Wicked: Part Two will continue the journey of the iconic witches of Oz, starring Ariana Grande as Glinda the Good Witch and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West. The first film has already been a major hit, earning $114 million in its opening weekend, marking a record for musical adaptations.
The movie is based on the popular 2003 Broadway musical, which itself draws inspiration from Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. The musical and films offer a new perspective on the classic tale, focusing on the backstory of the witches rather than the familiar story from The Wizard of Oz.
Winnie Holzman, who wrote the book for the stage version, adapted the screenplay for the film, with Dana Fox adding to the script. Stephen Schwartz, the Academy Award-winning composer, has brought the musical’s songs to life for the big screen.
While the first film stayed true to the stage production, Wicked: Part Two may include some fresh elements. Jeff Goldblum, who plays the Wizard, recently revealed that new songs written by Schwartz will feature in the sequel, adding depth to the story. Although plot details are being kept under wraps, director Jon M. Chu has assured fans that the second film will remain loyal to the original show.
Chu explained that splitting the story into two films allows for a more emotionally satisfying experience. He emphasized that to end on a powerful note like "Defying Gravity," there needs to be a stronger build-up to Elphaba’s character. The film format provides more room to explore the bond between Elphaba and Glinda, allowing the filmmakers to dive deeper into their backgrounds.
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