the Queen that justifies breaking the royal protocols. But as we knew about the story, he brought joy back to Her Majesty's face.

We can sense that the next monarch in Victoria & Abdul lead a dark time to their empires but that is in another discussion for history. I love to follow monarch stories on Netflix and they really interest and fascinate me. Are you watching The Royals documentaries and The Crown? By the way, The Crown is releasing Season 2 on November, if I'm not mistaken.

Victoria & Abdul is now showing in Ayala Malls Cinemas, Trinoma, Glorietta 4 and Alabang Town Center.

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Pitches are back! One last time.

Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson and the Barden Bellas graduated after the World Championships and face the world as employees in different paths they took. But as the world has been very harsh on them, the Bellas reunite and finds music in the USO tour with some questionable decisions, one last time.

Universal continues the exciting story of the Barden Bellas in Pitch Perfect 3. We suggest to grab your earphones or turn up the volume and see the trailer below:

Pitch Perfect 3 stars Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Hailee Steinfeld, Brittany Snow, Anna Camp, Alexis Knapp, Hana Mae Lee, Ester Dean, Chrissie Fit, Kelley Jakle, Shelley Regner, John Lithgow, John Michael Higgins, and Elizabeth Banks.

Opening in Philippine cinemas in 2018, Pitch Perfect 3 is distributed in the Philippines by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

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