Director Jon Chu provided insight on upcoming sequel titled Wicked: For Good which is coming November 21 2025 focusing on complex aftermaths for characters Cynthia Erivo Elphaba and Ariana Grande’s Glinda and their interpersonal relations in follow up after events of first film. Chu suggested the first movie focused on choices while part two is heavily focused on all related consequences for actions undertaken.
Relationship Dynamics and New Musical Numbers Anticipated in Upcoming Second Instalment of 'Wicked'
Chu suggested both characters Glinda played by Ariana Grande plus Elphaba played by Cynthia Erivo will not be totally happy within Wicked: For Good implying potential difficulties. Jon also left a hint of more new songs after Cynthia mentioned she added her own writing into the film project but he has not provided exact answers related to musical tracks on camera. Chu has noted that this part of the story will make Elphaba and Glinda relationship’s very important to this storyline with exploration into the complicated situations and issues involved with each individual characters development. E! News provided Jon M Chu a special space to highlight upcoming movies during exclusive interview at 11 pm January 7th that will provide more detail.
Director's Reflection on Fan Engagement, Creative Inspiration for The Wicked Movie Project
Jon stated that both audience engagement and reactions were a favorite of the project since fans creatively took to costumes choreographies songs from movie in their daily interactions. Cynthia encourages viewers to openly singalong to movie in theater during showings . Cynthia is the star that plays the famous Elphaba and continues to win awards with three total Golden Globe nominations adding further awards hype for film during promotional push. She mentioned in her personal statements how meaningful the nominations have been to her acknowledging her amazing project she shares with Wicked movie family. You can view Wicked at home on Fandango as a digital release on December 31 plus a 4K release on February 4 following many positive fan responses.
Celebrity Reactions Following The 2025 Golden Globe Nominations Including 'Wicked' Leads
Celebrities reacted to Golden Globe nominations in many ways including Timothée Chalamet for his role in A Complete Unknown. He felt humbled stating the open mindset present in 1960s America was the baseline to inspiration for films like his and other new creative content. Edward Norton a notable Fight Club actor also applauded the team work for film A Complete Unknown and acknowledged Denzel Washington as a hero of cinema in a public statement to his fans. Emma D'Arcy also celebrated her House of the Dragon nomination adding personal touches about the project for her audience after the award nominations came public this year. Dakota Fanning who was nominated for Ripley expressed excitement to work alongside actor Andrew Scott also working on that project.
The very popular Star Wars actor Diego Luna shared gratitude for Golden Globe nomination that acknowledged the character he played with the La Máquina team on Hulu as its first Spanish language series. Billy Bob Thornton who was nominated for Landman has mentioned working on the project as fulfilling and special expressing deep thankfulness. Guy Pearce a film personality also gave praise to The Brutalist production staff after his own nomination along with many crew for project . Ted Danson appreciated Golden Globes nomination as well as thanking Michael Schur creator of Man on the Inside for all of the opportunities and guidance over the many years of work with Netflix. Ariana Grande has had special reaction following her Best Supporting Actress nomination for Wicked describing gratitude beyond simple words acknowledging work of her other colleagues in the film industry also.
2025 Golden Globes Nominations Highlight Diverse Talents In Film And Television Industry
Javier Bardem who was nominated for Monsters : The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story appreciated the exquisite work and talent throughout different departments plus sharing this acknowledgement with all from Netflix including Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan creators. Jamie Foxx for best standup nomination mentioned his gratefulness after going on deeply personal and moving journey. Adam Brody celebrated with the entire crew over nominations of Nobody Wants This Star expressing their absolute joy with project for shared success. Nikki Glaser comedian also earned a Best Performance nomination which followed her experience as host of Globes this year while heading into busy year for the performer with numerous public and tv appearances. Cooper Koch also from Monsters was shocked and grateful and used this opportunity to bring acknowledgement for those impacted sexual assault adding powerful message from a young new talent.
Nicole Kidman has celebrated recognition with Golden Globe nominations as well for best actress in film Babygirl sharing words of kindness. Sebastian Stan thanked Golden Globes also and recognized his two nomination with A Different Man and The Apprentice adding that this project helps provide much needed creative risk and growth . Jesse Eisenberg expressed honor after his film A Real Pain also was listed among nominations plus sending an explicit hug to Kieran Culkin who also got award nomination that night. Andrew Scott provided sincere message about the unique opportunity he had when creating the character he played in Ripley showing true humbleness in his character. Sofía Vergara stated her honor while receiving the acknowledgement from her performance in Griselda transitioning over to a dramatic actress for the new film from her previous comedy career work.
