Get ready to have your heart melted and your mind blown, because Jon M. Chu just dropped a bombshell about the highly anticipated Wicked sequel, For Good. But here’s where it gets controversial: Chu revealed he’s ditching digital effects entirely for the Tin Man and Scarecrow, relying instead on jaw-dropping practical makeup and hair. Bold move? Absolutely. And this is the part most people miss—it’s not just about the visuals; it’s about the raw, emotional connection between characters. During his LFF for Free talk at the BFI London Film Festival, Chu gave fans a sneak peek at a scene where Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) visits Glinda (Ariana Grande) on her wedding day, a moment so intimate and fraught with tension that it’ll leave you breathless. Glinda, in a dazzling white gown, begs Elphaba to reconcile with the Wizard, but before she can finish, Elphaba vanishes—a fleeting reunion that’s as heartbreaking as it is beautiful.
Chu didn’t stop there. He teased that the practical effects for the Tin Man and Scarecrow are nothing short of extraordinary, leaving no room for error. Here’s the kicker: In an age where CGI reigns supreme, Chu’s decision to go old-school feels like a rebellion—a bold statement about the power of tangible artistry. But is it a risk worth taking? Let’s discuss in the comments.
The sequel, titled after the iconic song For Good, promises to deliver a performance by Erivo and Grande that Chu calls “the most beautiful, emotional version” he’s ever heard. And this is where it gets even more intriguing: Chu admits he initially filmed the scene with sweeping, cinematic shots but scrapped it after seven months, opting instead for a more intimate, character-driven approach. “Filmmakers, get out of the way,” he said, emphasizing the raw connection between the actresses. It’s a reminder that sometimes, less is more—a lesson Hollywood could stand to learn.
Shot back-to-back with the first Wicked film at Sky Studios Elstree, the franchise has already cemented its place in pop culture history. The 2024 adaptation grossed over $750 million, snagged 10 Oscar nominations, and became a critical darling. But Chu isn’t resting on his laurels. His next project? A film adaptation of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, a passion project he calls “hard to preconceive” but deeply personal.
Here’s the real question: Can Chu’s practical effects and intimate storytelling approach redefine how we experience musicals on screen? Or is he swimming against the tide in an industry obsessed with digital magic? Share your thoughts below—this is one debate you won’t want to miss.
