Director Jon M. Chu opens up about the heart, surprises, and emotional depth behind the long-awaited conclusion to the Wicked saga.

A Return to Oz with More Heart and Meaning

As Wicked: For Good nears its theatrical release on November 21, 2025, director Jon M. Chu is giving fans an inside look at what to expect from the highly anticipated sequel.

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Chu, 45, shared his hopes for how audiences will connect with the film:

“I hope they get the joy and love of movie one, but there’s extra meat on this one,” he said. “This is where you get to see Cynthia [Erivo] and Ariana [Grande] really come to life as actors.”

Chu emphasized that the sequel isn’t just a continuation — it’s a reflection on growth and perspective.

“This is their adult selves looking back at their childhood dreams, now shattered in front of them,” he explained. “When people look back, I think they’ll see both movies as one complete story.”

Promising Unexpected “Surprises” for Fans

Without giving too much away, Chu teased that audiences should prepare for moments they won’t see coming.

“I hope they get a few surprises that they’re not thinking about right now,” he said with a smile.

From hidden musical Easter eggs to emotional twists, Chu suggests that Wicked: For Good will offer deeper insight into both Elphaba and Glinda’s journeys — one of friendship, heartbreak, and personal transformation.

The Music: A Blend of Classics and New Magic

The movie will feature iconic songs from Wicked: Part One — including “For Good,” “As Long as You’re Mine,” and “No Good Deed” — alongside brand-new tracks that are already generating buzz.

Among the new numbers are “No Place Like Home,” performed by Erivo, and “The Girl in the Bubble,” sung by Grande. According to Chu, these songs expand on the emotional core of their characters and the bittersweet lessons learned throughout their journeys.

A Star-Studded Ensemble Returns

The Wicked: For Good cast reunites a powerhouse lineup:

• Ariana Grande as Glinda the Good Witch
• Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba
• Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero
• Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible
• Jeff Goldblum as The Wizard
• Ethan Slater as Boq
• Marissa Bode as Nessarose
• Bowen Yang as Pfannee
• Bronwyn James as ShenShen

A major new addition to the cast is Colman Domingo, who voices Brrr, the Cowardly Lion — an animal Elphaba once saved as a cub.

Wicked’s Core Message: There’s No True Good or Evil

During a Dancing with the Stars “Wicked Night” appearance on Oct. 21, Chu reflected on what the story means to him personally.

“I think we’re all a little bit Elphaba, but a little bit Glinda,” he said. “No one’s truly wicked or good — we’re all somewhere in between. We’re the average of what we choose every day to be.”

Chu’s interpretation highlights the emotional nuance at the heart of the Wicked universe — that identity, morality, and friendship are rarely black and white.

A Spellbinding Finale Awaits

With Wicked: For Good, Jon M. Chu aims to deliver not only spectacle but soul. The film promises to be both a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience, tying together two decades of Wicked’s cultural legacy.

Fans can experience the magic when Wicked: For Good flies into theaters on November 21, 2025 — while Wicked: Part One is available now to stream and own digitally.