Wicked: For Good - Jon M Chu's Vision, Grande & Erivo's Chemistry, and the American Dream

Exploring the World of Wicked

• 💡 The film series Wicked offers a unique twist on the classic Oz legend, exploring it from the perspective of the Wicked Witch, Alphaba.
• 📌 Alphaba, played by Cynthia Erivo, is shunned for her green skin, while Glenda, played by Ariana Grande, is a popular princess, whose stories intertwine as they become best friends.
• ⚠️ The first film reveals a shocking truth about Oz: it's built on a foundation of discrimination, oppression, and fascism, with the animal kingdom serving as a slave cast.
• 🧠 Director Jon M. Chu believes timeless stories are always relevant because they explore the human condition and the power dynamics between the powerful and powerless.

Jon M. Chu's Vision and Journey

• 🚀 Chu's journey, from his parents' immigrant dreams of starting a restaurant to becoming a renowned director, is presented as a testament to the American dream.
• 💬 He challenges the traditional notion of the "melting pot," suggesting it's more like a "soup" where individual identities are preserved while coming together.
• ✨ Chu's films, including Wicked, surpass the stage musical in orchestration, dialogue, pace, and character development, offering a different cinematic experience.

Casting and Character Depth

• 🎭 The casting of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande was a brilliant move, noted for their public affection, matching tattoos, and striking voices.
• ✅ Their vocals were not pre-recorded, even during flying scenes, showcasing their talent and a "connective tissue to truth" that Chu sought.
• 💚 Erivo's Alphaba represents the audience's perspective as she drops into this new world, while Grande's Glenda undergoes a significant transformation.

Timely Themes and Storytelling

• 🌍 The first movie addresses "green phobia" as a form of everyday racism, while the sequel, Wicked: For Good, delves deeper into themes of segregation and oppression.
• ⚡ The film is timely, addressing uncertainties during the COVID pandemic and our relationship with AI, with Chu proudly stating no generative AI was used to preserve human imperfection.
• 🎯 Chu sees himself as a storyteller on the front lines, using movies as protected spaces to connect, reflect, and make statements about political, social, and cultural crises.