Composer Stephen Schwartz discussed the two original songs he created for 'Wicked: For Good,' the second installment in the film adaptation of the hit musical, which opened to $147 million domestically. In an interview, he explored the themes of the tracks 'No Place Like Home' and 'The Girl in the Bubble,' drawing parallels to contemporary American issues. Schwartz also expressed openness to future spinoffs in the Oz universe.
New Songs and Thematic Depth
Stephen Schwartz, the composer and co-creator of 'Wicked,' crafted two new songs for 'Wicked: For Good' to enhance the emotional and thematic arcs of the characters Elphaba and Glinda. 'No Place Like Home,' performed by Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, addresses themes of a changing homeland and personal responsibility amid societal shifts. Schwartz noted its relevance to America today, stating, 'If you are someone who feels that it hasn’t gone in the right direction, what do you do about it? What is your responsibility as an individual citizen?' The song features animated animals, a sequence impossible on stage due to logistical constraints.
Glinda's 'The Girl in the Bubble,' sung by Ariana Grande, marks a pivotal turning point for the character, highlighting her decision to step out of privilege and confront turmoil. Schwartz explained, 'She makes a courageous choice to give up the privilege that she has.' Both songs were written from scratch for the film, balancing the leads' journeys, with the second movie focusing more on Glinda's development.
Box Office Success and Production Insights
'Wicked: For Good' launched with a strong $147 million domestic opening weekend, totaling $223 million globally, surpassing expectations. Schwartz remains cautiously optimistic, awaiting word-of-mouth performance, saying, 'I’m still waiting to see how it holds up.' The film expands on the stage musical's second act, adding new music to sequences like the opening and Elphaba's visit to her sister, while including Glinda in 'Wonderful' for better character interaction.
Directed by Jon M. Chu, the movie concludes the two-part adaptation with action elements and emotional depth, ending on the heartfelt duet 'For Good.' Schwartz credits the team's patience in development, thanking Universal for allowing time to refine the story.
Future in Oz
Regarding expansions, Schwartz hinted at possibilities beyond the current films. 'Oz is a very rich territory. There are a lot of stories there,' he said, adding, 'I think there may be some other visits to Oz in the future, and I might even be participating in one of them.' This opens doors for spinoffs, building on L. Frank Baum's expansive world.