Selena Gomez received two nominations for Only Murders in the Building and Emilia Pérez saying she was grateful for opportunity provided showing her humility and drive. Hannah Einbinder added gratitude and shared appreciation for team effort required to create Hacks which offered her a very personal and strong impact. Tilda Swinton simply said thanks after being nominated for a great performance she created in her recent movie. Jessia Gunning provided sincere message expressing immense thrill after having worked on Baby Reindeer with a fantastic cast and the message of how much that meant for her. Hugh Grant described feelings of being surprised yet pleased by Best Actor nod due to role in Heretic adding humor and light tone that resonated on set with co stars in performance. Adrien Brody after Best Actor nod with Brutalist he shared great emotions and deep thankfulness after hard creative process. Felicity Jones also nominated from Brutalist shared similar sentiments in a grateful and humble tone for the award nomination. Kathy Bates finished saying thanks for award for Matlock adding love to many crew she shares work experience with all in good spirit after hard creative work.
Jon Chu Discusses The Unique Creative Approach for Wicked, Intimate Story Details Plus Teamwork Behind The Production
Jon M. Chu has used specific knowledge gained through 15 years in film to understand the workings of a movie studio while maintaining creative freedom. Chu described protecting the creative integrity of a movie by manipulating studio using resource allocations and directing financial support so creative vision of story could continue unimpeded by outside influences from fans or other team member overstepping on productions integrity. Chu feels that his role and job is to protect studio assets and the overall creative goal by producing high caliber output worthy of a strong box office and also meeting a need that has always been present in pop culture history.
Chu described the specific pitch provided to Universal Executives as showcasing Oz and cinema legacy which also had the need to be done properly and with good intent . He described the need to emphasize the massive work completed by thousands of team members during the project using limited computer graphics that showcase practical sets in an effort to provide a human feeling on top of more complex and creative output from cast and crew. Chu mentioned many offers on the production that offered music costume designs or other effects but he decided to focus more on intentions of story with restrictions placed on budget during creative decisions which he believes improved overall product. The movie focuses on two young women played by Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande Glinda with themes focusing on differences and identity struggles.
Marc Platt producer for Wicked chose Cynthia for Elphaba adding another unique dimension due to experience from being “othered” showing all vulnerabilities from personal struggles through this role with clear expression of personal trials faced in life that connect into this project. Jon believes that casting of Cynthia as a major achievement of his directing tenure because of how easily her energy added to project while helping tell the story as truly as possible using her talent and experience. Chu said his own work to create a personal connection in the film that goes back as to when he was a kid watching stories and dreaming as that connects the work to who he truly is and as a creative talent in films.
The sound design is exceptional because of Simon Hayes showcasing the first time many understood lyrics creating deeper connection to the songs in Wicked for a very large and growing audience base. Wicked contains moments that act to subvert normal roles or traditional movie and book tropes when addressing certain sensitive subjects related to social justice where a Black skin color adds new perspective for Elphaba showcasing new levels of creativity. The lyrics as provided in Wicked give deeper view into specific and real societal structures using context within stories from our history. Chu spoke about the creation of the score using Stephen Schwartz and a 100 piece band. Jon shared multiple zoom sessions were held to refine existing music including Dana Fox, Stephen Schwartz, Marc Platt , and Winnie Holzman as key members who addressed every aspect and specific reason for past changes that needed proper addressing.
'For Good' Number From 'Wicked' Sequel To Showcase Emotional Weight in 2025 Release on Big Screen
For Good the name given to new title for sequel included input from Stephen Schwartz who will help elevate movie along with the original performers also who worked closely alongside Jonathan Bailey for all songs during main production. Elphaba and Nessarose's nanny a character called Dulcibear received changes to make character more humane than before in an effort to express complexities of humanity without showing a singular perspective for negative character elements. "Kill her" became the chosen wording instead of "Get her" within the lyrics for Defying Gravity adding to higher risk factor at end of scene while providing stronger message of intent from opposing forces in conflict with Elphaba. Nessarose will be shown as more empowered in movie as it highlights the character's lack of needing help through character arcs within the movies story structure also with insight from actresses with different abilities and also different experience of disabilities. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are stated to be going over all subtexts through their personal lyric delivery practices.
Ariana Grande's difficult role was overcoming previous perceptions people had on her in order to become something entirely new which the studio felt needed to show great range for a very difficult character and show a growth through character arc and new abilities with new direction. Cynthia during an initial meeting while performing her piece “Wizard and I” made everyone in attendance recognize that their casting decision had major potential. After numerous attempts Ariana brought something new to the production every time which required specific care to develop and create a wholly new type of character that audiences can enjoy over years to come.
