The musical phenomenon that hit cinemas last year is coming to a fantastical conclusion in Wicked: For Good. The direct sequel to Wicked sees the return of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo as Glinda and Elphaba, along with Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum.
A quick recap of Wicked, the first part of the duology, was first released in theaters back in November of last year. It defied gravity with how well received it was for audiences. The film even released a sing-along version for fans and movie-goers to re-experience the film in karaoke mode.
Wicked is produced by Oscar, Emmy, and Tony nominee Marc Platt (La La Land, The Little Mermaid), and by multiple Tony winner David Stone (Kimberly Akimbo, Next to Normal), with whom Platt produced the Wicked stage musical. The executive producers are David Nicksay, Stephen Schwartz, and Jared LeBoff.
Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba singing Defying Gravity | Source: Universal Pictures
Now, for this second installment, it promises a darker exploration of Oz and the beloved characters. Jon M. Chu, the director of the film, described Wicked: For Good as “If Part 1 is about choices, Part 2 is about consequences.”
The story follows Elphaba and Glinda and how their friendship has changed after the events of the first act. Though if you’ve seen the play, spoiler alert, Elphaba continues to be framed as the bad guy as she fights for animal rights.
Aside from that, there’ll be new songs featured alongside the cast’s rendition of original songs from the broadway production like “No Good Deed Goes Unpunished” and the Elphaba-Glinda duet, “For Good”. One of the hinted-at new songs mentioned by the lead actress, Cynthia Erivo, is a song specific to her character, Elphaba. “I don’t know if you’re ready for it, I feel like the song is very, very special. I have a feeling that even the title will move you.”
Lastly, Chu mentioned that Dorothy, briefly flashed in the first few minutes of Wicked, will be seen more in this second film.
The magic continues as “Wicked: For Good” arrives in Southeast Asian theaters on November.