Jon M. Chu Reveals Glinda’s Whisper to Elphaba in ‘Wicked: For Good’
Director Jon M. Chu has made a significant creative decision regarding the final shot in “Wicked: For Good,” as he aims to preserve its emotional impact. This two-part musical adaptation concludes with a poignant moment: Glinda whispering into Elphaba’s ear, a scene reminiscent of the iconic original Broadway poster.
Creative Control Over Marketing
Chu expressed his concerns about Universal Pictures executives wanting to use this powerful final image for marketing purposes. He was adamant that they should avoid revealing this shot ahead of the film’s release. “Yes. It was always the plan. I was always going to end on the whisper,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the shot’s significance.
The Importance of the Whisper
In his discussion, Chu highlighted how the whisper scene encapsulates the essence of friendship and secrecy between the two characters. He imposed strict guidelines, insisting that the studio never incorporate this shot into their promotional materials.
- Director: Jon M. Chu
- Film Title: Wicked: For Good
- Notable Scene: Glinda whispering to Elphaba
- Previous Marketing: Universal used a recreation of the original Broadway poster for the first movie.
- Release Date: October 2024
Fan Reactions and Controversies
The film’s marketing has stirred debate among fans, particularly after the poster’s release, which attempted to replicate the classic image. Social media erupted with corrections and criticisms of the poster. Many felt that it failed to capture the original’s essence, prompting alterations from fans using photo-editing software.
Actress Cynthia Erivo, who portrays Elphaba, expressed her discomfort with these edits. She condemned the manipulation of her image, stating that such actions diminish the integrity of their representation. “None of this is funny. None of it is cute. It degrades me. It degrades us,” she shared on her Instagram story.
Conclusion
“Wicked: For Good” is currently showing in theaters across the country, immersing audiences in the beloved story from a fresh perspective. Jon M. Chu’s dedication to preserving the emotional weight of the narrative reinforces the film’s unique position within the adaptation of this classic tale.