Chu Plans Big Releases of Other Movies As A Production Schedule For Upcoming Projects Including Crazy Rich Asian and Other Films
Chu's long career allowed him unique ability to work with top level executives and studios such as Universal with upcoming releases for Wicked :For Good alongside his previous title as Crazy Rich Asians while utilizing opportunities to take charge with all directorial experiences within multiple projects while learning from best production companies and individuals in the film industry to add new skill sets. Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber writing new material for possible movie version of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat has created further potential avenues to explore with talented cast including possibilities of Erivo and Grande playing narrator parts for creative flexibility. Jon feels as with Oliver there is much room to expand on material due to opportunities to include new dialogue. Dana Fox has currently taken on the role of writing material for new version of film for release as Jon’s next musical release opportunity for his directing skills.
Chu mentions other films to work on after all production is finished including The Woman in Me that is Britney Spears memoir plus Oh the Places You’ll Go that are part of larger collaboration from Pasek and Paul alongside Jill Culton that will be fully animated in a grand project release. A musical adaptation of Crazy Rich Asians has already begun active production showing he values all prior successes with future production values from a wide breadth of sources both within animation film television live theater and more. Wicked: For Good the sequel continues a focus on what is considered ‘home’ and if those places are worthy of protection while simultaneously expanding themes that involve choice and difficult life consequences while showcasing relationships between all key actors as production values grow at a higher pace for an entirely new set of audiences across the entire world to view and critique.
Wicked generated 635 million worldwide plus the movie remained in theatres after December while offering digital versions through many platforms such as purchasing movie for $29.99 with rentals around $19.99 alongside all physical discs. Peacock a streaming service will also host the original wicked film later this year during it’s promotional run which is highly strategic and also shows the dedication to production budget and revenue expectations. Musicals tend to be rewatched and analyzed so many viewers will take an active roll in rewatching key scenes by Elphaba Glinda and others while waiting for 2025 second Wicked movie to come and provide more creative output and additional themes and story development.
Musical Director Jon Chu discussed creative challenges when bringing classic show to big screen with its many popular themes to broader fan bases beyond the Broadway origins highlighting what it’s like to share art as a key point of his creative output which includes a massive collaborative team of talented production crew. Chu explained that all songs become extensions to expression creating moments that highlight different viewpoints and various feelings based on character or even plot. Chu wanted the project to be big but also authentic in production methods so a 16 ton train set in Emerald City is a perfect example along with sets in other places like Munchkin Land all built as practical sets that can provide strong authentic connections to the narrative. Jon did chemistry read for the film using past musical performances to gauge ability and then after auditioning Ariana five different times decided it would become part of the production. Erivo presented immediate potential for powerful roles which provided all additional elements of story direction with high production value in mind.
Cynthia will lead in Wicked which shows personal growth over character arc and also Glinda changes also will continue to impact production alongside her. Producer Platt feels a great connection with all story elements noting they run parallel and are all very significant for both lead character's growth and narrative importance of overall storyline for broader reach to public and critics alike. The team has worked very carefully over project to live up to both Wizard of Oz and prior Wicked showings making it an ongoing challenge while building over nine million tulips as the set for creative and visually dynamic effect during productions
Golden Globe Awards Highlight Film's Strengths Alongside The Year's Other Key Media Releases From 2024
The Beverly Hilton hosted 2025 Golden Globe Awards with many A list celebrities with CBS and Paramount + handling broadcast of awards shows also. Nikki Glaser hosted show that awarded many important contributors within film such as for both TV and larger film and theatrical releases. The awards that day gave much recognition to Wicked which did really well with numerous nominations along with popular programs such as Shōgun from Hulu as well as Netflix Emilia Pérez along with highly lauded Baby Reindeer and also Hacks receiving all due accolades from that particular award session for many contributors and high production values. Fernanda Torres also surprised everyone when she won the lead actress in movie drama I’m Still Here. Demi Moore provided an extremely emotional acceptance speech at the Golden Globes after her win for The Substance film from this 2025 event and the reactions shared show the impact that the project had on a large demographic within the entertainment industries public and also general viewers worldwide for high quality productions. Zendaya had a lot of positive attention surrounding her at award show after photos and engagement ring was caught on camera which generated online buzz on various media channels.
82nd Golden Globe Awards had several interesting and memorable parts from both public performances and private candid moments between cast and crew as they all collected awards during evening as many notable people collected awards from both musical comedy and dramatic categories. The voting team made contributions with The Brutalist and Emilia Perez leading the film nominations highlighting global perspective. Comedian Nikki Glaser served as host and offered many jokes in her style which also reflected many challenges faced by multiple organizations with unique sense of humor she used in the award hosting event after her past success with Netflix roast of Tom Brady to larger crowds now . The award show has a specific international appeal also because that award organization has undergone huge transformation since Hollywood Foreign Press Association that brings new perspective from new ownership groups that all value unique perspectives. Golden Globes provided important moment to see talents and to be reminded that in the midst of chaos we always find time to self reflect and focus on creative content and other works.