- Automaker unveils custom TV spot featuring the 2024 Lexus TX to kick-off brand partnership
- Universal Pictures’ Wicked arrives in theaters November 22, 2024
PLANO, Texas (Oct. 21, 2024) – “Wicked” fans, get ready to “Experience OZmazing.”
Universal Pictures’ spectacular new cinematic event, “Wicked,” based on the beloved Broadway musical phenomenon about the untold story of the witches of Oz, soars into theaters this holiday season, and Lexus is along for the ride. Today, Lexus partners with Universal’s “Wicked,” debuting a 360-degree marketing campaign with a co-branded, 30-second custom spot featuring the 2024 Lexus TX.
The custom TV spot – featuring award-winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda – stars the Lexus TX alongside thrilling scenes from the film. The action is set to the movie’s iconic song, “Defying Gravity,” as it’s played on the vehicle’s Lexus Interface. The spot closes with the “Wicked”-inspired Lexus tagline, “Experience OZmazing.”
“As a proud partner of Universal’s ‘Wicked,’ Lexus is helping drive audiences to experience the film’s powerful and transformative magic this holiday season,” said Cynthia Tenhouse, vice president, Lexus marketing. “Offering three-row luxury, innovative technology, and plenty of cargo space for extra broomsticks, the Lexus TX is the perfect vehicle for travelers, wherever the road may take them.”
The custom spot headlines a 360-degree marketing campaign – set to appear in a wide range of media – including dealer point-of-sale marketing, co-branded social content and sponsorship of the film premiere. The 30-second spot will air on Hulu, YouTube and Linear throughout the promotional window, running Oct. 21 through Dec. 6, 2024.
“Wicked,” directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jon M. Chu, and co-starring Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, Marissa Bode, Ethan Slater and pop culture icon Jeff Goldblum, arrives in theaters on Fri., Nov. 22, 2024.
For more information on the Lexus TX, visit www.lexus.com/tx and the Lexus Newsroom.
About Universal Pictures’ “Wicked”
One of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, “Wicked” makes its journey to the big screen as a spectacular, generation-defining cinematic event this holiday season.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jon M. Chu (“Crazy Rich Asians,” “In the Heights”), “Wicked” is the first chapter of a two-part immersive, cultural celebration. “Wicked Part Two” is scheduled to arrive in theaters on November 21, 2025.
“Wicked,” the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning and Oscar®-nominated powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (“Harriet,” Broadway’s “The Color Purple”) as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
The film also stars Oscar® winner Michelle Yeoh as Shiz University’s regal headmistress Madame Morrible; Olivier Award winner and Emmy nominee Jonathan Bailey (“Bridgerton,” “Fellow Travelers”) as Fiyero, a roguish and carefree prince; Tony nominee Ethan Slater (Broadway’s “Spongebob Squarepants,” “Fosse/Verdon”) as Boq, an altruistic Munchkin student; Marissa Bode in her feature-film debut as Nessarose, Elphaba’s favored sister; and pop culture icon Jeff Goldblum as the legendary Wizard of Oz.
The cast of characters includes Pfannee and ShenShen, two conniving compatriots of Glinda played by Emmy nominee Bowen Yang (“Saturday Night Live”) and Bronwyn James (“Harlots”); a new character created for the film, Miss Coddle, played by Tony nominee Keala Settle (“The Greatest Showman”) and four-time Emmy winner Peter Dinklage (“Game of Thrones”) as the voice of Dr. Dillamond.
“Wicked” is produced by Marc Platt p.g.a. (“La La Land,” “The Little Mermaid”), whose films, television shows and stage productions have earned a combined 46 Oscar® nominations, 58 Emmy nominations and 36 Tony nominations, and by multiple Tony winner David Stone (“Kimberly Akimbo,” “Next to Normal”), with whom Platt produced the blockbuster “Wicked” stage musical. The executive producers are Stephen Schwartz, David Nicksay, Jared LeBoff, Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox.
“Wicked” is based on the musical stage play with music and lyrics by legendary Grammy and Oscar® winning composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz and book by Winnie Holzman, from the bestselling novel by Gregory Maguire. The screenplay is by Winnie Holzman and Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox. The film score is by John Powell & Stephen Schwartz, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz.
From a co-branded spot showcasing the 2024 Lexus TX to character-themed wrapped vehicles inspired by the iconic witches of Oz, Lexus has been one of the driving forces in Universal Pictures’ thrillifying marketing campaign for Wicked. The latest collaboration, a new featurette crafted by Team One, offers a behind-the-scenes look at director Jon M. Chu’s remarkable journey in bringing Wicked to life in movie theaters everywhere. Check out the video here for an inspiring perspective on the cultural and personal significance of major tentpole moments like this in the entertainment world.
