In a surprising twist, the familiar sound of Fortnite’s skydiving action found its way into the movie “Wicked” during the dramatic peak of “Defying Gravity.” Though Fortnite is known for collaborating with movies through its character skins, this instance flipped the script, intertwining a popular game and a blockbuster in a way no one saw coming.
Directed by Jon M. Chu, “Wicked” quickly made headlines upon its release in 2024, shattering box office records and garnering critical acclaim, including an impressive ten Oscar nominations, one of which was for Best Film Editing. Editors in the film industry often seek out innovative methods to elevate the cinematic experience, and in “Wicked,” one such method involved sourcing from Epic Games’ smash hit, Fortnite.
In a YouTube video interview on “The Rough Cut,” Myron Kerstein, the film’s editor, excitedly revealed behind-the-scenes tidbits of orchestrating “Defying Gravity,” the movie’s show-stopping number. Sharp-eared Fortnite enthusiasts were quick to pick up on a distinct skydiving audio clip from “All Skydiving Fly Sounds,” seamlessly woven into the scene. This sound is reminiscent of the tense moments when Fortnite players leap from the Battle Bus, savoring the thrill before landing on the map.
Interestingly, Ariana Grande, one of the film’s stars, already has her presence cemented in the Fortnite universe through various in-game skins. This unexpected crossover signals a creative partnership between the film and game industries, especially since Fortnite’s skydiving sounds had been released for royalty-free usage, as reported by the Sound Library channel.
While Kerstein didn’t explicitly credit Fortnite in his explanation, fans were quick to make the connection in the comments. Typically, Fortnite draws inspiration from cinematic universes like “Star Wars” and “John Wick” for its in-game themes, but “Wicked” shifted the dynamic. With renowned artists like Ariana Grande already linked to Fortnite, whispers of Sabrina Carpenter as the next star in Fortnite’s musical promotion continue to stir excitement, awaiting confirmation from Epic Games.
Looking ahead, fans can anticipate the continuation of Elphaba’s journey in “Wicked: For Good,” expected to captivate audiences on November 21, 2025. On the gaming front, Fortnite enthusiasts are eagerly exploring the new OG Season 2, which has introduced an array of fresh cosmetics and hidden challenges. The Season 2 OG pass is available for 1,000 V-Bucks until March 25, offering up to 45 exciting rewards.
Fortnite remains a groundbreaking platform combining creativity and competition where players can engage in unique experiences, from exhilarating battle royales to dynamic events and creator-led adventures. Its ever-evolving universe continues to attract players worldwide, fostering a collaborative environment for discovering new gaming frontiers.