One of the co-writers of <em>Wicked</em> provides insights into how the highly anticipated second movie will enrich the narrative of the original stage play. To successfully adapt the beloved Wicked stage musical into a cinematic experience, director Jon M. Chu and his creative team made the strategic choice to divide the story into two feature films, each capturing one act of the theatrical performance. The first movie premiered in November 2024, receiving acclaim from critics and a slew of Oscar nominations. The second installment, initially titled Wicked: Part Two, has been renamed Wicked: For Good and is scheduled for release on November 21, 2025.
In a recent interview with ScreenRant during the WGA Awards, the screenwriter of Wicked: For Good, Dana Fox, elaborated on how the sequel will further develop the themes and characters established in the stage play. Fox noted that while the first film was filled with crucial plot points from the initial act, the second act provides the writing team with ?a little bit more room to be able to explore.? This opportunity allows them to delve deeper into the complexities of Glinda and Elphaba’s ?friendship and their relationship to each other.? For a deeper understanding, check out Fox’s complete quote below:
Dana Fox: Part Two actually has a little bit more room to be able to explore. Part One was pretty packed in terms of what was in the first act of the play, and all the things we knew we had to do. We explored, we deepened, and we tried to give you moments that you didn’t have in the play and make sure we were taking advantage of the fact that this was a movie and you could fly and you could move around and you could get right up in the girls’ faces. But in the second movie, there’s a little bit more space for interpretation and space to go to a few places that you don’t go to in the play, so I’m excited for people to see it.
I think I would just say it’s, “Don’t ever forget what the emotional core of the movie is about.” In every single moment that we were working on this, we were thinking about the girls and their friendship and their relationship to each other. We knew it was a platonic love story and that, in every single scene, even if the other character isn’t in the scene, you have to know that they’re thinking about each other. You have to know where they are in their journey of falling for each other.
What I love about this story is that you watch these two women meet each other, and they hate each other so much because they know that they’re the loves of each other’s lives. I’ve met people, like when I met my husband, where I was like, “This is going to ruin my life because I love you so much. It’s going to ruin everything.” I love that people get a chance to see that with female friendship.
Understanding the Expansion of Themes in Wicked: For Good
Exploring the Platonic Relationship of Glinda and Elphaba
Fox’s insights reveal a profound comprehension of Wicked‘s fundamental themes, emphasizing that the narrative is fundamentally centered on the dynamic between these two characters. The conversation surrounding how Wicked: For Good will elaborate on concepts from the stage production will likely reassure those concerned that the second act may lack the depth of the first. While the second act of Wicked boasts memorable songs, the most iconic numbers, such as “Defying Gravity” and “Popular,” are predominantly found in the first act. Consequently, there has been apprehension that the follow-up film could be perceived as inferior.
However, if the direction suggested by Fox’s comments materializes, it appears that audiences can expect a rich and engaging experience. Her choice of words is particularly noteworthy as she addresses the intricate relationship between Elphaba and Glinda. There has long been debate surrounding the potential romantic undertones of their connection in Wicked, a discussion that gained renewed momentum with the release of the first film. Fox acknowledges the complexity of their bond but confidently frames it as a portrayal of “female friendship” and a depiction of “platonic love” rather than a romantic relationship.
Our Insights on the Latest Updates for Wicked: For Good
Wicked: For Good Promises Unique Narrative Elements
The initial Wicked movie adhered closely to the original stage production. Aside from the expansion of the song “One Short Day” to include cameos from Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, the film preserved the original songs and narrative structure of the stage show. Nevertheless, the franchise has access to the entirety of Gregory Maguire’s novel, which contains numerous scenes and elements absent from the stage adaptation. Based on Fox’s comments, it seems that Wicked: For Good will focus on expanding these ideas and themes, primarily through the exploration of the central relationship that drives the story.
