This article was originally published on SFFGazette.com.
Wicked: For Good has finally arrived in theaters, and while we know this is the end of the story, much has been said about Universal Pictures potentially moving forward with various spin-offs, prequels, and sequels.
That likely hinges on the Wicked sequel's box office success. However, that's unlikely to be an issue when current projections point to a $120 million debut at the North American box office and a $200 million worldwide start.
We've already broken down Wicked: For Good's ending, but should you wait through the credits for any surprises or perhaps something that tees up this musical franchise's future?
No, Wicked: For Good doesn't have any mid-credits, post-credits, or end-credits scenes. When the movie ends, that's it, though you could always consider sticking around to see the names of all the people who worked hard to make this sequel a reality.
Wicked: For Good has 71% on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 145 reviews, meaning it falls short of "Certified Fresh" status by 4%. On the fan-generated Popcornmeter, it has a glowing 97%.
During a recent interview with The Guardian, filmmaker Jon M. Chu confirmed, "Generative AI was not used on this movie. If you see the camera shake, if you see a dancer and they’re not quite on time, that’s because humans made this. The string that plays just a little bit off-tempo, the wrinkle in her nose, that’s because it’s human-made. The world is part of the message."
Explaining that he considers himself "on the frontlines, telling one of the biggest stories" in the face of "political upheaval, social upheaval, cultural identity crises all around us," Chu added, "Movies are one of the few protected spaces. You have to put your phone aside, you sit with friends and strangers, you pay attention for two hours and you see the world through someone else’s eyes."
"I don’t even spend that much time listening to my loved ones," he continued. "I feel a grand responsibility – if people are giving me this time, coming into this bubble, I have to use it, to say, 'Do you see what’s happening on the outside?'"
Last year’s global cinematic cultural sensation, which became the most successful Broadway film adaptation of all time, now reaches its epic, electrifying, emotional conclusion in Wicked: For Good.
Directed once again by award-winning director Jon M. Chu and starring the spectacular returning cast, led by Academy Award-nominated superstars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, the final chapter of the untold story of the witches of Oz begins with Elphaba and Glinda estranged and living with the consequences of their choices.
Wicked: For Good arrives in theaters on November 21. Will you be checking it out in theaters this weekend?