Wicked Final Chapter Awaits

Beyond Blonde: Grande Signals a New Era for Wicked's Finale

Ariana Grande has clarified that her new, darker hair is not a signal that she is leaving her character Glinda behind; instead, it's an artistic choice to explore something new. The 32-year-old singer and actor recently swapped her signature blonde tresses, which became identified with her Wicked persona, for a rich brunette colour. This alteration ignited a wave of enthusiastic responses from followers across online platforms, indicating a strong anticipation for the saga's next chapter.

A Darker Tone for the Second Act

The choice to adopt a more serious appearance complements the shifting narrative of Wicked: For Good, the second and final part of the film series. Grande remarked that the darker hues in her hair, wardrobe, and cosmetics mirror the story’s evolving atmosphere as it approaches its dramatic finale. This aesthetic change is not about leaving Glinda behind, but rather about embodying her more completely as she confronts a world of greater complexity and danger. The performer said the new look was an enjoyable and inventive method for conveying this tonal adjustment to the audience.

London Transformed into the Land of Oz

In preparation for the movie's debut, a magical makeover turned London's Leicester Square into the Land of Oz for a premiere. The famous location was decorated in shades of emerald green and vivid pink, colours taken directly from the film's spellbinding universe. A long path of yellow bricks wound through the area, welcoming attendees into the fantasy. Guests fully adopted the event's theme; many came in pointed witches' hats with detailed green cosmetics, while some emulated Glinda's grace with shimmering, full-length dresses, making for a stunning sight.

An Overwhelming and Beautiful Conclusion

For the performers, reaching the end of this journey has been an emotional experience. Cynthia Erivo, who plays the intricate Elphaba and lately garnered two Grammy nominations, expressed that concluding this chapter felt overwhelming. Her co-star shared this feeling, with Grande noting that the project has been a wonderful undertaking. Both actors stressed that Wicked will always be a major part of their lives, showing the deep effect the story and their characters have had on them.

A Constellation of Returning Stars

The follow-up film, Wicked: For Good, reunites Grande and Erivo with several popular cast members. Viewers can look forward to seeing Michelle Yeoh again as the imposing Madame Morrible and Jeff Goldblum as the mysterious Wizard of Oz. The movie also features Jonathan Bailey once more portraying the dashing Prince Fiyero. This stable cast ensures that the strong on-screen relationships from the initial movie will be present in the grand finale, promising a fluid and poignant extension of the story that charmed viewers everywhere.

Bailey Makes History with New Title

Jonathan Bailey, the 37-year-old performer famous for his part in Bridgerton, recently marked a major achievement. People magazine bestowed a historic honour upon him, naming him their first 'Sexiest Man Alive' who is openly gay, a landmark moment for the magazine and a victory for LGBTQ+ visibility in entertainment. The news was met with wide support online, as numerous social media commentators proclaimed the publication had finally made an ideal selection. His Wicked colleagues also expressed their joy, warmly celebrating his new title.

Praise for the Director's Vision

During a conversation with BBC News, he was asked to name his personal choice for the year's most attractive man and answered without delay. He selected Jon M. Chu, the creative director of the Wicked movies. Bailey lauded Chu’s immense talent and deep kindness, pointing to the traits he respects most. Laughing, the actor then gave a more personal justification for his pick, humorously noting that Chu’s choice to hire him for the film was a very attractive quality. His fellow actors agreed, with Jeff Goldblum proclaiming Chu the sexiest man in any dimension.

Channeling Inner Characters and Future Roles

Given the romantic plot in the follow-up film, one might speculate if Bailey was inspired by his performance as Anthony in Bridgerton. The actor conceded he was probably drawing on something ingrained in his being for the role of Prince Fiyero, hinting at a personal link to the character’s path. When jokingly asked about ever appearing on the program Celebrity Traitors, he gave a suspenseful reply, suggesting people must wait and see, before quipping that he was already showing his hand.

A Narrative of Division and Destiny

Wicked: For Good picks up the story at the conclusion of the previous movie, exploring the period after Glinda and Elphaba decided to go their separate ways. The plot sees Elphaba on the run, labeled a foe to the nation of Oz because of her rebellious acts. Glinda, however, is now a prominent public personality whose image and actions are shrewdly managed by the Wizard. This sharp divide creates the backdrop for an engaging look at their separate but connected paths as they deal with a world that has pitted them against one another.

