Wicked: For Gooddirector Jon M. Chu hypes Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s performances in the upcoming sequel. Based on the Broadway musical of the same name,Wickedhit theaters last November, serving as the first installment in a two-part musical that chronicles the friendship between Elphaba (Erivo) and Glinda (Grande) prior to the events ofThe Wizard of Oz(1939). The film was a big hit with audiences and critics alike, andWicked: For Good’s storyis now poised to bring the saga to an end this coming November.
During a recent interview withExtraTV, Chu gushes about Erivo and Grande’s performance of “Defying Gravity” at the 2025 Oscars, teasing that the two stars bring that same energy toWicked: For Good. Though it’s not clear if the director is referring to the film as a whole or the “For Good” song that is set to feature in it (or both), he evidently thinks audiences will be impressed by the two performers. Check out Chu’s comment or watch his interview below:
“We’ll see! But yes, we get to do it. Wait until you see ‘For Good’. Wait until you see [Grande and Erivo] do that. That will destroy you.”
What This Means For Wicked: For Good
Will The Sequel Repeat The First Movie’s Success?
TheWickedmusical on Broadway was wildly successful, and anticipation was high for Chu’s adaptation. The film, however, delivered in a major way.Wickedreviewswere generally glowing from critics, withpraise aimed at both Erivo and Grande’s performances and chemistry, on top of the showstopping musical numbers. Both stars were also nominated for Oscars. The film succeeded with audiences as well, grossing $753 million worldwide, in addition to becoming a major hit on VOD.
Expectations are high, then, thatFor Goodwill be a hit. TheWickedendingsets up a big story to come as the tale gets closer to the events ofThe Wizard of Oz, but there is some apprehension about whether the sequel will be able to recapture the magic of the original.“Defying Gravity,” after all, is arguably the most iconic and beloved song from the musical, and it appeared in the first film. This potentially leavesFor Goodwithout a showstopping end song of that same caliber. Evidently, though, Chu is confident the movie still delivers.
Our Take On Chu’s Wicked: For Good Tease
Will Erivo & Grande Get Another Shot At The Oscars?
TheWickedcast is undoubtedly a major reason for the first film’s success. Both Grande and Erivo deliver stunning performances, dramatically and musically.Even without a “Defying Gravity” in the sequel, the emotional investment from the first movie will hopefully carry over into the sequel, making the continuation of Elphaba and Glinda’s story an exciting and satisfying one.
OnRotten Tomatoes,Wickedhas a critics' score of 87% and a glowing audience score of 95%.
With some emotional moments to come inFor Good,both Erivo and Grande could get another chance at the Oscars. Neither actor took home the statue in their respective categories, but Chu’s comment may be a sign that some awards-worthy performances are to come. It remains to be seen whetherWicked: For Goodwill repeat the first movie’s success, but it’s evidently one to look forward to.
