Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for Wicked Part 1 & Part 2!
After watchingWicked: Part 1, the anticipation during the year-long wait forWicked: Part 2is going to feel simultaneously excruciating and exhilarating. Since it release in 2003, the Broadway musicalWickedhas become a worldwide sensation, being performed in over 100 cities across 16 countries. Unsurprisingly, theWickedmovie adaptation garnered just as much enthusiasm. However, what was originally planned as a single film became atwo-partWickedmovie, leading to concern that the big-screen version was just a cash grab.
Luckily,those worries proved unfounded after the release ofWicked: Part 1, which was nothing short of a cinematic masterpiece.The extended run time on the first movie, which last ten minutes longer than the entire Broadway musical, allowed the creative team to flesh out the characters and expand upon the relationships.Wicked: Part 1endedon a high note with Cynthia Erivo’s incredible version of “Defying Gravity,” a perfect place to pause. However, the year long wait until therelease ofWicked: Part 2will prove more difficult than expected based on the success of the first movie.
Wicked Was A Great - So Waiting A Year For Wicked 2 Is Difficult
Jon Chu’s Wicked Defies Gravity Because Of The Incredible Acting and Music
Because of how popular the Broadway musical is, expectations were sky-high for the movie adaptation, enhanced further by the wait between the film’s announcement and the release. Luckily, the movie exceeded expectations in terms of visuals, acting, and story.Wicked’s cast is packed with seasoned Broadway and West End actors, so it’s no surprise that the musical aspects of theWickedsoundtrackare impeccable.
Cynthia Erivo perfectly encapsulates Elphaba, making her complex and emotional as she tries to figure out her place in Oz.
In addition to nailing the songs, the leading actors thrive in their roles. Cynthia Erivo perfectly encapsulates Elphaba, making her complex and emotional as she tries to figure out her place in Oz. Though many viewers were skeptical about Ariana Grande’s casting as Glinda, the actress pays beautiful homage to Kristin Chenoweth’s original character while adding new, subtle layers to the character, which will undoubtedly continue to grow inWicked: Part 2.
Though theWickedmovie makes changes to the Broadway musical, the adaptation also remains exceptionally loyal to the source material. However, the film also stands on its own without having seen the stage show, making it perfect for fans of the stage show and newcomers alike.
Every Song In Wicked, Ranked
The Wicked movie brought all the songs from the Broadway musical’s first act to the screen, and though each is great, they weren’t created equal.
Ultimately, the quality ofWicked: Part 1makes it feel impossible to wait a whole year to see the second half. With a movie this good, it would almost be worth it to watch a 5 to 6-hour-long film in the theater. Still, splittingWickedup into two parts makes it easier to focus on and appreciate all the small elements that come together to make it so magical.
There’s Still A Lot Of Great Moments & Songs To Look Forward To In Wicked 2
Wicked: Part 2 Will Include Many Iconic Moments Familiar To The Wizard Of Oz Fans
On top of how greatWicked: Part 1is, the knowledge of what’s coming makes it even harder to wait a year for Part 2. The second half of the story overlaps with The Wizard of Oz. As such, the upcoming movie will include significant moments like theWickedcharacters becoming theirWizard of Ozcounterparts, Dorothy arriving in Oz, and Elphaba getting melted by a bucket of water.
Wicked: Part 2should also offer the first official recording of the song “The Wicked Witch of the East,”which was left out of the albumWicked (Original Broadway Cast Recording)because the lyrics include numerous spoilers. ManyWickedfans who have never seen the musical don’t even know this song exists, so the thought of them experiencing it for the first time is exciting. Based on Marissa Bode’s performance asNessarose inWicked: Part 1, there’s even more reason to anticipate this recording. She has a fantastic voice, and she could show off her acting versatility in this scene.
Wicked Part 2’s Story Explained: What Happens After Part 1’s Ending
The fast-paced ending of Wicked: Part 1 serves as a midpoint to the overall narrative, setting up a compelling story for Wicked: Part 2.
The second half of theWickedadaptation will also include heavy-hitting songs like “As Long As You’re Mine” and “For Good,” which are iconic Broadway songs. Though it’s not a fan-favorite song from theWicked OBC, “Wonderful” could also go over extremely well with Jeff Goldblum at the helm. The song relies on humor and cleverness, in which Goldblum excels. Plus, die-hard fans are even in for a surprise, since Stephen Schwartz revealed thatWicked: Part 2will include two new songs written specifically for the movie (viaPlaybill).
Wicked 2 Will Be Worth The Wait If It’s Anything Like The First Movie
Though Anticipation Is High, Wicked: Part 2 Should Be Worth The Will
Though it’s frustrating to wait a year forWicked: Part 2, the second half will be well worth the wait if the second movie is anything like the first.Wicked: Part 1defied gravity by offering up an adaptation that’s just as good as, if not better than, the stage show. The beloved story is clearly in excellent hands, with Jon M. Chu as the director and Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande leading theWickedcast.
There’s no reason to believe thatWicked: Part 2will be anything but excellent. After all, the first movie was powerful enough for multiple viewers to admit on social media that they literally cried with joy watching it. It might be difficult to tolerate the anticipation, but there are plenty of chances torewatchWicked: Part 1while waiting for the second half of the epic story.
Wicked
Cast
Wicked adapts the Broadway musical into a two-part film, following the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, born with green skin, and Glinda, a popular aristocrat, in the Land of Oz. As they navigate their contrasting paths, they evolve into Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
Wicked: For Good
Wicked: For Good concludes the two-part film adaptation of the acclaimed Broadway musical.
