‘Wicked: For Good’ Moments We Can’t Cease Pondering About — Sure, Together with THAT Scene – The Boston Courier

We’ve been modified (for good!) now that “Wicked: For Good” is lastly out on this planet.

After a complete 12 months of ready, the second and (hopefully) closing a part of Jon M. Chu’s imaginative adaptation of the Broadway musical, starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, made its technique to theaters on Nov. 21. The wrap-up film picks up a while after Erivo’s green-skinned Elphaba defied gravity and the Wizard’s (Jeff Goldblum) authoritarian regime, and single-handedly modified the way forward for Oz.

With Elphaba now dwelling in exile after Madame Morrible’s (Michelle Yeoh) Depraved Witch propaganda marketing campaign, and Glinda the Good (Grande) having fun with the palace perks of Emerald Metropolis, the sequel follows the estranged witches of Ozas they grapple with the results of their selections in Half 1.

Longtime “Wicked” followers might already be acquainted with how the remainder of this untold origin story goes. Nonetheless, with a runtime of two hours and 17 minutes, Chu as soon as once more takes audiences on a grandiose journey by way of the Land of Ozthat results in an electrical finale sealing Glinda and Elphaba’s fates, sure, for good.

On this chat beneath, HuffPost staffers discuss every thing you could learn about “Wicked: For Good,” together with Grande’s and Erivo’s Oscar-contending performances, the long-awaited “Wizard of Oz” character reveals, and the songs and scenes which have everybody speaking — plus, what’s been mentioned to date about one other potential sequel.

I really can not think about anybody else within the roles of Glinda and Elphaba. Clearly, a bunch of actors auditioned for these roles, together with pop star Reneé Rapp and actor Amanda Seyfried (for Glinda) and actors Cristin Milioti and Phylicia Pearl Mpasi (for Elphaba), amongst others. However Ariana Grande as Glinda has confirmed to be an ideal selection for this manufacturing — she clearly has the singing chops and has clung to her performing skills from her Nickelodeon days. Selection says Grande’s efficiency in “For Good” solidifies her as a bona fide film star.

Cynthia Erivo is not any stranger to Broadway, clearly, as she received a Tony for her stirring efficiency as Celie in “The Color Purple” on the Nice White Method. She’s had quite a few movie and TV roles, together with “Harriet,” “Widows” and “Genius: Respect.” In “For Good,” Erivo is actually enchanting — and I received’t neglect that unbelievable riff in “Defying Gravity” any time quickly. — Erin

You mentioned it completely, Erin! From the chemistry we’ve seen on the press excursions alone, it’s clear these two have been meant to play these roles collectively. I’ll say that whereas Grande is getting quite a lot of reward for her efficiency on this second movie, it’s Erivo who blew me away. After all, she was simply as dynamic in “Wicked” — who might neglect that spellbinding finale efficiency of “Defying Gravity.” However the emotional depth she brings to Elphaba in “Wicked: For Good,” from accepting her destiny because the Depraved Witch of the West to convincing everybody, even Glinda, that she went down melting, made me actually love this movie. Listening to her sing “No Good Deed” gave me chills. — Njera

I’ve by no means seen the stage play of “Wicked,” nor have I ever learn the 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire. So I actually didn’t know what to anticipate for both movie. That mentioned, the reveals for the Depraved Witch of the East, Scarecrow, Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion have been actually enjoyable and stunning. I might really feel myself getting offended throughout Nessarose’s (Marissa Bode) scene with Boq (Ethan Slater). Then it was like a lightbulb lastly went off once I lastly discovered what was happening. I type of liked that we by no means get a completely targeted second on Dorothy (Bethany Weaver). My solely quibble is that by the point we meet the Scarecrow, it looks like it’d be WAY too late for him to fulfill up with Dorothy as her first companion on the yellow brick highway. The Cowardly Lion (Colman Domingo) saved pissing me off along with his scary self. I’ll say, after all of the hoopla round Domingo getting this function, he was probably the most irritating character to look at. — Erin

I, too, went into watching “Wicked: For Good” with out understanding all of the lore, which I believe made it extra thrilling to determine whose character would flip into whom from “The Wizard of Oz.” Nessarose took me abruptly, however I noticed who Boq would develop into throughout their dramatic breakup scene (which supplies a wise trace in case you pay shut consideration). Pondering again on the occasions of “Wicked” and Elphaba’s dedication to vindicating the animals, I additionally discovered how they’d carry The Cowardly Lion’s character full circle. My solely grievance is that the few traces we get from him (Colman Domingo deserved extra!) have been spent bashing Elphaba when all she tried to do was assist. Once more, justice for my woman!

