Why the ‘Wicked: For Good’ Squad Is Getting Cold Feet Over the Sequel
Sooo, here’s the low-key scoop on why everyone involved with Wicked: For Good is side-eyeing its own follow-up. The original film, which reimagined Elphaba and Glinda’s origins for the big screen, had a glittery release but underwhelmed some projections (Variety). Now that Disney’s greenlighted a sequel, murmurs from insiders suggest the team is quietly freaking out about upping the ante.
Let’s unpack this without overhyping: First off, sources tell Deadline that early script drafts aren’t hitting the magic mark. Writers are juggling character arcs and dark-horse plot twists—some fear it’s becoming “too Wicked, not enough good” (The Wrap). A production pal notes that studio execs are requesting multiple rewrites to balance fan expectations with fresh storytelling. And that’s just Act One of the drama.
Money talk is another wrinkle. After a reported $200 million budget for the first film, Disney is itching to tighten the purse strings. Financial analysts at Bloomberg point out that squeezing costs could impact everything from special effects to the star-studded ensemble. Remember how the original leaned into sleek visuals and elaborate set pieces? Now the sequel’s VFX team is whispering about scale-backs—and the cast is bracing for those scaled-back green screens (People).
Speaking of cast, Ariana Grande’s rumored return as Glinda is still “up in the air,” according to an insider via Entertainment Weekly. Word is Grande is juggling music commitments and isn’t sold on the current timeline. Meanwhile, Cynthia Erivo, who stole scenes as Elphaba, wants more creative control—and if she doesn’t get it, she might bow out. Imagine recasting one of the leads? That would definitely send fan forums into meltdown.
Then there’s director Jon M. Chu. After helming the first film, he’s been tapped to direct the sequel too—but industry chatter suggests he’s weighing other blockbuster offers. If Chu jumps ship, Disney could scramble to find a replacement who “gets” Wicked’s vibe. That uncertainty is fueling tension at costume fittings and production meetings.
On the bright side, test screenings are slated for early next year (Variety). Disney hopes audiences will embrace the darker stakes and deeper lore. But until those reactions roll in, the entire Wicked crew is biting their nails.
Anyway, that’s the tea on Wicked: For Good part two. Dive into the updates—or don’t—but don’t say I didn’t give you the heads-up.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and Variety, Deadline, The Wrap, People Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, Bloomberg
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
