Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo are gearing up for what they describe as an exhilarating moment in their careers as they share insights about their upcoming film, “Wicked: For Good.” In a recent interview, Grande expressed her excitement, saying, “It feels beautiful… to finally be able to share the full story with everyone is so exciting.” The two have long kept the project under wraps, and now they are ready to unveil it to the world.
For those closely following the musical, the anticipation has been building since the announcement in 2021 that Erivo and Grande would portray the iconic characters Elphaba and Glinda, respectively. Grande, who has cherished “Wicked” since she first saw it on Broadway for her 11th birthday in 2004, has covered the show for Vanity Fair multiple times, contributing insights into the production’s journey from its initial announcement to their unforgettable Oscars performance in 2025.
The narrative of “Wicked: For Good” aims to expand on the foundation set by the first film, which premiered on November 22, 2024, and surprised audiences with its immense success, earning 10 Oscar nominations and establishing itself as the highest-grossing film adaptation of a Broadway musical. In discussing the film’s scope, director Jon M. Chu emphasized that it was always intended to be a more expansive story. He stated, “This was the vision from the very beginning… that we leave Oz more full than maybe it’s ever been.”
The preparation for this launch included in-depth interviews with the cast and crew, including notable figures such as Jonathan Bailey and Jeff Goldblum, as well as creative geniuses like Oscar winners Paul Tazewell and Nathan Crowley. The podcast exploring “Wicked” aims to delve deeper into the themes and artistry behind the production, bringing audiences closer to the talented individuals who brought this beloved story to life.
Erivo reflected on the overwhelming response to the first “Wicked” film, acknowledging the uncertainty artists often feel before releasing their work. “You kind of know when something is special… but you don’t know how other people will take it,” she shared, highlighting the magic of storytelling and its ability to resonate with audiences.
As fans eagerly await the next chapter in the “Wicked” saga, the collaboration between Grande, Erivo, and the creative team promises a rich continuation of the enchanting tale of friendship, love, and self-discovery. With its strong foundation and heartfelt themes, “Wicked: For Good” is poised to leave an indelible mark, much like its predecessor, and may well be a defining moment in musical cinema.