The first full-length trailer for Wicked's forthcoming sequel has been released, offering fans a glimpse of how The Wizard of Oz spin-off will conclude. Wicked: For Good will see Cynthia Erivo return as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, alongside Ariana Grande as Glinda the Good Witch of the North. The films have been adapted from the hugely successful Broadway and West End musical, which itself was based on Gregory Maguire's 2005 novel. However, the stage musical was split into two films for its big screen adaptation, with the second due to be released on 21 November. The two movies were shot simultaneously, at Elstree Studios in Borehamwood, between December 2022 and January 2024, with production interrupted mid-way through by the Hollywood actors' strike. Wicked wasthe highest-grossing movie of 2024 in the UK,and scored 10 Oscar nominations - winning two for best costume and production design. At 2hrs 40mins, the first film alone was almost as long as the entire length of the stage show. Erivo and Grande's chemistry and real-life friendship prompted several viral interview moments during the first film's promotional run last year, and the pair jointly opened the Academy Awards in March with a Wicked medley. But one challenge facing the sequel is that most of the best known songs from the musical, such as Defying Gravity, Popular and The Wizard And I, featured in the first film. The forthcoming sequel will feature two brand new songs,with director Jon M Chu telling Vanity Fair:"They're great additions to this movie. They were necessary in this movie to help tell the story." Grande and Erivo will be joined once again by co-stars Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey and Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard. Wicked: For Good will pick up where the first film left off and cover the years after Elphaba and Glinda's decision to part ways. Elphaba is now an enemy of the state of Oz, while Glinda has become a public figure controlled by the Wizard. The new trailer shows Glinda standing on a balcony overlooking a mob of angry people carrying flaming torches searching for Elphaba. It ends with Elphaba saying she's "off to see the wizard" before flying on a broom into the distance. Chu said: "Our heart was broken when Glinda can't make the choice that we want her to so badly at the end of movie one, and it feels empowering for Elphaba to fly away from society. In movie two, we get to see the consequences of those choices. The temperature is up."
First trailer for Wicked sequel released
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"First Trailer for Wicked Sequel 'Wicked: For Good' Released"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
The recently released full-length trailer for the sequel to the acclaimed film "Wicked" offers fans an exciting preview of how the story will conclude. Titled "Wicked: For Good," the sequel sees the return of Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Ariana Grande as Glinda, the Good Witch of the North. The films are adaptations of the popular Broadway musical, which itself was inspired by Gregory Maguire's 2005 novel. This cinematic adaptation has been split into two films, with the second installment set to hit theaters on November 21. Both movies were filmed simultaneously at Elstree Studios in Borehamwood, during a production period that spanned from December 2022 to January 2024, although filming faced interruptions due to the Hollywood actors' strike. The first film achieved remarkable success, becoming the highest-grossing movie in the UK for 2024 and earning ten Oscar nominations, including two wins for best costume and production design.
In the sequel, the narrative will continue from where the first film concluded, exploring the aftermath of Elphaba and Glinda's decision to part ways. Elphaba is now regarded as an enemy of the state of Oz, while Glinda has ascended to a position of public prominence, albeit under the influence of the Wizard. The new trailer highlights a tense scene where Glinda is shown overlooking an angry mob searching for Elphaba. It concludes with Elphaba declaring her intent to see the wizard, flying off on her broomstick. Director Jon M. Chu emphasized the emotional weight of the characters' choices, stating that the sequel will delve into the consequences of their actions. Notably, the sequel will introduce two original songs, addressing the challenge of not reusing the most iconic numbers from the first film, such as "Defying Gravity" and "Popular." With returning cast members including Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, and Jeff Goldblum, "Wicked: For Good" promises to further develop the beloved characters and their intertwined fates.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The release of the first full-length trailer for the sequel to "Wicked" serves multiple purposes within the entertainment industry and among its audience. This article highlights key aspects of the film while also subtly influencing public perception and engagement with the franchise.
Promotion of the Franchise
The article aims to generate excitement for "Wicked: For Good," the sequel to the highly successful adaptation of the Broadway musical. By detailing the return of beloved characters and the involvement of well-known actors like Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, it seeks to attract both fans of the original musical and new viewers. The mention of the film's release date and production details emphasizes the anticipation surrounding the sequel, aiming to bolster ticket sales and viewership.
Audience Engagement
By showcasing the chemistry between the lead actresses and their viral moments during the promotional activities for the first film, the article fosters a sense of community among fans. This connection is essential for building a supportive audience base, as it encourages fans to discuss the film and share their enthusiasm on social media. Additionally, the focus on new songs and the continuation of the story from the first film invites viewers to invest emotionally in the characters' journeys.
Challenges and Expectations
The article addresses potential challenges for the sequel, particularly the absence of some of the most popular songs from the original musical. By acknowledging this, it sets expectations for the new musical pieces and the overall narrative direction. This transparency can help mitigate disappointment while also creating curiosity about how the filmmakers will adapt the story.
Industry Context
The context of the film's production, including the impact of the Hollywood actors' strike, provides insight into the challenges faced by the entertainment industry. This information may resonate with audiences who are aware of broader socio-economic issues affecting the arts. Furthermore, the mention of the first film's success, such as its Oscar nominations, positions the sequel within a framework of high expectations that can influence perceptions of its quality.
Cultural Relevance
The sequel's themes of friendship, power dynamics, and personal evolution resonate with contemporary societal discussions. As Elphaba becomes an enemy of the state and Glinda navigates her public persona, the film taps into narratives about individuality versus societal expectations, which are particularly relevant in today's cultural climate.
Potential Manipulation
While the article primarily serves to inform and promote, it could be viewed as manipulative due to its selective focus on positive aspects and the strategic framing of challenges. By emphasizing star power and past success, it may downplay any potential criticisms of the sequel. However, this is a common practice in entertainment journalism aimed at maximizing audience interest.
In summary, the article effectively promotes the upcoming sequel while engaging fans and setting expectations. Its focus on key themes and character dynamics aligns with current cultural conversations, enhancing its relevance. The reliability of the information appears solid, as it draws from established facts about the film and its production.