Contemporary off its Oscar triumph and a mesmerizing efficiency by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, Depraved, formally titled Depraved: Half I, is gearing up for a blinding debut in Japan this Friday. With a formidable 54 IMAX theaters locked in for the discharge, Japanese audiences will expertise the grandeur of the movie’s beautiful costumes and lavish manufacturing design in full glory.
Directed by Jon M. Chu and written by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox, Depraved adapts the primary act of the Tony-winning 2003 Broadway musical by Stephen Schwartz and Holzman. The story, a reimagining of Gregory Maguire’s 1995 e-book, explores the untold historical past of Elphaba Thropp (Cynthia Erivo), the long run Depraved Witch of the West, and her uncanny friendship with Galinda Upland (Ariana Grande), who later turns into Glinda the Good. Set within the mystical Land of Ouncesbefore the arrival of Dorothy, the movie provides a contemporary perspective on the legendary story first popularized by 1939’s The Wizard of Oz.
The movie boasts a stellar supporting solid, together with Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Marissa Bode, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum. Initially introduced in 2012 by Common Footage and producer Marc Platt, the difference confronted a number of delays earlier than lastly making its option to the large display. Chu was introduced on board as director in 2021, and filming commenced in England in December 2022 earlier than quickly halting the following 12 months because of the SAG-AFTRA strike. Manufacturing wrapped in January 2024, and Depraved made its international premiere on November 22, 2024.
The movie shortly grew to become a popular culture phenomenon, incomes 10 Academy Award nominations, together with Finest Image. It in the end took house Oscars for Finest Costume Design and Finest Manufacturing Design. With a worldwide field workplace gross of USD 729 million in opposition to a USD 150 million price range, Depraved has grow to be the highest-grossing musical adaptation so far.
As pleasure builds for its Japanese launch, Common Studios Japan is celebrating with particular occasions and unique advertising and marketing. With its breathtaking visuals, highly effective performances, and hovering musical numbers, Depraved is poised to solid a spell on Japanese audiences. The extremely anticipated sequel, Depraved: For Good, is slated to hit theaters on November 21, 2025.
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