New Songs Expand Characters in ‘Wicked: For Good’ Film

London, England – Director Jon M. Chu announced today at Deadline’s Contenders London that the upcoming film ‘Wicked: For Good’ will feature new original songs for characters Glinda, played by Ariana Grande, and Elphaba, played by Cynthia Erivo. This decision aims to deepen their stories beyond what was presented in the original stage play.

Chu reflected on watching one of the first performances of ‘Wicked,’ stating that he always preferred the second half of the musical. “I saw the show before everyone on Broadway, so I was sort of patient zero,” Chu said. “I remember what it felt like to watch this new Stephen Schwartz musical. And I thought the second half was the reason to be.”

In his discussion, Chu explained the themes of personal struggle and societal expectations that he wanted to explore in the film. “How lonely is it when you make a choice like that and you have to stand up to power?” he asked. “To me, those were the bigger questions of the Wicked saga.”

The additional songs will serve to provide deeper insights into the characters’ experiences. Chu commented, “We needed more songs, because we needed more avenues into that mindset,” emphasizing the importance of music in conveying complex emotions.

During the session, Chu also addressed the impact of Artificial Intelligence on the film industry. A Palo Alto native, he recognized technology’s role in his own career but expressed concern over its implications for artists, saying, “The original sin was when they stole the images and works of artists.”

‘Wicked: For Good’ has already made history by becoming the best first-day ticket pre-seller for 2025, outperforming films like ‘Demon Slayer‘ and ‘Taylor Swift: The Official Release Party of a Showgirl.’ It currently ranks among Fandango‘s top 10 best all-time first-day ticket pre-sellers.

The highly anticipated film is set to hit cinemas on November 21.