Ivinghoe Village Transformed into Munchkinland for “Wicked” Film Production

While local rumors can be quite sensational, the notion of Ariana Grande shooting a major Hollywood film in Ivinghoe was initially met with skepticism by many residents. However, skepticism faded as Munchkinland materialized in the Buckinghamshire countryside during 2023. This construction was for the filming of “Wicked,” a “Wizard of Oz” spin-off, which premiered in UK cinemas on Friday and features prominent actors such as Cynthia Erivo and Jeff Goldblum. Residents of the picturesque village recount their experiences from the period when Universal’s film crews arrived. Russell Smith, proprietor of the Daisychain cafe on the High Street, described the extensive activity as an “alien invasion.” The 55-year-old observed the temporary film set under construction during a dog walk along the canal towpath. “Normally there’s nothing there, so we were thinking, ‘What the hell is that?'” “It was just extraordinary as it unfolded. It looked to be a circular village with a yellow brick road going into it and then back out.” “You could see lots of filming with enormous cranes, great lighting stations that lit up the area. It was amazing.” The initial stage production of “Wicked” debuted on Broadway in 2003 and has since been viewed by approximately 65 million individuals globally. Aerial footage from drones documented the set, featuring its distinctive, vibrant, thatch-roofed dwellings, prior to a production pause due to the US actors’ strike in July 2023. Nicola Johns, who manages The Village Swan pub nearby, reported that residents could hear the cast singing at various times throughout the day. “We all wished Ariana Grande would walk into the pub – sadly she didn’t,” stated the 32-year-old. “It was surreal at times, walking around and hearing the singing. “The amount of manpower that went into building the set was extraordinary.” “At first you didn’t really know what it was – you were trying to work out what scene it could be. Most people were looking for the yellow brick road.” According to a bar employee at the Rose and Crown, another local pub, crew members visited for refreshments when their work schedule permitted. The provisional Munchkinland set was dismantled by the close of autumn 2023. As production relocated to Sky Studios Elstree in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, the fantastical setting was transported away with the same speed it had appeared. Prior to the film’s debut, Grande informed the media that she felt “incredibly emotional” about “Wicked” reaching cinemas, while Erivo commented that the cast’s lives were “irrevocably changed for good” due to their experience during filming. Mr. Smith believes the experience will have a lasting effect on Ivinghoe’s 1,000 residents. “People will be thinking about when Hollywood came to Ivinghoe,” he stated. Updates on Beds, Herts, and Bucks news are available on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for content on external websites. Information regarding its external linking policy is available.