When it got here to the Scarecrow, I agree, Erin, I felt like his transformation occurred approach too late for him to have time to fulfill Dorothy, befriend her and comply with accompany her to see the Wizard. That timeline merely didn’t make sense to me. In my view, that character additionally didn’t have the traits that will justify him being the Scarecrow, however I suppose that’s how this adaptation wanted to remain true to the unique story, particularly for the ending to play out the way it did. However all in all, these reveals have been enjoyable to piece collectively within the theater. — Njera

If I needed to log one actual grievance about our “Wicked” saga over the past 12 months, I’d say that there’s no purpose this two-parter couldn’t have been one film. This goes counter to my common emotions that almost all motion pictures ought to solely be 90 minutes lengthy. However there’s no purpose this story wanted to be instructed in virtually 5 hours. I’ve been studying in regards to the supply materials, and apparently, it’s extensively recognized that Act 2 of the stage musical is weaker than Act 1. If that’s so, I don’t see why this couldn’t have been one 2-hour and 45-minute movie. It’s nonetheless lengthy, but maybe it might’ve made the entire venture stronger with only one viewing expertise. — Erin

Agreed, I actually suppose we have to abandon the thought of splitting motion pictures into a number of elements if there’s not sufficient justification. I loved “Wicked,” however even with its spectacular songs, an almost three-hour film is a very exhausting watch. And despite the fact that I believed “Wicked: For Good” moved its plot alongside a bit too quick, particularly towards the tip, it nonetheless didn’t should be longer than two hours. If somebody can level out a non-capitalistic purpose as to why this musical wanted two separate movies, then possibly I’ll change my tune. However I really feel like we, the viewers, might’ve nonetheless had a satisfying expertise if Jon M. Chu trimmed the fats down and located a technique to inform this sweeping story in a single sitting. A 15-minute intermission à la-“The Brutalist” might’ve undoubtedly labored right here. — Njera

OK, so I wasn’t anticipating a lot from this steamy scene between Fiyero and Elphaba in her hideout, provided that this film is rated PG. Nonetheless, I used to be nonetheless stunned that this quite sexy scene alludes a lot to those two doing the horizontal tango after professing their love to one another with “As Long As You’re Mine,” simply… with out all of the bells and whistles. All that mentioned, I’ve a bone to select with Chu and costume designer Paul Tazewell about that large ass chunky knit cardigan Elphaba wears for almost all of the scene. I get it, it is a family-friendly film that hundreds of thousands of children are watching, too. Nonetheless, Elphaba might’ve worn some tasteful lingerie extra becoming for the second. I imply, what was the purpose of getting her disrobe from her witchy clothes simply to cowl up with THAT ratty ol’ factor to have intercourse?

In an interview with Deadline, Chu mentioned he purposely made this intercourse scene much less horny than the Broadway model, however I believe that was a mistake. Between getting no tender Elphaba-Fiyero kiss and the largest cardigan I’ve ever seen somebody put on to mattress, we deserved just a little extra right here. If we’re going to go all out with this finale, it ought to’ve been with a bang. Or not less than some extra provocative gestures a couple of bang. — Njera

That cardigan was SO humorous to me. Truthfully, I’d put on it myself — however undoubtedly not for horny time. It appears just like the type of cardigan I’d preserve at work over the again of my chair for when it will get just a little chilly. It appears like Elphaba had on some black lingerie beneath that blanket-like sweater, and I might have been so completely satisfied to see extra of a reveal of that lil’ quantity. I’m glad Elphaba and Fiyero bought to have a second, however sure, I might have liked for it to be not less than twice as horny. At the least! — Erin

The most typical sentiment I’ve heard about “Wicked: For Good,” which I agree with, is that the songs are a lot much less memorable than these from the primary film. They’re not unhealthy, per se (the Jeff Goldblum-assisted “Wonderful” is fairly enjoyable), however collectively, I didn’t take pleasure in them as a lot as I had hoped. Erivo’s efficiency of “No Good Deed” might be my second favourite total, however the very emotional anchor track “For Good” takes the cake. Grande and Erivo’s duet practically made me shed a tear within the theater. And like “Defying Gravity,” it’ll most likely be caught in my head for the remainder of the 12 months. — Njera

