Comcast’s Xfinity Connects Wicked Stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo to the Magic of Oz

Comcast and Xfinity has released the new short film, 'Stay Connected to Your Dreams' to celebrate the November 22nd release of Universal Pictures’ spectacular new cinematic event, Wicked.

Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, based on the generation-defining blockbuster stage musical, stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. The spot follows their journeys from childhood to present day, where they take on the iconic roles of Elphaba and Glinda. Along the way, Wicked fans will be delighted by easter eggs, including props from the film and Broadway show, and will experience emotional, real-life moments featuring the two stars. The short film was unveiled today on Cynthia and Ariana’s social channels and can be viewed across television, social media and here. 

'Stay Connected to Your Dreams,' which is directed by Alice Brooks, Wicked’s acclaimed director of photography, taps into the power of connection, friendship and achieving your dreams. It begins with Ariana and Cynthia’s childhoods, and how Wicked fuelled their love for music and film. It then moves through their teen years and into adulthood where Grande shared the fateful tweet in 2011 that playing Glinda in Wicked would be her dream role. The short film concludes with the actual footage from the videoconferencing call back in 2021, where both women learned they’ve been cast in the coveted roles of Elphaba and Glinda.

“Our team at Xfinity is thrilled to play a part in bringing the excitement of Wicked to life in this short film featuring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo,” said Clayton Ruebensaal, chief creative officer, Xfinity. “We set out to tell a story that showcased how the power of connection, plus a bit of technology and magic, brought these two actors together and into the roles of Glinda and Elphaba. Connecting people and bringing them closer to incredible experiences and content like Wicked, is core to the Xfinity brand. We are excited to be part of this proud moment for the company.”

In addition, the short film will be the first-ever 4DX spot shown across the country. Theater-goers will feel the magic of Oz, complete with an immersive cinema experience combining on-screen visuals with synchronized motion seats and environmental effects like bubbles, wind and lightning. The short film will run in select 4DX Regal theaters, in partnership with National CineMedia and CJ 4DPlex, ahead of the global release of Universal Pictures’ Wicked on Nov. 22nd. 

The campaign concept was led by Comcast/Xfinity and its agency, Goodby Silverstein & Partners (GS&P), alongside the Wicked film. The ad was directed by Superprime’s Alice Brooks asc in collaboration with Wicked director Jon M. Chu.