Warning: this article contains slight spoilers for Wicked: Part One
Wickedwas already a massively popular musical, but the new film adaptation has already proven to be as celebrated as its predecessor.Wickedboasts an incredibly talented cast, led by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as Elphaba and Glinda respectively, who make the characters and their songs come to life in a new way. Initiallyinspired byThe Wizard of Ozand theWickedbook, the movie is able to focus on Elphaba’s story in a way that expands upon the musical, in part due tothe decision to splitWickedinto two parts.
Even with the knowledge thatWicked: Part Twowill add more to the story, fans and critics are already laudingWicked. The movie currently holds an 89% critical approval rating and 96% audience approval rating onRotten Tomatoes, and there is already Oscars buzz surrounding it. Additionally, while there some hints out there regarding the second half ofWickedfor fans of the play,Wicked Part Twohas the opportunity to even exceed the popularity of the first installment. However, while someaspects ofWicked: Part Twomay be expected, the movie’s soundtrack will definitely be a departure from the musical.
Wicked 2 Is Confirmed To Have Two New Original Songs
Little Is Known About The Songs Themselves
UnlikeWicked, which makes use of the songs composed originally for the Broadway musical that premiered in 2003,Wicked:Part Twowill feature two new songs. Though the actual content and themes of the songs are not known yet, one positive sign is thatthey were written by the original composer and lyricist, Stephen Schwartz, who is also serving as an executive producer for the films (viaNBC).
How Powerful Elphaba Is In Wicked Compared To The Wizard Of Oz’s Wicked Witch Of The West
Elphaba has a lot of powers in 2024’s Wicked, but she doesn’t have as many powers as the Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz.
Given the fan response toWickedand the performances by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, it is safe to say that the original songs are in good hands.The performers are able to perfectly convey the thoughts and feelings of their characters, so it will be interesting to see what they can do with songs that they will originate. In 2023, Schwartz confirmed toThe Messengerthat “The storytelling required it, and therefore they were created,” (viaPlaybill). This fits with the notion that the movies, with their additional time, are able to explore Elphaba’s journey further than the musical.
Wicked 2 Adding New Songs Will Give The Movie A Huge Difference To The First
The Two New Songs Could Add New Details Or Emotional Depth
The songs from the musicalWickedare beloved by fans, soadding two new songs forWicked: Part Twowill already create a huge difference in the soundtrack. Because the songs are written by Stephen Schwartz, it is a fairly safe bet to assume that they will be able to match the tone of the originals, but what the additions entail is still a big question.
Wicked’s Subtle Character Detail Hints At Who Really Brought Dorothy To Oz
On top of the many confirmed connections to The Wizard of Oz, one likely theory proposes that a Wicked character brought Dorothy to the Land of Oz.
Based on what Schwartz has said about the story “requiring it,“the songs may appear in sequences that have been added toWicked: Part Twothat were not in the original musical. It is possible that the songs will focus on Elphaba and Glinda to create a deeper look into how their friendship struggles and changes as Elphaba becomes The Wicked Witch. Alternatively, the songs could deal with Dorothy’s appearance, sinceWicked: Part Twois speculated to include Dorothy’s arrival in Oz. Regardless of their topic, the new songs will undoubtedly add an exciting new layer toWicked: Part Two.
Wicked 2’s New Songs Are A Major Risk
They Are A Departure From What Fans Of The Musical Know And Love
Despite, or maybe because of the popularity ofWicked, adding two new songs toPart Twoof the movie is a huge risk. Fans of the original musical have enjoyed the same songs since 2003, soadding new songs to the mix could result in a negative response.Though the songs were written by Schwartz himself and are likely to blend well with the originals, they still may not live up to what people have imagined, as is often the risk with re-imaginings of popular media.
While the reaction may create a risk, the anticipation to hear those two new songs will also generate excitement among fans.
It was certainly toWicked’sbenefit that its soundtrack was popular before the movie was even released, thanks to the music being part of the original musical. But the second half won’t share the same advantage; rather than simply adapt songs already appreciated by audiences, it will need to craft all-new music that will hopefully be as well-received as what came before them.
Wicked
Cast
Wicked adapts the Broadway musical into a two-part film, following the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, born with green skin, and Glinda, a popular aristocrat, in the Land of Oz. As they navigate their contrasting paths, they evolve into Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
