The extremely anticipated musical fantasy movie ‘Depraved’ has made its debut in Nigerian cinemas, incomes a formidable N17.1 million in its opening weekend.
This marks a robust begin for the variation of the enduring Broadway musical, which has already captivated world audiences.
On the worldwide stage, Depraved has grossed $178.7 million worldwide, a promising efficiency in opposition to its $150 million manufacturing finances.
Directed by Jon M. Chu and produced by Common Photos alongside Marc Platt Productions, the movie is the primary installment of a two-part adaptation of the beloved stage musical. Its sequel, Depraved: Half Two, is scheduled for launch on November 21, 2025.
Titled onscreen as Depraved: Half I, the 2024 movie is predicated on the Tony Award-winning musical by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman. The story attracts inspiration from Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel and L. Frank Baum’s The Fantastic Wizard of Oz.
Set within the magical Land of Ozbefore Dorothy’s arrival, the movie follows Elphaba Thropp, performed by Cynthia Erivo(Cynthia Onyedinmanasu Chinasaokwu Erivo), as she embarks on a journey that transforms her into the Depraved Witch of the West. It additionally chronicles her unlikely friendship with Galinda Upland, portrayed by Ariana Grande, who later turns into Glinda the Good.
The forged boasts an array of expertise, together with Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, and Peter Dinklage in supporting roles. Erivo and Grande, each celebrated performers in their very own proper, have been broadly praised for his or her portrayals of the enduring characters, with their on-screen chemistry drawing vital acclaim.
Nonetheless, discussions surrounding the movie’s success have been partially overshadowed by rumors of pay disparity between its lead actresses, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
Observers speculated that Grande’s pop icon standing may need led to a considerably increased paycheck. Nonetheless, Common’s response has quelled a lot of the hypothesis, although the studio didn’t disclose the precise quantities paid to the forged.
Behind the scenes, the manufacturing confronted delays as a result of COVID-19 pandemic, however the casting of Grande and Erivo in 2021 introduced renewed vitality to the mission. Regardless of preliminary rumors of pay disparity between the 2 leads, Common Photos has formally debunked the claims, stating that each stars have been compensated equally.
With its debut in Nigerian cinemas, Depraved reinforces the nation’s enthusiasm for world blockbusters, including to the rising attraction of musical fantasy movies within the native market.
