Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Lead ‘Wicked: For Good’ Event
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo have wrapped up their roles as Glinda and Elphaba in the much-anticipated sequel of “Wicked.” The duo attended the European premiere held in Leicester Square, London, marking a significant moment in their journey as characters from the beloved musical.
A Glimpse at the Premiere
On a night filled with glamour, Grande and Erivo both wore stunning black dresses as they walked the yellow brick road carpet. They were accompanied by fellow cast members, including Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, and Michelle Yeoh.
- Event: European Premiere of “Wicked: For Good”
- Location: Leicester Square, London
- Release Date: November 21
Fan Excitement
The premiere attracted excited fans, some wearing crowns to represent Glinda and others painted green as a nod to Elphaba. The enthusiasm reflected the characters’ deep-rooted impact on audiences over the years.
Plot Insights
“Wicked: For Good” is set in parallel to the original “Wizard of Oz.” It narrates Glinda’s journey as she rises to become Glinda the Good, alongside Fiyero, who is now the captain of the wizard’s guard. The plot thickens as Madame Morrible, portrayed by Michelle Yeoh, spins a web of deceit to eliminate Elphaba, who is far from defeated.
Producer and Director Remarks
During the premiere, producer Marc Platt expressed the heartfelt connection to the project. He noted, “It feels like we’re coming home,” emphasizing the film’s roots in creativity and storytelling.
Director Jon M. Chu also shared his excitement, revealing that the emotional journey the cast experienced during production sets the stage for the audience’s understanding of the film. He conveyed that the connection among the cast during filming was profound, saying, “We linked arm to arm, which we’ve never done before.” This camaraderie enhanced the authenticity of their performances.
Critical Success of the Franchise
The first installment of “Wicked,” under Chu’s direction, received widespread acclaim and grossed over $750 million globally. Following its success, both Grande and Erivo earned nominations for the best actress and best supporting actress categories at the 2025 Academy Awards, respectively. Additionally, the film garnered a nomination for best picture.
Anticipation for the New Film
As the release date approaches, audiences eagerly await “Wicked: For Good.” At a recent film festival, Chu referenced the emotional depth intertwined in both films. He stated, “We lived their meeting, their separation, their death.” Such insights hint at a powerful narrative ready to unfold on screen.
With this new installment, fans can expect to delve deeper into the complex relationship between Glinda and Elphaba as they navigate their intertwined destinies. The excitement surrounding “Wicked: For Good” continues to grow, ensuring it will be a notable addition to the cinematic landscape.
