The anticipation forWicked: For Good, the continuation of the spellbinding tale of Elphaba and Glinda, has been immense. But a surprising creative decision has sent ripples through the fandom: a beloved, iconic song has been cut from the sequel.
Director Jon M. Chu, fresh off the success of the first film and its multiple Oscar nominations, revealed that “Defying Gravity,” arguably the most famous song from the entireWickeduniverse, will not appear inFor Good. This wasn’t a casual choice; it was a deliberate recalibration after a crucial test screening.
Chu initially envisioned opening the sequel by revisiting “Defying Gravity,” hoping to immediately reconnect audiences with the emotional core of the first film. He believed a reminder of Elphaba and Glinda’s powerful bond was necessary before plunging into a story where they are separated. But the audience response told a different story.
The test screening revealed something unexpected: audiences didn’t *need* to be reminded. They were already invested, already carrying the weight of that relationship with them. “We don’t need to go back,” Chu realized, a pivotal moment that reshaped the film’s opening. “Having Defying Gravity…doesn’t help us. We lived it. We have been processing that.”
Wicked: For Goodwill delve into the aftermath of Elphaba’s bold defiance of the Wizard of Oz, a moment that shook the very foundations of Oz. The film promises a deeper exploration of Elphaba and Glinda’s fractured relationship, and the challenges they face as they navigate a world forever changed by their choices.
The sequel boasts a stellar cast, including Jonathan Bailey as Prince Fiyero, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, Ethan Slater as Boq, and Colman Domingo as the Cowardly Lion, alongside the returning stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. But at its heart, Chu insists, this is a story about two women.
“It’s all about the girls, as they say,” Chu emphasized. “These girls actually get to shatter the dream, rebuild these characters, and give them a wickedness and a goodness.” He believes this sequel is the true reasonWickedwas brought to the screen – a chance to explore the complexities of female friendship and forgiveness.
The stakes are undeniably higher inFor Good, promising bigger action and more dramatic confrontations. Yet, Chu maintains that the film’s core remains a profoundly moving story about connection, resilience, and the enduring power of friendship in a world desperately in need of it.
Wicked: For Goodis scheduled for release on November 21, 2025. Whether fans will ultimately embrace the absence of “Defying Gravity” remains to be seen, but the director’s vision suggests a bold and emotionally resonant continuation of this beloved story.