I’ve been listening to the soundtracks — to Half 1 and Half 2 on repeat since I noticed the movie final week. I completely liked that duet, “For Good.” One factor I discovered actually fascinating is that there are elements the place I couldn’t inform whether or not Erivo or Grande was taking the excessive notes. I looooove a very good concord, they usually nailed it. I’ll say, I undoubtedly cringed on the moments when Yeoh needed to sing. She’s an unbelievable actor, however her singing voice will not be robust in any respect. — Erin

Once more, I wasn’t acquainted with every thing that occurred within the “Wicked” stage play earlier than seeing “For Good,” so the ending took me by full shock. In my head, I believed this was a plot twist Chu threw in to provide the second movie an epic finale. However both approach, I liked it. In actual fact, I cheered when what I believed could be a tragic, unhappy finish to Elphaba’s story turned out to be successful in all the most effective methods. With out gifting away an excessive amount of, the “good guys” get their completely satisfied ending (or as completely satisfied as they are often after every thing that went down), and the villains, together with that evil Madame Morrible, all reply for his or her crimes. I believed it was a satisfying conclusion to this wild “Wicked” journey, so hopefully all this discuss one other sequel doesn’t change that. — Njera

The ending of the movie blew me away — once more, principally as a result of I didn’t know what to anticipate. There’s just a little twist to the plot of “The Wizard of Oz,” however is unique to the stage manufacturing of “Wicked.” (I received’t spoil it right here, both!) It was very fulfilling. — Erin

Common, the studio behind “Wicked,” instructed Vulture this in regards to the potential for extra of Elphaba and Glinda: “Because of ‘Wicked’s’ success but also the fanship, we have almost a responsibility to figure out how we can continue in this universe,” Michael Moses, the chief advertising officer at Common, instructed Vulture. “Have we figured it out yet? No. But there are things underway.”

Feels like a cash seize to me! I don’t suppose we actually want this, however seeing how a lot cash “Wicked” has raked in, not simply the movies, however all of the advertising ploys round it, I’d be stunned if Hollywood didn’t go after extra. However you already know, we at all times might use that cash to fund extra unique productions! Simply saying! — Erin

Hollywood’s capitalistic urge to churn out extra sequels to a film solely primarily based on its monetary success, versus a inventive trigger, won’t ever stop to amaze me. That is just like the “Barbie” impact once more, which has foolishly paved the way in which for extra forthcoming toy-inspired movies, together with a live-action model of “My Little Pony” and “Hot Wheels”… once more, who requested for these? “Wicked: For Good” ended the way in which it ought to. There’s no have to proceed from right here. We’ve had sufficient “Wicked” promo to final two lifetimes — Common, please don’t torture us with extra.

Chu instructed Selection there are “a lot of ideas” flying round a couple of third “Wicked” movie, however I’m siding with Bowen Yang’s tackle that: “I think we leave it here.”

Such as you mentioned, Erin, there’s a world the place all that cash could possibly be put to higher use to fund extra unique motion pictures (those that Hollywood nonetheless hasn’t discovered may be simply as profitable as present IP). However sadly, on the finish of the day, showbiz remains to be simply that — a enterprise extra apprehensive about getting its return on funding than investing in originality. However certain, one other “Wicked” film is simply what we’d like. — Njera

“Wicked” earned two Academy Awards earlier this 12 months, for Greatest Costume Design and Greatest Manufacturing Design. It was additionally nominated for Greatest Image, Greatest Actress and Greatest Supporting Actress, amongst different nods. “Wicked: For Good” has appeared on a lot of brief lists for the 2026 awards ceremony. (The nominations will probably be introduced in January.) I believe it’ll win Greatest Costume Design once more, however the manufacturing design for “Frankenstein” was very spectacular. Grande could possibly be up towards Teyana Taylor (“One Battle After Another”) and Amy Madigan (“Weapons”), which I believed have been stronger performances. Erivo, within the Greatest Actress class, would doubtless be towards Jessie Buckley (“Hamnet”). I noticed “Hamnet” final week, and whew, Buckley is unbelievable there. — Erin

I’ve seen blended responses to the “Wicked: For Good” Oscars buzz, with some folks noting how the sequel doesn’t fairly examine to how nice the primary movie was, a lot much less the remainder of this 12 months’s award-worthy releases. The Greatest Actress and Supporting Actress classes have some critical competitors, however I wouldn’t be stunned if the franchise nabbed one other Greatest Image nomination. Greatest Costume Design looks like a given, however we’ll simply have to attend and see if the film can pull off wins in the primary classes, too. — Njera

“Wicked: For Good” is in theaters now.