‘Wicked’ and more hit the big screen

By: Leyah Jackson

It’s getting Wicked! 

Emerald City will be back on screen soon “defying gravity” once again in the second Wicked movie, “Wicked: For Good” on November 21. The two main characters Elphaba and Glinda, played by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, will serenade viewers once again, and it’s “going to be popular!”

“It was amazing. The soundtrack was stuck in my head for so long and I still go back to it sometimes,” said Jayla Carpenter, first-year theater major when asked about the original Wicked  musical.

Much is expected for the new movie, and those that loved the original musical have high expectations for the storyline and the actors. NBC presented fans with much to look forward to in their Wicked: One Wonderful Night special that aired last Thursday. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande performed ‘For Good’ along with many other musical gems that are expected to appear in the new movie. 

The special was filmed in October at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles in front of a live audience accompanied by a 37-piece live orchestra led by award-winning musical director Stephen Oremus. The venue was transformed into a magical Emerald City-inspired set.

“I learned so much from Elphaba and Glinda and from Cynthia and Ariana,” said  Jon M. Chu, director of the movie in an interview with NBC. “I think I’ve gotten to let go of that idea of proving yourself.”

The NBC special left fans wanting more, but fear not! The movie will be in theaters next Friday, and it isn’t all people have to look forward to. 

Zootopia 2 will be in theaters just a week after Wicked: For Good on Nov 26. Fans will soon see detective Hops and her partner Wild on the screen once again. In December, those waiting to see what will happen next in Pandora can be on the lookout for Avatar: Fire and Water.

There is much to be expected for 2026 as well. The new Michael biopic teaser was released last week, featuring Michael Jackson’s real life nephew, Jaafar Jackson reliving the late King of Pop’s iconic moments. Its expected release is April 2026.