Director Jon M. Chu is ready to take audiences back to the magical world of Oz for one last, unforgettable journey. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the acclaimed filmmaker opened up about what fans can expect from Wicked: For Good, the highly anticipated second chapter of the Wicked film saga. The movie — which stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda — soars into theaters on November 21, 2025.

Jon M. Chu on Finishing the Story of Wicked

Following the massive success of 2024’s Wicked: Part One, Chu, 45, says the sequel will go deeper emotionally and thematically. “When fans watch Wicked: For Good, I hope they get the joy and love of the first movie,” he said. “But there’s extra meat on this one. This is where you get to see Cynthia [Erivo] and Ariana [Grande] really come to life as actors.”

According to Chu, the sequel will explore the characters’ growth and the painful consequences of their choices. “This is their adult selves looking back at their childhood dreams, which are now shattered in front of them,” he explained. “I think people will see both movies as one complete story — not just the first and second parts. I’m so excited to finally complete that journey for people.”

Expect the Unexpected: Chu Promises “Surprises”

Without revealing too much, Chu teased that Wicked: For Good will feature “a few surprises” fans won’t see coming. “I hope audiences experience some things they’re not expecting — both emotionally and visually,” he said.

Known for his work on Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights, Chu has a reputation for balancing grand spectacle with heartfelt storytelling — something fans can expect in full force in this sequel.

The director also recently appeared on Dancing with the Stars during the show’s Wicked-themed night, giving fans a sneak peek of the magic to come.

Returning to Oz: Cast and Music

Wicked: For Good continues the beloved story inspired by Gregory Maguire’s novel and the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical. The sequel will revisit Oz’s most iconic characters, reuniting stars Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) and Ariana Grande (Glinda) with returning cast members Jonathan Bailey (Fiyero), Michelle Yeoh (Madame Morrible), Ethan Slater (Boq), Jeff Goldblum (The Wizard), and Marissa Bode (Nessarose).

New to the cast is Colman Domingo, who voices Brrr, the Cowardly Lion — a character rescued by Elphaba and Fiyero as a cub.

The film will once again feature the musical’s most iconic songs, including “For Good,” “As Long as You’re Mine,” and “No Good Deed.” Fans will also be treated to two brand-new original numbers: “No Place Like Home,” performed by Erivo, and “The Girl in the Bubble,” sung by Grande.

A Story About Choice, Identity, and Redemption

Picking up years after the events of the first film, Wicked: For Good follows Elphaba and Glinda as they navigate the repercussions of their past decisions and the different paths their lives have taken.

Chu revealed that the story’s moral core will center on the gray areas of good and evil — something he personally relates to. “I think we’re all a little bit Elphaba and a little bit Glinda,” he told PEOPLE during the Dancing with the Stars interview. “No one’s purely wicked or purely good. We’re all just somewhere in between — shaped by the choices we make every day.”

He added with a laugh, “Now I’ll probably get in trouble for saying that — those girls watch everything!”

Why Fans Are Counting Down to November 21

The anticipation for Wicked: For Good continues to build following the first film’s global success, which grossed over a billion dollars worldwide and reignited passion for the Wicked universe. Fans have been praising Chu’s visionary direction, Erivo’s powerhouse vocals, and Grande’s enchanting transformation as Glinda.

With the promise of deeper storytelling, new music, and emotional surprises, the sequel is poised to deliver one of 2025’s most powerful cinematic experiences.

As Chu summed it up: “This is the conclusion — the emotional release. I hope fans leave feeling that everything they loved about Wicked has come full circle.”

Wicked: For Good lands in theaters November 21, 2025, while Wicked: Part One is available to stream and purchase now.