6 Facts To Know About “Wicked: For Good”, The New “Wicked” Sequel Coming To Theatres

What you need to know about Wicked: For Good

The second half of Wicked is coming to the big screen on 21 November! Since its release last year, the first movie garnered over USD 750 million at the box office, making it the top-grossing film based on a Broadway musical and one of the most talked-about shows of 2024. But the hype has yet to die down. Universal Pictures just dropped the first poster for the sequel, Wicked: For Good, leaving fans buzzing in excitement. Director Jon M. Chu and the cast members appear equally excited as they have divulged some spoilers about the finale in light of its premiere. 

Here are some facts to know about Wicked: For Good:

1. The first poster of the sequel was just released

Source: Universal Pictures

The poster for Wicked: For Good was released on 14 May, offering fans their first glimpse of the upcoming movie. It shows Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) standing on opposing cliffs, staring each other down with their chins held high in an act of challenge. Here, we see that Elphaba has fully embraced her new identity as the Wicked Witch of the West, with her signature pointy hat and a broomstick in hand. Meanwhile, Glinda is holding a wand while being clad in a tiara and pastel ball gown. 

Shortly after the poster’s reveal, Wicked’s official Instagram account announced that the movie’s trailer will premiere in theatres on 4 June.

2. The sequel picks up where Wicked left off

Wicked ends with the iconic performance of “Defying Gravity,” in which Elphaba escapes on her broomstick after she and Glinda learn that the Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum) is a fraud who has managed to convince people of his nonexistent powers. Wicked: For Good is expected to follow after Act II of the Broadway musical and pick up right where the first film left off. 

Based on what we know, the plot of the second half will depict how Elphaba is forced into hiding after the Wizard convinces the realm that she is a threat, turning the people against her as she continues her fight for animal rights. Meanwhile, Glinda takes on the role of the Wizard and Madame Morrible’s mouthpiece. Their opposing political views pull the two friends apart and cause conflict in their relationship.

3. Wicked: For Good takes a darker turn

 

Source: Universal Pictures

While the first film was more lighthearted and portrayed the characters forging new friendships and getting accustomed to their life at Shiz, the sequel focuses on the social and political turmoil resulting from Elphaba’s decision to turn against Morrible and the Wizard. 

When speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Jon explains, “If Part 1 is about choices, Part 2 is about consequences.” He adds: “Choices are difficult to make, but when you do make those choices, sometimes the result isn’t what you expect it to be, it can be lonely, it can be hard.”

Despite the gravity of the sequel, Jon assures that there will be moments that reflect “lots of lightness”. “There are a lot of fun parts,” he said. “We’ve not forgotten about that, but there’s a maturity and a nuance to it that we earn from the first movie.”

4. Dorothy plays an important role in the movie

Source: Amazon MGM

During the opening scenes of the first movie, Dorothy Gale appears in a brief cameo with her signature pigtails and blue gingham dress. However, we are only graced with her back view as she walks along the iconic Yellow Brick Road with the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, and the Scarecrow. 

The second act will draw more attention to Dorothy and feature her adventure from Elphaba’s point of view. In an interview with Screen Rant, Jon teases that Dorothy will have a much bigger role in this movie. He shares, “I won’t talk too much about what we show or don’t show in movie 2, but in movie 1, it was important to let Dorothy be how you want her to be.”

“But [Dorothy’s] presence is important, because that plays a significant role in what will happen and how they intersect,” he continues. “That was sort of how we played with it. But you’ll have to see movie 2 to know how far we go with her.”

5. The sequel’s soundtrack will feature new songs

Source: Universal Pictures

By now, you would have most likely heard of “Defying Gravity”, one of the soundtracks from Wicked and a fresh take on Stephen Schwartz’s original 2003 stage score. The song debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, the highest-ever opening for a stage-to-screen adaptation.

For the sequel, fans can expect to be treated to the cast’s renditions of the music in the original Broadway musical, including “No Good Deed Goes Unpunished” and “For Good”, which the film has been named after. Schwartz has also confirmed that there will be two entirely new songs that have been specially written for the movie.

“The storytelling required it, and therefore they were created,” Stephen expresses in an interview with The Messenger. “The intention was that they were organic and not imposed on the movie.”

Cynthia has also dropped hints on one of Elphaba’s songs on Variety‘s Awards Circuit podcast: “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.”

6. The movie will be released in November

Wicked: For Good has confirmed its release on 21 November, just one day shy of Wicked’s first anniversary.

What you need to know about Wicked: For Good

Months after the conclusion of the first film, fans of Wicked have been left on the edge of their seats as they wonder how the conflict between Glinda and Elphaba will play out. The release of the first poster promises fans that more details are on the way, with the first trailer set to drop in June.

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Cover image courtesy of Universal Pictures.