Jon M. Chu Announces Wicked Is Being Split Into Two New Films

Fellow Ozians, rejoice. Jon M. Chu revealed a special update on his musical adaptation of Wicked. Universal Pictures will release the first Wicked movie on Dec. 25, 2024, and the second exactly one year later.

In Nov. 2021, Universal found its two witches for the highly anticipated Wicked film. Ariana Grande was announced as Glinda The Good Witch, a character she called her “dream role” in a tweet that resurfaced in 2011.

After announcing their Glinda, Universal needed their Elphaba, the often misunderstood, green-skinned Wicked Witch of the West. Cynthia Erivo, the English actress and singer-songwriter, will embody the role right by Grande’s side.

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Cast in New ‘Wicked’ Adaptation for Universal https://t.co/FdC08Swbob #ArianaGrande #WickedMovie pic.twitter.com/53j5R5dyf3

— Glitter Magazine (@glittermagazine) November 10, 2021

Chu took to social media to thank his fans for all the love and support and explain the decision behind making two films instead of one.

“Here’s what happened: as we prepared this production over the last year, it became increasingly clear that it would be impossible to wrestle the story of Wicked into a single film without doing some real damage to it,” stated Chu.

After many attempts to cut songs and shorten character arcs, Chu felt that those decisions would harm the film, especially since Wicked is one of the most beloved musicals of all time. He ultimately needed more space to work with, stating, “With more space, we can tell the story of Wicked as it was meant to be told while bringing even more depth and surprise to the journeys of these beloved characters.”

Chu sweetly ends the post by assuring fans that they are working hard to produce the best interpretation of the Broadway show by offering an experience that pays tribute to the story.

“Cynthia, Ariana, and I –and all of the cast and crew — pledge to create nothing less than an experience that honors its foundation for all the fans who’ve waited for this movie, and to offer a thrilling, fantastical world full of dynamic characters that invite those in who are unfamiliar,” stated Chu.

Something beautiful in The Oz is happening. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are powerhouse vocalists who will undoubtedly do their respective roles justice. Be sure to follow the Wicked Instagram page for more film updates.