Director Jon M. Chu and superstar Ariana Grande have unveiled new behind-the-scenes details from Wicked: For Good, inviting fans of the Jon M. Chu Wicked movie to experience how this cinematic production came together. In an exclusive look at the making of this box office phenomenon, Collider lifts the curtain on key moments, including unique cast interactions and the creative process driving one of the year’s most talked-about films.
Going Behind the Scenes of Wicked: For Good
Fans are taken inside the world of Wicked: For Good with a special focus on how director Jon M. Chu, Ariana Grande as Glinda, and a talented ensemble brought the fantasy of Oz to life. The behind-the-scenes featurette highlights Ariana Grande meeting Oscar—the dog who portrays Toto—on set, just before the character embarks on a legendary journey down the Yellow Brick Road. This meeting underscores the blending of iconic characters and the energy present during filming, as seasoned actors and newcomers alike transformed the story’s legendary figures into living, breathing characters on screen.
Viewers are treated to a close look at Jonathan Bailey’s transformation into the Scarecrow and Ethan Slater’s portrayal of the Tin Man, two of the most beloved characters from the broader Wizard of Oz universe. Director Jon M. Chu leads audiences through his emotional journey, sharing the exhilaration of seeing the elaborate set pieces and recognizable characters come alive before him. The film’s setting, brought to life at locations reminiscent of the classic tale’s magic, acts as a compelling backdrop for this modern retelling.
The Evolution of Glinda and Elphaba’s Journey
Wicked: For Good, split into two parts under Jon M. Chu’s direction, explores the histories and destinies of Glinda (Ariana Grande) and Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo). The film’s narrative tracks the witches’ intertwined fates from their meeting at Shiz University, a renowned institution in the OZ universe, to the moment their friendship fractures in the face of growing responsibilities and external threats. The latest installment follows Glinda as she enters a new phase of political influence and Elphaba as she becomes a hunted outsider, further complicating their deep friendship.
This follow-up dives deeper into the origins of familiar characters such as the Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion, Tin Man, and even the Wicked Witch of the East. It reimagines the untold stories behind their transformation, weaving together themes of friendship, loyalty, and personal growth as the two central figures are forced to forge their own paths, each shaped by their choices and the world around them.
Success at the Worldwide Box Office
Wicked: For Good remains a significant box office performer, with screenings continuing in theaters across the globe. The film has surpassed $484 million in global ticket sales, reflecting strong audience interest and widespread appeal. Although current numbers fall short of the first Wicked film’s impressive $759 million total, the sequel continues to attract viewers, buoyed by the buzz surrounding its cast—Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, and Ethan Slater—and the rich legacy of the Broadway musical on which it is based.
An Acclaimed Cast Brings Broadway Magic to the Screen
The cast of Wicked: For Good features Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, supported by standout performances from Jonathan Bailey as the Scarecrow and Ethan Slater as the Tin Man. The chemistry among the actors, paired with visionary direction from Jon M. Chu, allowed the story to be reimagined for cinema and shared with a global audience. Their collaboration brought depth and distinction to each character, offering fresh perspectives on the iconic roles that have captivated theatergoers around the world.
A Lasting Impact and Continuing Legacy
Wicked: For Good not only concludes the two-part film adaptation but also continues to shape the ongoing cultural conversation around the Oz universe. By exploring the formative experiences of Glinda and Elphaba, delving into the transformation of famed characters, and showcasing visually striking sequences, Jon M. Chu’s Wicked delivers both spectacle and depth. As more viewers discover the film in theaters and, beginning December 30, through digital release, its contributions to the legacy of the Wizard of Oz story and Broadway musicals are set to endure.
