Where DoesWicked: Part OneEnd and What’s Next inPart Two?

Mar. 15, 2025

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande in ‘Wicked: Part One’.Photo:Giles Keyte/Universal Pictures

Giles Keyte/Universal Pictures

Fans of the Broadway hitWickedwere surprised when directorJon M. Chuannounced that hismovie adaptationwould besplit into two separate installments.

“It became increasingly clear that it would be impossible to wrestle the story ofWickedinto a single film,” the director, 45,wrote in a social media letterin 2022. “With more space, we can tell the story ofWickedas it was meant to be told while bringing even more depth and surprise to the journeys of these beloved characters.”

So withWicked: Part Oneflying into theaters on Nov. 22, which parts of those characters’ journeys does it cover? And what can audiences expect ahead of next year’sPart Tworelease? (Warning: there are spoilers ahead!)

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Granda in ‘Wicked: Part One’.Universal Pictures

Universal Pictures

Part Onebegins its story after Dorothy’s bucket of water brought an end to the green villainess. Glinda celebrates the news of Elphaba’s death with the residents of Munchkinland before taking us back in time to how the witches first met: at Shiz University, where they roomed together and studied sorcery under headmistress Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh).

Erivo, 37, ends the firstWickedmovie with a bang: upon learning the powerless Wizard is responsible for the oppression of animals throughout Oz, Elphaba resolves to resist him — even if it means being ostracized as a villain — in the pivotal act one ender “Defying Gravity.” As in the stage show, she flies into the Western skies with her hat, cloak and newly enchanted broomstick. Chu ends the film with a “To be continued” card.

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Jonathan Bailey in ‘Wicked: Part One’.Universal Pictures

Nessarose, meanwhile, embraces notoriety as Munchkinland’s Wicked Witch of the East following the death of her and Elphaba’s father (Andy Nyman). The sisters clash, magically turning Nessa’s subjugated Boq into a heartless man made of tin. Morrible uses her powers to summon a tornado that, asWizard of Ozfans know, drops Dorothy’s house on Nessa.

Part Oneis in theaters Nov. 22, withPart Twoslated for Nov. 26, 2025. Go behind the scenes ofWickedwith PEOPLE’s new special issue, availablehere.

source: people.com