As Wicked: For Good dominates the box office, screenwriter Winnie Holzman and actor Jonathan Bailey share insights into expanding the story's second act for the screen. Holzman discusses enhancing key scenes like the duet 'As Long As You're Mine' with more anticipation and sexiness, while introducing new songs to deepen character emotions. Bailey explains his portrayal of Fiyero's pivotal choice regarding Elphaba and their powerful duet.
Overview
Wicked: For Good, the second installment of the film adaptation of the Broadway musical, concludes the story of Elphaba and Glinda. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the movie stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, and Ariana Grande as Glinda. Screenwriter Winnie Holzman, who co-wrote the original musical with composer Stephen Schwartz, teamed up with Dana Fox to adapt Act 2, which originally lasted just 45 minutes on stage.
Expanding the Narrative
Holzman emphasized the need to flesh out the story while preserving its core. 'Everything grew from within the characters and the story that already existed,' she told Variety. Key additions include depicting the yellow brick road's construction as slave labor involving mistreated animals, drawing parallels to historical injustices like the Underground Railroad. The film also heightens emotional stakes, such as Glinda's deeper involvement in the 'Wonderful' scene, where she convinces Elphaba to meet the Wizard, making her hesitation more understandable.
A montage of the friends' innocent times at Shiz University flashes back at the end, contrasting their past with the present sacrifices. Holzman noted, 'It's so touching,' highlighting the collaboration that moved scenes like the poppy field picnic to the sequel for greater impact.
Highlighting 'As Long As You're Mine'
The duet between Elphaba and Fiyero stands out for its revised sensuality. Unlike the stage version's immediate intimacy, Holzman crafted a slower build-up. 'What's sexy to me is anticipation,' she said, quoting Carly Simon. Fiyero enters Elphaba's hidden lair, wearing Paul Tazewell's cardigan, and explores her world, leading to a subtle, guarded seduction. Bailey's performance shows Fiyero evolving from a carefree player to someone deeply affected, culminating in levitation directed by Chu.
New Songs and Themes
To amplify Elphaba's sacrifice of leaving Oz, Holzman and Schwartz added 'No Place Like Home,' referencing The Wizard of Oz while conveying her love for her homeland despite persecution. Glinda gets a song about living in a 'bubble' of fraudulence, reflecting her transformation and inability to ignore the truth.
Bailey on Fiyero's Arc
In a Hollywood Reporter interview, Bailey discussed Fiyero's choice to side with Elphaba, bringing vocal power to their duet. He highlighted the emotional depth required for the role, aligning with the film's themes of friendship, sacrifice, and resistance.
Holzman expressed gratitude for the audience response, joking about potential sequels amid Universal's plans and Gregory Maguire's new book, Glinda, A Charmed Childhood.