Warning: There are spoilers ahead for Wicked.
Wicked director Jon M. Chu explains how the first movie’s ending will influence the sequel. The ending of the first Wicked movie sees Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) rejecting the offer presented by the Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum) and Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh) as she charts her own destiny. This dramatic and emotional sequence largely unfolds throughout the song “Defying Gravity,” which occurs at the end of the Broadway musical’s first act.
While speaking with GamesRadar+, Chu teases the consequences that come with Elphaba’s choice, along with what it means for Glinda (Ariane Grande-Butera) being unable to make the same decision. He discusses how he views “Defying Gravity” as a satisfying ending to the first movie, but part of what makes it work is that it is not the end of the entire story, as there are still many questions and consequences to explore. Chu also talks about the concept of home and what it means when someone’s home rejects them. Check out his comments below:
In movie one, it’s all about choices, and it’s a big, bold choice that Elphaba has to make at the end, and Glinda is not quite ready to make that choice – for herself, at least. I think movie two is about consequences. What happens when you do make those choices? Yes, it’s a great ending, to do that. But happy endings aren’t just the end. Life is beautiful because it is always a to be continued, in a way. You have tomorrow. And what happens when the place that you love and fight for doesn’t want anything to do with you? Is that still a home? This question of, “There’s no place like home.” Well, what is home and where is your home? I think those things get to be untangled in this next movie. We get maybe a new song – or two. We get more into the meat, and the best is yet to come with these characters.
What This Means For Wicked: Part Two
There Is Still Plenty To Explore With Elphaba And Glinda
Chu’s comments tease what is in store for Elphaba and Glinda in Wicked: Part Two‘s story. Elphaba will remain true to her stance of opposition now that she knows the Wizard and Madame Morrible are behind the Animals’ oppression. However, she will also need to reconcile with who she is and how she can oppose her enemies when the people of Oz, and even many of her own loved ones, now reject and fear her. Her story in the sequel is poised to be even more tragic as she fights for a home that does not accept or want her.
Related
Wicked Review: Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande Defy Gravity In Jaw-Dropping Musical Adaptation
Save for the tiniest of things, Wicked is a worthy screen adaptation of the musical, guaranteed to make viewers feel like they could defy gravity too.
As for Glinda, Chu hints at her not being ready yet to stand up to the Wizard and to Madame Morrible. Glinda has tremendous character development in Wicked, but she still desires the social status and material trappings that the Wizard and Madame Morrible are offering her in light of Elphaba’s rebellion. Glinda still has more development to come as both she and Elphaba will work through their growth and complex emotions. This will happen in the moving song “For Good” from the second act of the musical, and seemingly also in brand-new songs written for the second movie.
The New Songs Make Wicked: Part Two Even More Exciting
Chu’s comments highlight why Wicked is split into two parts and how the second movie will provide payoff for the lingering questions. The tease of one or two new songs is particularly intriguing. The first movie is incredibly faithful to its musical source material and does not include any new songs. This makes it all the more compelling that the sequel will have new songs that will explore Elphaba, Glinda, and their relationship in the aftermath of Wicked’s ending.
Source: GamesRadar+
Wicked adapts the Broadway musical into a two-part film, following the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, born with green skin, and Glinda, a popular aristocrat, in the Land of Oz. As they navigate their contrasting paths, they evolve into Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
- Director
- Jon M. Chu
- Release Date
- November 22, 2024
- Writers
- Gregory Maguire , Winnie Holzman , Dana Fox , L. Frank Baum
- Cast
- Cynthia Erivo , Ariana Grande , Michelle Yeoh , Jeff Goldblum , Jonathan Bailey , Ethan Slater , Marissa Bode , Bowen Yang , Bronwyn James , Keala Settle , Peter Dinklage , Aaron Teoh , Grecia De la Paz , Colin Michael Carmichael , Adam James , Andy Nyman , Courtney Mae-Briggs , Sharon D. Clarke , Jenna Boyd
- Runtime
- 160 Minutes