The Creative Journey Behind “Wicked: For Good”
Director Jon M. Chu has a clear vision for the second part of his “Wicked” film series. This film emphasizes emotional depth while pushing creative boundaries. One of its most striking sequences is the split-door scene during the song “For Good.” Interestingly, this moment was not part of the original script.
During rehearsals, stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande started improvising a goodbye scene. As they embraced and pretended to interact with an imaginary door, Chu found himself moved to tears. He recalls, “I started to weep.” This spontaneous moment changed everything. Chu became so engrossed that he forgot to call “cut.” The realness of their farewell inspired him to tear down a physical wall on set to capture that feeling authentically. “They told me I couldn’t use the set anymore if I did that,” he says. “But it was the moment that mattered.”
This scene ultimately became the emotional heart of the film and even influenced the title—“Wicked: For Good.” Chu’s dedication to authenticity shows his commitment to the storytelling process.
In creating the film, Chu also needed to navigate the established linguistic rules of Oz, which had been shaped by Stephen Schwartz, the original stage composer. For example, saying “I love you” is taboo in their world. However, when Erivo said it during filming, Chu fought hard to keep that line. It emphasized the humanity of the characters. Schwartz eventually agreed to the change.
Chu describes the second film as darker and more political than the first. He highlights Boq, played by Ethan Slater, whose transformation into the Tin Man reflects deeper themes of alienation and rage. In a powerful scene, Boq stands amidst fire, sharing his grievances. “This is the moment when he really loses his heart—not when he turns to tin, but when he finds community in hate,” Chu explains.
Fans of the original musical often debate if Glinda knows Elphaba is still alive at the story’s conclusion. Though Chu has his own thoughts on this, he prefers to leave it open to interpretation, allowing viewers to engage with the material in their ways.
The film also touches on timely issues like misinformation and societal divides. Chu believes that the themes resonate even more today. “The line about truth not being a matter of fact was written years ago. That shows the power of a timeless story,” he notes. He observes that societal themes explored in the film now feel even more relevant.
With each passing week, “Wicked: For Good” becomes increasingly significant, showcasing the universal struggles of its characters. The film is currently showing in theaters, inviting audiences to experience its powerful message.
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Ariana Grande,Cynthia Erivo,Jon M. Chu,Wicked: For Good
