Fans of the beloved musical Wicked can breathe easy, as they won’t have to wait too long to return to the intriguing land of Oz. The second film, directed by Jon M. Chu, is officially set to hit theaters on November 21, 2025. This eagerly awaited sequel will continue the enchanting tale of witches Glinda, portrayed by Ariana Grande, and Elphaba, played by Cynthia Erivo, picking up right where the first film left off.
Wicked: Part Two is not just about extending the magical adventure; it promises to introduce new layers to the story. The sequel will build upon the foundation laid by the Broadway musical and the first film—celebrated for its exceptional character development and stunning musical numbers. The initial installment, released just before Thanksgiving 2024, recorded the highest opening for a musical adaptation, bringing home approximately $114 million at the domestic box office.
The film adaptation of Wicked originated from Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. It presents the ambitious narrative of friendship and betrayal between Elphaba and Glinda, showcasing themes of love and personal conflict wrapped up within the fantastical world created by L. Frank Baum. With the guiding hands of Chu, the film adaptation has already captured the essence of the original stage production, staying true to its heart and soul.
According to reports, the screenplay for the film has been penned by Winnie Holzman, the original book writer for the stage, alongside Dana Fox. Acclaimed composer Stephen Schwartz also adapted his famous songs for the film's release, something both fans and newcomers appreciated. The film's first act culminated with Erivo's moving performance of the show-stopping number, "Defying Gravity," which separated the story's narrative across two films rather than one lengthy feature.
Adding anticipation to the sequel, Jeff Goldblum, who takes on the role of the Wizard, hinted during interviews about exciting developments to come. He mentioned the inclusion of two new songs, written by Schwartz himself, which he describes as necessary for the storytelling and organic to the film. His comments sparked speculation and excitement among fans of the musical who are eager to hear the new additions. "The storytelling required it, and these songs were created organically and not imposed on the movie," Schwartz confirmed to The Messenger.
While many aspects of Wicked: Part Two remain under wraps, the film is expected to explore the timeline coinciding with events from The Wizard of Oz. This offers tantalizing possibilities, especially with beloved characters like Dorothy, the Scarecrow, and the Tin Man potentially making appearances. Interestingly, during the stage version, Dorothy's presence was minimal, possibly serving only as a shadow or voiceover, leaving her backstory and its relevance to Elphaba's and Glinda's stories largely unexplored. Could the movie adaptation flesh out these narratives?
Fans are speculating whom Dorothy might be portrayed by, as casting details are yet to be disclosed. Given the rich lore surrounding the Wicked universe, it could be fun to see how the new film connects the dots between the characters of the two stories.
With the first film wrapping up on such a dramatic note, the emotional stakes are set high for the sequel. There’s no doubt excitement is building as new promotional materials begin to circulate. Not only are Grande and Erivo reprising their iconic roles, but the return of style and music familiar to fans will undoubtedly reignite interest across social media platforms.
Fans are also heartened to know Grande and Erivo's commitment to their characters extends to their compensation—a rumor about unequal pay was recently denied, affirming both stars are receiving equal pay for their roles. This dedication to equity reflects the modern approach within Hollywood of addressing pay equity—an issue long debated but finally drawing significant focus.
The first Wicked film's success was not just due to its box office performance. It sparked conversations about relevant themes, creating dialogue about friendship, politics, and societal norms. The characters show immense growth as they tackle their adversities. The emotional depth of the plot is mirrored by its splendor on stage and screen, evidenced by audiences’ initial reception to Grande's and Erivo's performances.
One can anticipate the upcoming press tours will reveal more insights and creative decisions made during production. Already, the cast and crew are brimming with enthusiasm, paving the way for what promises to be yet another unforgettable experience for Wicked fans.
Jon M. Chu, reflecting on his directorial vision, expressed, “We knew we didn’t want the film to distance itself from the stage productions too drastically.” His approach centers on maintaining the integral moments fans cherish, even as adaptations introduce new elements to progress the narrative. He concluded, “We started discussing what numbers could be sacrificed or adapted to fit the film format. The challenge was always to prioritize musical integrity.”
How closely the plot of Wicked: Part Two will echo the stage musical's second act is still up for debate. The filmmakers have not provided explicit confirmations yet; speculation rates high within the community. But with new songs, returning cast, and enriching character development, fans are surely set for another thrilling ride.
With two years still remaining before Wicked: Part Two opens, the buzz surrounding the franchise continues to permeate entertainment news—a feisty anecdote and analysis about characters, plots, and who knows what else could emerge as casting details, songs, and sneak peeks become available. For now, the world remains at the mercy of Wicked
fans, eager and excited, as they huddle around movie theaters come Turkey Day 2025.
