Wicked: For Good Is Coming – Here’s What To Expect

A year after the release of the first film, Wicked: For Good will grace our cinema screens on November 21.

Those familiar with the musical understand that the release of the two films and the division of the plot align with that of the stage version, with the first act and first film concluding with the breathtaking finale of ‘Defying Gravity’ – and what a way to leave us on the edge of our seats!

There has been much debate online around whether discussing the premise of the second film should be considered a spoiler. Many believe that the final trailer for Wicked: For Good gives much more than just a glimpse into the film, since so many had no awareness of what was to come in act two.

 

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However, considering that Wicked is a screen adaptation of a 22-year-old musical – that is based on a 30-year-old novel following a 86-year-old film – can discussing the plot really be considered a spoiler? While the first film corresponded to the premise of the musical, featuring a replica of both the songs and narrative, Wicked: For Good has a little bit more to offer.

The soundtrack of the upcoming film features two brand new original songs created for this on-screen adaptation. The songs are titled ‘No Place Like Home’ which will be sung by Cynthia Erivo and ‘The Girl in The Bubble’ which will be performed by Ariana Grande.

Many anticipated that these new songs would be released prior to the film and its accompanying soundtrack, given that October 15 was the release deadline for Oscar consideration in the Best Original Song category. However, now it’s most likely that they will be released alongside the rest of the soundtrack.

A major stand out in the film trailer is of course the appearance of Dorthy and Toto – who feature in the second act in the musical in minimal roles. Considering act 2 takes part alongside the story of The Wizard of Oz, this is no surprise. Not to mention the cameo of The Wizard of Oz gang at the beginning of the first film.

 

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What seems to be catching the eyes of many is of course Dorothy herself, mainly because we have not caught a glimpse of who seems to be playing this iconic role. There has been much speculation that Dorothy is played by the young Irish actress Alisha Weir.

This potential casting of the Matilda actress has not been kept too much under wraps, as she was present on the red carpet at the London premier of Wicked and and was posing for photos alongside Elphaba and Glinda themselves at last year’s Critics Choice Awards. Could this be a simple coincidence or could Alisha have been subtly accompanying her fellow co-stars along the press tour? Only time will tell!

 

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If the film follows the direction of act two in the musical, Dorothy will only have a small part to play, likely appearing in a brief crossover. Given that her presence is uncertain, we hope to see her in some sort of interaction, especially if it’s to be an Irish star stepping into the jewelled silver slippers of this iconic character!

As we patiently await the return of the Wicked on our cinema screens, there’s not much to do other than listen to the previous soundtrack on repeat, rewatch the riveting For Good trailers, and of course “hold space” for the chaotic Wicked press tour that is soon to begin.

If you are going in blind to Wicked: For Good, all we can say is to be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster through the spectacular music and a definite tear-jerking plot.

Words by Leah Foran