We Are Already Holding Space For Wicked: Part 2

Round two is gonna be pop-uu-lar!
Published November 28, 2024

(Image: Courtesy of Universal Pictures)

Where are you going witches? The show’s not over just yet.

Director Jon M. Chu decided early on in Wicked’s development process to split his film depiction of the Broadway classic into two parts, and evidently, take a year-long intermission between premiering them. *Sigh*

However, to pay homage—and bring the stage spectacle to life on the big screen—breaking up the story was the best decision as it means the beloved musical could be adapted in all its glory, and give its star-studded cast the room to really do their roles justice.

So—what can we already tell you about Wicked: Part 2? 

We’ve answered all your questions below.

Related: Here’s Everyone Else Who Reportedly Auditioned For Roles In Wicked

Why Does Wicked Have A Part 2?

What’s better than watching a movie about witches? Watching TWO movies about witches… duh!

In a conversation with TheWrap, Chu shared that he felt it would have been a disservice to the original story and its die-hard fans to compress both acts into the length available for a single film.

“If you’re going to make two movies and each is going to be great on its own, then you have to commit to that. You have to then make that first movie as great and emotionally satisfying as possible,” Chu explained. “You won’t do that if you always have a back door to do one movie. You’ll never get there.”

What Will Wicked: Part Two Be About?

Warning: Spoilers ahead!

Part Two will likely cover Wicked’s second act and commence right where they left things in the first film. 

Post Elphaba’s no-notes performance of  ‘Defying Gravity,’ there will probably be a time jump after intermission, in keeping true to the original Broadway musical. Elphaba and Glinda have just discovered that The Wizard is not who he portrays himself to be, and the people of Oz have declared Elphaba to be a danger to their society. Elphaba escapes on her broomstick as she seeks refuge. 

The next chapter should explore the events leading up to The Wizard of Oz, explaining the events that lead to Elphaba becoming the Wicked Witch of the West, how Glinda becomes the Good Witch and revealing the truths behind the other characters.

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Has Wicked: Part 2 Already Been Filmed?

Yes! Parts 1 and 2 of Wicked were both shot at the same time. Production on Chus’ movie musical adaptation began in December 2022 and was filmed for over seven months, with a short break whilst the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes took place.

Wicked: Part 2 Cast

There have been no announcements thus far that any new cast members will be joining the movie for round 2, but the following names from the first film adaptation will definitely be making a return for part 2:

  • Ariana Grande as Glinda
  • Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba
  • Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero
  • Ethan Slater as Boq
  • Marissa Bode as Nessarose
  • Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible
  • Jeff Goldblum as The Wizard
 

Does Dorothy Make An Appearance In Wicked?

Nothing has been confirmed or denied by Chu about Dorthy’s whereabouts in the second film.

While the The Wizard of Oz lead does play a small but crucial role in the OG musical, her character doesn’t ever appear on stage. It’s not entirely clear whether the character will take physical form in Chu’s adaptation, but fans already have some theories about who could have been cast if so (more on that here).

“In movie 1, it was important to let Dorothy be how you want her to be. I didn’t want to step on your images of whatever version of Dorothy you wanted her to be,” Chu explained to ScreenRant. “But the presence is important because that plays a significant role in what will happen and how they intersect. That was sort of how we played with it. But you’ll have to see movie 2 to know how far we go with her.”

Related: A Timeline of Ethan Slater & Ariana Grande’s Relationship

When Does Wicked: Part 2 Come Out?

The second instalment to the musical movie spectacular will arrive Down Under in theatres on November 21, 2025, almost exactly one year after the release of Part 1!

But until then, we’ll be binge-listening to the Wicked soundtrack until we are sick of Cynthia and Arianas’ voices, whichspoiler alert, is NEVER.

Check back here for updates!

Bailey Finn
Bailey Finn is a Staff Writer at Cosmopolitan Australia. She has been passionate about the creative industries from an early age and her experience spans television, styling, writing, and costume design. When unplugged, she often finds herself surrounded by classic artwork, dabbling in modern photography, or with a route set to the nearest beach.
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