Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is joining forces with the Pasadena Tournament of Roses® to bring the enchanting world of WICKED to life at the 136th Rose Parade®. The dazzling float, aptly named “Defying Gravity,” celebrates the in-home release of the highly anticipated WICKED, which will be available exclusively on Digital platforms to purchase or rent beginning December 31, 2024.
This masterpiece, designed in collaboration with Phoenix Decorating Company, pays tribute to the iconic friendship of Elphaba and Glinda from the magical land of Oz. The float showcases larger-than-life representations of the two beloved characters on either side of the shimmering Emerald City. Among its features are a motion-activated Elphaba, Glinda’s sparkling bubbles, and intricate floral artistry, promising to captivate audiences worldwide.
A Stunning Floral Creation
The “Defying Gravity” float is a floral spectacle measuring 24 feet high, 18 feet wide, and 55 feet long. An estimated 76,748 flowers were used to craft this visual masterpiece, making it a true celebration of artistry and storytelling.
Highlights include:
- Elphaba:
- Hat and cape fashioned from black seaweed and fine ground onion seed.
- Hair and nails created using black onion powder, curly seaweed, and fine ground parsley.
- Dress composed of black seaweed, onion seed, and light grey lettuce seed.
- Broom handle crafted from coffee grounds, walnut shell, coco stix, and sisal rope.
- Glinda:
- Crown and wand adorned with white fine-cut everlasting and pink strawflower.
- Dress made of pink carnations with intricately detailed bodice and skirt accents.
- Emerald City:
- Constructed from white button mums, Kermit mums, gold flax seed, mung beans, and green split peas.
- Accented with green parsley flakes and brown coffee.
- Yellow Brick Road and Tulip Fields:
- Yellow Brick Road crafted with fine cut yellow strawflower.
- Tulip fields feature vibrant red, hot pink, lavender, and orange tulips, complemented by walnut shell paths.
- Cherry Blossom Trees and Grimmerie Books:
- Cherry blossoms made from pink dendrobs with coffee-colored trunks.
- Grimmerie books styled with redwood bark, sparkling everlasting, and cream paper bark pages.
A Celebration of Friendship and Self-Discovery
Expertly directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jon M. Chu, WICKED tells the untold story of the witches of Oz, starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda. The float’s design encapsulates the themes of friendship, self-discovery, and courage that define the film, offering a visual journey to the fantastical world of Oz.
Also Check Out: What to Watch This Weekend – Wicked
Parade Details
The “Defying Gravity” float will make its debut at the 136th Rose Parade® presented by Honda on:
- Date: Wednesday, January 1, 2025
- Time: 8 am – 10 am PT
- Location: Pasadena, California
Fans can watch the parade live on NBC and YouTube at 8 am PT / 11 am ET.
Celebrate the magic of WICKED this New Year’s Day with Universal Pictures Home Entertainment and the Pasadena Tournament of Roses. Don’t miss the chance to experience a float that truly defies gravity!
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