Thescreescore – A year after Wicked soared into cinemas, Wicked: For Good is already captivating audiences. The sequel, which adapts the second act of the beloved Broadway musical, stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as Elphaba and Glinda, the iconic witches of Oz. The film boasts a stellar supporting cast, including Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Marissa Bode, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, and Jeff Goldblum. The central conflict in For Good revolves around Elphaba’s battle against the Wizard of Oz (Goldblum) to end the oppression of Animals. Glinda finds herself torn, as the Wizard’s elevation of her status grants her popularity but requires her to ignore his wrongdoings. This creates a rift between the two friends, especially when Fiyero, Glinda’s fiancé, leaves her for Elphaba.
As in the stage production, Glinda ultimately aids Elphaba, warning her of an impending mob attack. However, unlike the Broadway version, For Good delves deeper into Glinda’s motivations through a new song, "The Girl in the Bubble." Producer Marc Platt, who oversaw both the musical and the films, explained that expanding Glinda’s character arc was always a goal.
Platt stated that due to time constraints in the stage production, certain story elements were cut or left unexplored. He added that the creative team always envisioned elaborating on these aspects in a film adaptation, particularly in the second half.
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According to Platt, the first film primarily focused on Elphaba’s character development, while For Good centers on Glinda’s journey and transformation. He emphasized that understanding this distinction highlights the organic nature of the two-part film. The second film allows for a more in-depth exploration of Glinda’s past, revealing the origins of her need for magic and her willingness to live a lie.
Platt further explained that the goal was to give Glinda a defining moment, akin to Elphaba’s "Defying Gravity," that signifies her shift in motivations. He noted that Glinda lacked a comparable song in the second act of the stage musical, providing an opportunity for her to reflect on her true self and the courage required to embrace it.
The decision to incorporate additional songs into For Good has garnered mixed reactions from audiences and critics. While "The Girl in the Bubble" and Elphaba’s new track, "There’s No Place Like Home," showcase the actors’ vocal prowess, some have criticized the songs for slowing down the film’s pace.
In addition to the new songs, the film also refines Glinda’s arc by having her actively pursue Elphaba’s mission and restore safety for Animals in Oz, rather than merely implying it. Regardless of the changes from stage to screen, Wicked: For Good delivers on its premise, highlighting the damaging effects of performative goodness and leaving a lasting emotional impact. thescreescore.com
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