*Warning: This article contains spoilers for Wicked: For Good.*
Wicked: For Good, the much-anticipated conclusion to part one of the blockbuster films based on the novel and Broadway show of the same name, is now in cinemas.
The narrative of Wicked, brimming with hidden parallels to The Wizard of Oz, wrapped up the storylines of frenemies and roommates Elphaba and Glinda, each ultimately achieving their deepest desires.
Elphaba finds love with Fiyero, who has transformed into the Scarecrow discovered by Dorothy. Meanwhile, Glinda is led to believe that both Elphaba and Fiyero have perished.
As she grieves for them, the pair secretly flee and finally find happiness together away from Oz, free from the judgement that once plagued them.
Simultaneously, Glinda confronts the reality about Madame Morrible and the Wizard. Witnessing their corruption first-hand, particularly their role in trapping and silencing the animals of Oz, Glinda plays a crucial role in exposing and overthrowing them, reports the Mirror US.
By liberating the animals and unveiling Morrible’s manipulation, Glinda ascends to power.
She eventually becomes the ruler of Oz, adored by its inhabitants, which is portrayed as her ultimate ambition from the outset. Whether this makes her a hero or a complex friend is left to the audience’s interpretation.
However, the film’s final moments contain several subtle hints that have fans speculating about the possibility of a third instalment under the direction of Jon M. Chu.
A crucial clue emerges when Elphaba and Fiyero make plans to flee Oz permanently. Elphaba tells Fiyero, « I wish Glinda could know we’re alive, but she can’t. No one can ever know. »
The statement has immediately triggered theories that their vanishing act might ultimately be revealed, possibly laying the groundwork for a future confrontation or reconciliation.
A further scene unfolds when Glinda announces to Oz’s citizens that the « wicked witch was dead. »
However, upon later using the Grimmerie, Elphaba’s spellbook, she receives a discreet signal suggesting her closest friend might have survived. This element equally creates room for the prospect of an additional instalment.
Supporters have already voiced their opinions on social media. One commented: « I feel like not doing it would make everything feel…incomplete in a way or at best would leave part 2 incredibly bittersweet then it already is. »
Someone else remarked: « There needs to be a Part 3. Glinda eventually finding out that Fiyero and Elphaba is still alive, Elphaba finding out that Madame Morrible killed Nessarose, maybe a heroic sacrifice on Elphaba or Glinda’s end. »
Others referenced the subsequent novels in Gregory Maguire’s collection. « It doesn’t end after For Good. There’s Son of a Witch and other books. I see it happening if the movie does as good as I expect, » one enthusiast observed.
Another viewer suggested continuing the franchise in sequence: « They should continue it on as the series goes! Son of a Witch…and then A Lion Among Men…with an Elphie prequel, and then Out of Oz to finish it off. »
One fan even put forward a separate reboot concept: « If anything they should remake The Wizard of Oz with the original songs with Ariana Grande who plays Glinda and Cynthia Erivo, who plays the witch of the west. »
Wicked: For Good arrived in cinemas on 21 November, and only time will reveal whether a third instalment will be added to the successful film franchise.
Wicked: For Good is in cinemas now
