Wicked's Emerald Train Arrives in Paris for the Olympics

Ahead of the highly anticipated 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, the upcoming "Wicked" film has unveiled a thrilling collaboration with NBC Olympics, the official broadcaster of the Games. The whimsical emerald train featured prominently in the "Wicked" trailer is now a real-life spectacle, cruising down tracks right in front of the Eiffel Tower, adding a touch of Oz magic to the Parisian landscape.

The arrival of the train, weighing a staggering 16 tons and taking two days to transport due to its size, was announced on social media on July 25th, just a day before the Opening Ceremony. “First stop on the way to Emerald City: the Paris Olympics!” reads the caption on a video showcasing the city's new, extraordinary mode of transport.

Coincidentally, Ariana Grande, who plays the role of Glinda the Good Witch in the film, is also in Paris promoting her R.E.M. Beauty line at Sephora's Champs-Élysées location. The pop star took the opportunity to pose for photos with fans and admire her brand's in-store display. Grande even shared a video of the "Wicked" train barreling through Paris on her Instagram story, simply writing "Bonjour."

Grande isn't the only star gracing Paris in anticipation of the Olympics. Lady Gaga, her "Rain on Me" collaborator, and Celine Dion have also made their way to the host city. Fans are buzzing with excitement, speculating about a surprise performance by the two iconic artists during the opening ceremony. While representatives for Gaga, Dion, and the Olympics have yet to confirm these rumors, the possibility of a star-studded spectacle is certainly enticing.

The arrival of the "Wicked" train and the presence of these A-list celebrities in Paris mark the beginning of an exciting period. The Olympics are just a prelude to the highly anticipated premiere of the "Wicked" film, slated to hit theaters on December 20th, 2024. Starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, alongside a stellar cast including Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, and Ethan Slater, the film promises to be a visually stunning and musically enchanting experience. The arrival of the "Wicked" train in Paris is a perfect example of how the film is seamlessly weaving itself into the fabric of pop culture, generating immense buzz and anticipation ahead of its release.