Maya Chen is an HR consultant with over 10 years of experience in performance management and organizational development.
Regardless of your interest, the excitement surrounding Wicked: For Good is unavoidable. After a hectic press tour for the initial installment, attention is now on the stars and the latest chapter in the beloved franchise.
Last year's press circuit was notable for the deep bond between the two stars. Tearful interviews and public displays of friendship gained widespread notice. Despite jokes about being “annoying,” their friendship appears unbreakable. During the New York premiere, one star avoided interviews to protect her voice, while Grande allegedly did the same as a show of support. When asked about their emotions before the final installment, they expressed “overwhelming gratitude.”
Reports indicate that one star lost her voice and would not be speaking with press at the ‘Wicked: For Good’ premiere. Her co-star also skipped media appearances in solidarity.
The sight of accomplished women in their thirties frequently fussing over each other has sparked theories. Both have multiple matching tattoos related to the film, such as “Permanently” on their palms. On a podcast, Grande commented that their goal is to “look after each other” and adding she “channels energy” through physical touch.
At the international event, a man breached security barriers and rushed toward one of the stars. Cynthia Erivo quickly stepped in to shield her before security restrained the intruder. Identified as an admitted “troll,” the individual later shared video of the event online, which was strong criticism. Subsequent penalties and was sentenced to prison time.
Ariana Grande’s boyfriend, Ethan Slater, features in the sequel. The couple connected during filming of the first movie, during prior relationships. Despite social media posts, they have not done interviews together and have been apart in group photos, leading to breakup speculation. However, insiders familiar with the pair have denied these rumors, affirming that things are “great” between them.
Jeff Goldblum, portraying The Wizard of Oz, recently revealed that being part of the project led him to stop eating meat. The two stars are dedicated vegans, and another cast member follows a vegan lifestyle. This has motivated organizations to campaign to co-stars, such as Jonathan Bailey, hoping to convince them to switch to a vegan lifestyle. To date, he has not committed but has praised the movie's themes of tolerance.
Pre-sale numbers for Wicked: For Good are apparently surpassing those of the first film. In the UK theaters, tickets are selling at over double the pace. The movie has also inspired numerous product tie-ins, including drinks to TV events. In London even showcased a promotional yellow brick installation with musical quotes. Given the success, fans have talk about a potential third film.
The singer has suggested that her forthcoming tour—the initial in almost a decade—could be her last for a “foreseeable future.” She appears to be moving toward acting, including an upcoming project with renowned actors. Meanwhile, she has cultivated new interests like birdwatching and expressing interest in studying insects. Listeners hoping for another album, it might be a lengthy wait.
Maya Chen is an HR consultant with over 10 years of experience in performance management and organizational development.