Wicked director teases 'epic' Part Two is about 'consequences'

Jon M Chu shares his excitement for the next instalment of Wicked with Yahoo UK, ahead of its return in 2025.

Watch: Director Jon M Chu teases what to expect from Wicked Part Two

Wicked Part One may only just be defying the box office in cinemas (pun intended), but fans are no doubt already keen to learn more about Part Two which will be released in November 2025.

Director Jon M Chu tells Yahoo UK that viewers can expect it to be another "epic" production, with the narrative finding Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) having to face new challenges after going against The Wizard. The film adapts the second half of the musical it is based on, which includes aspects of The Wizard of Oz including Dorothy Gale's unexpected arrival in the magical land.

Warning: This article contains some spoilers for Wicked

"Let me tell you, if movie One about choices movie Two is about consequences," Chu tells Yahoo UK. "[It's about] what happens when your home —and they say 'there's no place like home'— doesn't want you anymore?

"What happens when your home hates you? What do you [do? Do you] accept or not accept?"

What we do know is that the music will continue to impress in Part Two like it did in Part One, with the next film's soundtrack set to include hit songs like As Long as You're Mine and No Good Deed. The latter is a song that Chu says is a highlight of Part Two when Yahoo UK mentions it, as he shares: "No Good Deed is pretty epic, I can't wait for to see what [Cynthia Erivo] does with that."

WICKED, from left: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, director Jon M. Chu, on set, 2024.  ph: Giles Keyte /© Universal Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection
Jon M Chu (right) told Yahoo UK: 'If movie One about choices movie Two is about consequences, what happens when your home doesn't want you anymore?' (Universal)

Part One followed Elphaba —the future Wicked Witch of the West— as she was met with ostracism all her life, and how she finds acceptance of herself and her power while studying at Shiz University through her friendship with Glinda (Ariana Grande). Her magical ability draws the attention of The Wizard, but when she meets her idol she soon realises he is not what he claims to be and will only try to use her power for his own gain.

Read more:

How Wicked connects to The Wizard of Oz timeline

Wicked reviews praise Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande's 'breathtaking' roles

Why is the Wicked movie poster controversial?

Refusing to abide by the Wizard's whims, Elphaba escapes his clutches but finds herself publicly ostracised for it, and dubbed the Wicked Witch by the Wizard's partner Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh). Part Two explores her life in hiding as she tries to find a way to help save the talking animal community of Oz, whose very existence is threatened by the Wizard's machinations.

USA. A scene from the (C)Universal Pictures new movie : Wicked (2024) . Plot: Wicked is a prequel to The Wizard of OZ and goes through the life of Elphaba who is a nice girl until the disapproval of society turns her Wicked.  Ref: LMK110-J10580-050324 Supplied by LMKMEDIA. Editorial Only. Landmark Media is not the copyright owner of these Film or TV stills but provides a service only for recognised Media outlets. pictures@lmkmedia.com
Wicked Part Two will include aspects of The Wizard of Oz, and find Elphaba on the run after being branded the Wicked Witch of the West for daring to go against the Wizard. (Universal)

Her journey will be impacted by the arrival of Dorothy, who famously pours a bucked of water on the Wicked Witch of the West to vanquish her in The Wizard of Oz.

Wicked Part One opened with Glinda telling the public that Elphaba is dead after melting when Dorothy throws water on her, but will the story truly follow the children's story we all know and love? Or will it surprise us?

Ariana Grande plays Glinda in the new Wicked movie. (Universal)
Wicked Part Two adapts the second half of the musical, and will be released in November 2025. (Universal)

After Part One ends on the sensational Defying Gravity there will be some desperate to see what comes next for Elphaba, Glinda and the others. Fans will have to wait until November 2025 to find out, unless they go to see the musical on stage in the West End or Broadway.

The good news is that Part Two has already been filmed as both movies were filmed back-to-back. No set date has been announced for Part Two's release, but this will no doubt be confirmed during Wicked Part One's run in cinemas, or shortly thereafter.

Wicked Part One is out in UK cinemas now, Part Two will premiere in November 2025.