Warning: There are spoilers ahead for Wicked.
Evil director Jon M. Chu explains how the first film’s ending will influence the sequel. The ending of the first Wicked movie sees Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) rejecting the offer presented by the Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum) and Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh) as she charts her own destiny. This dramatic and emotional sequence largely unfolds over the course of the song “Defying Gravity,” which occurs at the end of the first act of the Broadway musical.
When speaking with GamesRadar+, Chu teases the consequences that accompany Elphaba’s choicealong with what it means for Glinda (Ariane Grande-Butera) to be unable to make the same decision. He discusses how he sees “Defying Gravity” as a satisfying ending to the first film, but part of what makes it work is that it’s not the end of the entire story, as there are still many questions and consequences to explore. Chu also talks about the concept of home and what it means when one’s home rejects you. Check out their comments below:
In the first film, it’s all about choices, and it’s a big, bold choice that Elphaba will have to make in the end, and Glinda isn’t ready to make that choice yet – for herself, at least. I think the second film is about consequences. What happens when you make these choices? Yes, it’s a great ending to do that. But happy endings aren’t just the end. Life is beautiful because it is always something to be continued, in a way. You have tomorrow. And what happens when the place you love and fight for wants nothing to do with you? Is this still a house? This question of “There’s no place like home.” Well, what is home and where is your home? I think these things will be revealed in the next film. Maybe we’ll have a new song – or two. We get more into the subject, and the best is yet to come with these characters.
What this means for Wicked: Part Two
There’s still so much to explore with Elphaba and Glinda
Chu’s comments tease what’s in store for Elphaba and Glinda in Wicked: Part Twothe story. Elphaba will remain true to her opposition stance now that she knows that the Sorcerer and Madame Morrible are behind the Animals’ oppression. However, she will also need to come to terms with who she is and how she can stand against her enemies when the people of Oz, and even many of her loved ones, now reject and fear her. Her story in the sequel is about to be even more tragic as she fights for a home that doesn’t accept or want her.
As for Glinda, Chu suggests that she is not yet ready to face the Wizard and Madame Morrible. Glinda has tremendous character development in Evilbut she still desires the social status and material trappings that the Wizard and Madame Morrible are offering her in light of Elphaba’s rebellion. Glinda still has more development ahead of her as she and Elphaba work on her growth and complex emotions. This will happen in the moving song “For Good” from the second act of the musical and, apparently, also in the new songs written for the second film.
New songs make Wicked: Part Two even more exciting
Chu’s comments highlight why Evil is split into two parts and how the second film will make up for the lingering issues. The tease of a new song or two is particularly intriguing. The first film is incredibly faithful to its musical material and does not include any new songs. This makes it even more attractive than the sequel will have new songs that explore Elphaba, Glinda and their relationship after Evilis ending.
Source: GamesRadar+