Everything We Know About ‘Wicked: Part 2,’ Explained

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The blockbuster movie adaptation of the popular Broadway musical “Wicked” hit theaters on November 22, and fans can’t wait for more! The film has quickly gained a massive following and started setting new records. During its opening weekend, it made an impressive $114 million at the domestic box office, and since its release, it has accumulated over $630 million worldwide. As a result, classic musical adaptations like “Grease” and “Mamma Mia!” have to relinquish their previous records – “Wicked” now holds the title for the highest-grossing musical adaptation of all time.

It’s good news for fans as they won’t have to endure a long wait for part two. The sequel, now named “Wicked: For Good“, is set to return to theaters on Nov 21, 2025, making it one of the most eagerly awaited films in 2025. Just about a year after the initial release of “Wicked“, viewers will once again immerse themselves in the captivating realm of Oz and its mesmerizing characters, Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande), as they bring their tale to a conclusion. For those eagerly waiting for its premiere on the big screen, here’s what we know so far about the production updates, cast and crew, and potential plot of “Wicked: For Good“.

‘Wicked: For Good’ Wraps Production

Director Jon M. Chu won’t face unanticipated filming interruptions or juggling cast availability issues regarding “Wicked: For Good,” as the second movie was already wrapped up in production by January 2024. In a conversation with Deadline, Chu disclosed that both acts were filmed and edited prior to the recent premiere of Wicked.

To ensure a consistent narrative flow, the director of “Crazy Rich Asians” decided that producing two versions simultaneously was the best approach. Chu stated, “I edited both concurrently last year so I could view them together, then wait until they were both complete. It’s quite a spectacle to watch both. I wanted to make sure every scene in one had a purpose for two, and we addressed that.” After some post-production adjustments and final editing, the movie is now ready for its release in 2025.

The Cast and Crew: Who Can Fans Expect?

Because the films “Wicked” and “Wicked: For Good” were made at the same time, fans can anticipate the same creative team working on the latter, both in front of and behind the camera. Although director Stephen Daldry was initially associated with the project in 2016, Chu stepped in as director in February 2021, and no further changes are expected because filming has already been completed. Moreover, Winnie Holzman, who is renowned for adapting Gregory Maguire’s bestseller into the Tony-award-winning musical “Wicked“, wrote both scripts in collaboration with Dana Fox.

In the upcoming movie, we can anticipate that the plot will continue from where the first film ended, which means the entire original cast of “Wicked” is likely to rejoin. This includes Cynthia Erivo, who will once again captivate us as Elphaba, alongside Ariana Grande’s charming portrayal of Glinda. Jonathan Bailey, from “Bridgerton”, will resume his role as the Winkie Prince, Fiyero, while Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, and Michelle Yeoh will reprise their roles as Boq, Nessaroe, Madame Morrible, respectively. Lastly, we can’t imagine the sequel without Jeff Goldblum in his witty portrayal of the Wizard of Oz.

Alongside some well-known characters, there are a few fresh faces you might want to keep an eye out for: Dorothy, her canine companion Toto, and the timid Cowardly Lion. Although they’ve been hinted at in trailers, their official introduction and casting details have yet to be disclosed. However, some fans speculate that Dorothy may be portrayed by Alisha Weir, who played Abigail, following her appearance wearing silver shoes at the Wicked premiere (the ruby slippers were originally silver in the books). Given that the same team is working on both movies, it’s likely that anyone who enjoyed Wicked will find themselves enchanted by Wicked: For Good as well.

Act Two: The Sequel Will Likely Follow the Musical’s Plot

The concluding part of “Wicked” on stage and screen features Elphaba’s memorable number, “Defying Gravity.” By maintaining this significant split and adhering to the original musical’s narrative, the adaptation remains faithful to its Broadway roots. In conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Chu elaborated on their approach to adapt the story for the big screen without sacrificing its timeless charm. Rather than cramming all the songs, dance sequences, and plot into a single three-hour movie, they decided to divide it, focusing instead on the emotional aspects to avoid an unexpected intermission. Consequently, fans can look forward to “Wicked: For Good” following closely in the footsteps of the musical’s second act, ensuring minimal changes, especially for those eagerly awaiting their favorite tunes.

From a narrative perspective, the story of Wicked concludes with Elphaba soaring off towards unknown destinations, distancing herself from the Wizard, Madame Morrible, and their corruption. In contrast, Glinda remains stationary, aiming to reform the unjust system by working alongside it.

The first movie centers around decisions, while the second installment will shift its focus to the resulting outcomes. Isolated Elphaba will confront how society, influenced by propaganda, now views her as the Wicked Witch of the West. On the other hand, Glinda’s popularity flourishes, symbolizing hope throughout Oz. As their paths diverge, the movie will delve into the intricate and strained relationship between these friends. Essentially, Wicked: For Good will primarily emphasize the escalating tension between its principal characters, the misuse of power, and standing up against injustice despite personal consequences. Furthermore, the story will build towards the events depicted in The Wizard of Oz. Consequently, audiences can anticipate discovering the roots of L. Frank Baum’s iconic characters and enjoying their cinematic reincarnation.

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2025-01-07 03:04