New Look: Cynthia Erivo Transforms Into Elphaba in ‘Wicked: For Good’

Empire has released a brand new look at Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba in Wicked: For Good, the second part of director Jon M. Chu’s two-film adaptation of the hit stage musical.

Speaking with Empire, Chu explained that audiences have only seen half of the story so far, and the sequel will reveal the full picture. “I love that people get to see the full masterplan, and the full scope of what Cynthia and Ariana do in this movie,” he said.

“I’m so happy they were appreciated in the first one, but movie two is where the meat comes out.“

In Wicked: For Good, the story picks up after Elphaba defies the Wizard, played by Jeff Goldblum, and chooses her own path with an army of flying monkeys. Meanwhile, Glinda is left behind in the Emerald City under the influence of Madame Morrible, and Oz faces the threat of a growing oppressive regime.

The sequel also begins to step closer to the world of The Wizard of Oz, with the Yellow Brick Road being built as seen in the new image.

Chu teased what’s in store for the green-skinned heroine. “The stakes are higher than ever for Elphaba,” he explained.

“She’s fighting to expose the Wizard, but she’s alone in that. Can one person actually make a difference? She’s up against the Wizard’s propaganda, calling her the Wicked Witch, talking about how her skin is green and her soul is impure. What happens when the home you believed in doesn’t want you anymore? Is it worth defending? Why stay?” He said.

The film will follow Elphaba and Glinda as they step into the roles audiences know them for, the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good, while their friendship and the fate of Oz hang in the balance.

Wicked: For Good is directed by Jon M. Chu and written by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox. The film stars Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum, who all return from the first part. Universal Pictures is set to release it on November 21, 2025.

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