The Journey from Novel to Stage to Screen

These cinematic productions are derived from the very popular musical that played on Broadway and in the West End. That production was an interpretation of the 1995 book by Gregory Maguire, which reimagined the Oz universe. For the movie version, the creative team decided to divide the extensive stage musical into two films. This strategy gave the filmmakers the space to delve into the story’s richness without cutting important scenes or character arcs, a move director Jon M. Chu believed was essential.

An Epic Production in the English Countryside

Principal photography for both motion pictures occurred together throughout the United Kingdom, starting in December 2022 and wrapping up in January 2024. The massive undertaking turned sections of England into the mystical Land of Oz. Production took place at top-tier locations, including Sky Studios Elstree. Additionally, large-scale sets for areas like Munchkinland were built on rural land in Buckinghamshire, and an incredible nine million tulips were grown in Norfolk to form the story’s brilliant landscapes.

Navigating Unforeseen Challenges

The filming schedule encountered a major halt midway because of the 2023 work stoppage involving actors in Hollywood. This industry-wide event stopped progress on productions everywhere, including the detailed world of Wicked. Despite the setback, the committed cast and crew came back to finish the project after the strike ended. Filming both movies at the same time was a vital strategy that helped preserve the story's flow and let the actors fully engage with their characters' entire journeys.

A Box Office Phenomenon and Awards Contender

The first Wicked movie was a tremendous success, becoming the top-earning film in the UK for 2024. It took in more than $756 million globally, making it the highest-grossing Broadway film adaptation ever. The movie also received high praise from critics, gathering ten nominations for an Academy Award, including for Best Picture. It ultimately secured two wins, one for its costume design and another for its production design, establishing its position as a commercial hit and a celebrated work of cinema.

 Image  Credit - by MTV UK, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A Tale of Two Cinematic Runtimes

Notably, the initial installment’s duration of two hours and forty minutes was almost equivalent to the full length of the live theatrical version. This generous runtime permitted a thorough examination of the characters’ backstories and the political landscape of Oz. The follow-up movie has a reduced length, clocking in at two hours and eighteen minutes. This duration still offers a large framework to present the story's emotional and dramatic finale, promising a conclusion that is both sweeping and personal.

An Unbreakable Off-Screen Bond

The visible connection and sincere off-screen friendship between Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande were a major focus during the marketing campaign for the previous movie. Their discussions in interviews led to several widely shared clips, charming fans with their obvious warmth and shared admiration. This strong connection was evident in their screen work and at the Academy Awards in March, where they began the ceremony together by performing a notable medley of songs from Wicked.

The Musical Heart of the Sequel           

A difficulty for the next installment is that the initial production showcased most of the musical's famous numbers, including “Defying Gravity” and “Popular.” However, Wicked: For Good will present audiences with new music. Composer Stephen Schwartz has created two original songs made for the second installment to fit the needs of the developing plot. These fresh pieces are "No Place Like Home," sung by Erivo, and "The Girl in the Bubble," sung by Grande.

New Songs to Deepen the Story

The new musical pieces are expected to provide greater insight into the characters' emotional states. "The Girl in the Bubble" is presented as a crucial point for Glinda, when she resolves to be truly good and establish a haven for Oz's inhabitants. "No Place Like Home" functions as a moving solo for Elphaba, as she considers her identity in a world that has spurned her. Jon M. Chu reported that hearing the new tracks for the first time moved both Grande and Erivo to tears.

The Director's Ambitious Vision

Director Jon M. Chu tackled the adaptation with a sweeping cinematic scope, intending to build on the world established in the stage production. He aimed to craft a visually spectacular and emotionally powerful film that stayed faithful to the original material while offering a new viewpoint. Chu discussed the responsibility of adapting such a cherished musical, conveying his personal link to its themes of friendship and defiance. This commitment was clear in the production's fine details, from the huge physical sets to the complex costume work.

A Legacy of Friendship and Defiance

At its heart, the Wicked narrative examines the intricate and lasting bond between two strong women pushed into conflicting positions by a flawed system. The final installment, Wicked: For Good, will guide this journey to its moving end. As a furious crowd turns against the Wicked Witch, Elphaba and Glinda must face their history and decisions. Their capacity to see each other with truth and compassion will shape not just their own paths, but the destiny of Oz itself.

An Eagerly Awaited Cinematic Event

With its remarkable cast, stunning scenery, and a narrative that continues to connect with people globally, Wicked: For Good stands as a highly anticipated release. The follow-up film is set to provide a resonant and fulfilling end to the grand story, touching on themes of influence, propaganda, and what it truly means to be good. As enthusiasts look forward to their journey back to the Land of Oz, anticipation mounts for what is certain to be a memorable movie experience.