Ariana Grande Says ‘Wicked’s’ Two-Film Shoot Was a Wild Ride

Update: 2025-11-22

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Ariana Grande as Glinda in Wicked: For Good, directed by Jon M. Chu.

<figcaption class="wp-caption-text" id="caption-attachment-172289">Ariana Grande is Glinda in WICKED FOR GOOD, directed by Jon M. Chu. Copyright © Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.</figcaption></figure>

When Universal greenlit Wicked as a two part film adaptation, the studio made the unusual decision to shoot both movies at the same time. That approach is rare in Hollywood, and at a press conference supporting the film, Ariana Grande shared insights into the process, mentioning it made the entire production a whirlwind for the cast and crew. She explained that there were days everyone arrived on set expecting to film scenes from the first movie, Wicked, only to learn they were suddenly jumping ahead to moments from the sequel, Wicked: For Good. The unpredictable schedule kept everyone on their toes and added a unique intensity to an already ambitious production.

Ariana Grande Says the Cast Had to Adapt to Each Day’s Filming

Click on the media bar below to hear how Ariana Grande discusses the unpredictable filming process and how the cast adapted to the shifting daily plans.

Ariana Grande Says More About the Wicked film

Wicked tells the untold story of Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the Good Witch. The film follows their unlikely friendship at Shiz University, where they begin as rivals before discovering the political forces shaping Oz. As their paths diverge, the story reveals how Elphaba’s reputation was twisted and how Glinda rose to public admiration, setting the stage for the events of The Wizard of Oz. The film leans deeper into their emotional journeys, showing how moments of courage, misunderstanding, and loyalty shaped both witches long before Dorothy arrived in Oz.

Since debuting in 2003, Wicked has become one of Broadway’s most influential musicals. Now part of the film’s record-setting legacy, Ariana Grande joins a franchise whose original Broadway run broke box office records, won major awards, and inspired a worldwide fanbase that continues to grow decades later. Songs like “Defying Gravity” and “Popular” became modern musical theater classics, and the show helped usher in a new era of blockbuster Broadway productions. Its themes of friendship, identity, and standing up for what is right continue to resonate, making it a cultural touchstone for multiple generations.

The film adaptation brings that legacy to the big screen with an expanded world, cinematic visuals, and deeper character moments. By splitting the story into two movies, the filmmakers hope to honor the musical’s emotional core while giving audiences a fuller look at the world of Oz and the forces that shaped its most iconic characters.

Wicked: For Good is now playing in theaters.