Wicked movie introduces its ‘unsung hero’: the performer playing the broomstick

The Wicked movie has paid tribute to the unsung hero behind “Defying Gravity”.

A new video has been released, offering a special look behind the scenes of filming the first movie.

It features an actor we have learnt is named Charlie, wearing a greenscreen suit and acting as Elphaba’s iconic broomstick.

The video, posted on Instagram and available to watch below, is captioned: “Behind every broom is a true legend.”

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A post shared by Wicked: For Good (@wickedmovie)

Stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who play Elphaba and Glinda in the award-winning screen adaptation, appear to agree. Both shared director Jon M Chu‘s Instagram Story, which featured a photo of the performers hugging with the words “His name is Charlie. He played the broomstick. He is magic. Also… he couldn’t breathe that much.”

Erivo wrote her own words: “Charlie, my sweet gentle angel, thank you for helping me become magic.”

Grande added: “We love and appreciate you so, Charlie!!!!!”

The post has attracted an outpouring of love and appreciation from fans with comments including: “Not all heroes wear capes, some wear blue spandex,” “Found my Halloween costume,” and of course, “Holding space for him.”

We can’t wait to see what Charlie does in Wicked: For Good later this year! Want a handy guide to the upcoming second part? Look no further.