Wicked: For Good, the second part of the popular movie musical, will include brand-new music that deviates from the original production.
“I collaborated on one of the new songs, and it’s so special to me,” Cynthia Erivo told Variety on the Thursday, December 26, episode of its “Award Chatter” podcast. “When we filmed it, the entire crew was in tears. I hope audiences are ready — it’s a song that speaks to the heart of who Elphaba is.”
Wicked, which hit theaters last month, was adapted from Stephen Schwartz’s Broadway musical of the same name. Both shows serve as a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, based on Gregory Maguire’s novel, in which the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch of the North are roommates at the fictitious Shiz University.
The OG musical starred Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth as Elphaba and Galinda/Glinda, respectively. In the long-awaited film version, Erivo, 37, and Ariana Grande took over the roles.
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Wicked: For Good is set to continue the story where Part One left off but with a more mature tone.
“We’re diving deeper into the consequences of the characters’ choices,” Erivo told Variety. “The story is richer, and the stakes are higher. It’s not just a continuation; it’s a transformation.”
While Elphie eventually becomes the notorious Ozian villain, Erivo doesn’t see the character as “purely” evil.
“Elphaba isn’t wicked. None of the characters are purely good or bad. They’re flawed, complex and human,” Erivo stressed to the outlet. “This story asks us to reconsider the labels we place on others and ourselves. It’s about empathy and understanding. The world needs more of that right now.”
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Universal Pictures Wicked: Part One changed Us for good, and the second half is sure to do the same. The first of the two-part Wicked movie adaptation, released in November 2024, brought the beloved Broadway show to life on the big screen. Starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as Elphaba and Glinda, respectively, the story […]
Erivo and Grande, 31, are both nominated for Golden Globes for their Wicked roles albeit in different categories. (Erivo is up for Leading Actress in a Musical/Comedy, while Grande was honored for Supporting Actress in a Musical/Comedy.)
“Oh my goodness oh my goodness,” Grande gushed via her Instagram Story earlier this month. “I am floored and honored to be recognized by members of the @goldenglobes. Crying (of course). It’s impossible to find my words, but I am simply so deeply grateful for this acknowledgment.”
She added, “Congratulations to my brilliant, dear sister @cynthiaerivo, and all of our Ozian family on this celebration of our work. I can’t possibly express my gratitude.”
Both parts of Wicked, directed by Jon M. Chu, also star Jonathan Bailey, Marissa Bode, Ethan Slater, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum and Peter Dinklage.
Wicked: For Good premieres in theaters November 21, 2025.
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