Wicked: For Good’s Ending Desert Holds a Secret Meaning

Thescreescore – Director Jon M. Chu has shed light on the enigmatic desert scene at the conclusion of "Wicked: For Good," offering a hopeful interpretation of the seemingly barren landscape. The sequel, starring Ariana Grande-Butera and Cynthia Erivo as Glinda and Elphaba respectively, continues the narrative of the beloved Broadway musical, with a stellar cast including Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum.

Riding high on its recent release, "Wicked: For Good" has already made a splash at the box office, raking in $30.8 million during Thursday previews. This impressive figure marks the best preview gross of the fall season and the highest of 2025 thus far, signaling a promising run for the film.

In a post-release interview with Entertainment Weekly, Chu delved into the symbolism behind the desert that Elphaba and Fiyero venture into during the film’s final moments. He revealed that the creative team had initially considered "darker and scarier versions" of the desert, but ultimately opted for a more optimistic portrayal.

According to Chu, the desert represents "possibility," a blank canvas where anything can happen. He elaborated, "[There were] versions of that desert that were a lot darker and scarier – like walking into your fears. [But ultimately, the desert] is not dead space, it’s possibility. No one has explored that horizon because everyone’s too scared. Let’s put sparkles in that sand!"

Chu’s inspiration for the desert stems from L. Frank Baum’s "The Wizard of Oz," where the area beyond Oz is referred to as the Deadly Desert. This ominous name conjured up images of a terrifying and desolate place, which initially influenced Chu’s "darker and scarier" vision.

However, given the lack of definitive descriptions in both the original novel and the stage musical, Chu and his team had the creative freedom to define the desert’s visual representation. While "Wicked: For Good" doesn’t offer extensive details, the desert is far from a desolate wasteland. Instead, it embodies potential and new beginnings for Elphaba and Fiyero.

This optimistic interpretation adds a layer of hope to the film’s ending. Despite Elphaba’s forced exile and Glinda’s unawareness of her survival, the desert symbolizes that even in the face of adversity, new opportunities and possibilities await. It suggests that being "changed for good" can open doors to unforeseen adventures and a brighter future. As reported by thescreescore.com, this subtle yet significant detail offers a more uplifting conclusion to the "Wicked" saga.