FIRST LOOK: In ‘Wicked: For Good,’ Elphaba and Glinda bid their farewells

Get ready to defy gravity once more! The fantastical world of Oz is calling us back as a fresh look at Wicked: For Good, the highly anticipated sequel, has just been unveiled. Picking up where the first film left off, this new chapter promises to delve even deeper into the complex relationship between the iconic witches, Elphaba and Glinda, as they navigate their divergent paths across Oz.

A recently released featurette offers an exclusive glimpse behind the emerald curtain, showcasing director Jon M. Chu alongside Academy Award-nominated stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. They explore the emotional aftermath of the original film’s climactic events, emphasizing the profound impact Elphaba (Erivo) and Glinda (Grande) have had on each other. Erivo remarks on their "unbreakable bond" despite the distance, while Grande highlights how they "truly change each other for the better," a sentiment echoed by Chu as the very essence that drew him to the story.

Fans of the beloved musical have much to anticipate, as the featurette teases breathtaking moments, including Elphaba's powerful rendition of “No Good Deed” and a poignant reprise of “For Good” – the duet that gives the film its very title. These musical highlights are interwoven with stunning behind-the-scenes footage and captivating movie scenes, showcasing familiar and magical settings like the winding Yellow Brick Road, Glinda’s dazzling blue gown, and the bustling Emerald City during its intense witch hunt.

The magic isn't just on screen; it extends behind the camera with the return of the esteemed creative team. Award-winning composers Stephen Schwartz and John Powell are back, with lyrics adapted from Schwartz’s original stage score and new arrangements crafted specifically for the big screen. The screenplay is penned by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox, drawing inspiration from Gregory Maguire’s reimagining of the classic L. Frank Baum tale. Producers Marc Platt and David Stone, along with a team of executive producers, ensure a seamless continuation of the cinematic vision.

Joining Erivo and Grande in this grand finale are a stellar ensemble, including Jeff Goldblum as Oz, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, and Jonathan Bailey as the conflicted Fiyero. Beyond the familiar faces, the sequel also aims to enrich the Ozian mythos, promising to unveil origin stories for beloved characters like the Tin Man, Scarecrow, and Cowardly Lion, adding layers of tragedy and transformation to this timeless fairy tale.

The first Wicked film, released in 2024, set a high bar, becoming the most successful Broadway-to-screen adaptation to date with over $750 million worldwide, a Golden Globe, and ten Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. With Wicked: For Good, director Jon M. Chu prepares to bring the captivating journey of these two extraordinary witches – their friendship, identity, and transformation – to a powerful close. Mark your calendars: the film is set to enchant Philippine cinemas on November 19.