LAS VEGAS – The excitement surrounding the Wicked franchise reached new heights at CinemaCon, where the women of Oz celebrated their remarkable success and offered a thrilling preview of what’s to come. Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba, addressed a packed audience of theater owners, noting that it has indeed been an extraordinary year for the beloved Broadway adaptation. This year, the film garnered an impressive 10 Oscar nominations, including prestigious categories such as Best Picture, Best Actress, and Best Supporting Actress. With a staggering box-office performance, ranking as the third-highest domestic earner of 2024 at $433 million, Wicked has firmly established its place in pop culture.
As part of the festivities, Erivo and her co-star, Ariana Grande, unveiled the highly anticipated trailer for the upcoming sequel, Wicked: For Good, set to hit theaters on November 21. The new footage picks up right where the original left off, showcasing Elphaba defying the Wizard's (Jeff Goldblum) authority. In a gripping narrative twist, Elphaba finds herself on the run, leaving her friend Glinda (Grande) to grapple with her own identity while navigating a world that has turned against Elphaba.
The trailer reveals Prince Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey) in pursuit of Elphaba, accompanied by soldiers, amid a backdrop of propaganda from both sides. Viewers are treated to striking visuals, including posters vilifying Elphaba, while she counters with the phrase "Our Wizard lies" written across the skies. Much of the trailer focuses on the evolving relationship between Elphaba and Glinda, showcasing their reunion and the complexities of their bond. Key moments teased in the trailer include a wedding involving Glinda and Fiyero, hints of Fiyero turning against the Wizard to aid Elphaba, and an uprising led by animals in Oz.
In a nod to the original story, Erivo's Elphaba warns, “I’m off to see the Wizard,” echoing Dorothy's iconic line. Grande emphasized her character's journey of self-discovery as Glinda the Good, while also acknowledging the hard work of concession workers at a South Florida Cinemark during her speech. Meanwhile, Erivo highlighted Elphaba's struggle to harness her powers for good amid her exile. Producer Marc Platt promised that the sequel will delve deeper into the complexity and profundity of both characters, offering audiences a richer narrative experience.
Director Jon M. Chu revealed that Wicked: For Good will extend beyond the familiar stories of The Wizard of Oz, taking viewers past the moment when Dorothy arrives from Kansas. The trailer even features nods to the original tale, including scenes of Dorothy and her companions traversing the yellow brick road, as well as the Wizard’s command to retrieve Elphaba's broomstick. This strategic connection to the classic story is sure to resonate with both new audiences and fans of the original.
As anticipation builds for the release of Wicked: For Good, fans are encouraged to stay tuned for updates and insights into the enchanting world of Oz. Join our Watch Party and sign up to receive USA TODAY's movie and TV recommendations right in your inbox!
