I Originally Wasn’t Convinced Wicked Needed To Be Two Movies, But A Broadway Legend Explained Why It’s A ‘Really, Really Important’ Change

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By the end of 2024, Wicked was virtually ubiquitous, and it’s expected to continue its dominance as we approach the conclusion of the 2025 movie schedule with the second half of the musical. Initially, I harbored doubts about Part 1, having had the opportunity to witness the stage production years prior to the film’s premiere. Frankly, I questioned whether there was enough substance in Wicked for two complete films. However, my misgivings were dispelled upon hearing the last notes of Cynthia Erivo’s rendition of “Defying Gravity” echoing in the theater last year. In anticipation of Wicked: For Good, I had a conversation with the legendary Broadway performer, Michael James Scott.

Michael James Scott is primarily recognized for his long-standing role as the Genie in Disney’s stage production of Aladdin, a part he played both on Broadway in New York and with the touring company for an extended period. Furthermore, he pioneered characters such as The Minstrel for the Broadway show Something Rotten and Dr. Gotswana (also known as The Maggots Man) for The Book of Mormon, among several other notable roles.

I had a wonderful opportunity to chat with him following his participation as co-host at the Her Universe Fashion Show held at San Diego Comic-Con, alongside “Star Wars” voice actress and close friend Ashley Eckstein. The show’s theme was “Wicked,” where Scott delivered an impressive Elphaba performance while Eckstein bravely took on Glinda. Dressed in vibrant green and pink ensembles, we spoke the day after, and I couldn’t help but ask for his insights about the “Wicked” frenzy from the past year. He graciously offered:

I’ve yet to experience the musical Wicked live, but it seems intriguing given its status as a significant theater production. To witness this iconic show transition from the stage to the screen is unique because it marks the first time in history that a Broadway musical has been adapted into a film. This is an exhilarating development for Broadway, and it signifies a significant leap in the potential impact of Broadway on a global scale.

It’s worth noting that Wicked, unlike many others, isn’t the first Broadway production to be transformed into a film. Shows such as Hamilton (now streaming with a Disney+ subscription) have also followed this path. However, what sets Wicked apart is its blend of stage and screen elements, as performances like “No One Mourns The Wicked” and “What Is This Feeling?” showcase choreography that seamlessly transitions from the stage to the big screen. According to Michael James Scott, the show’s popularity carries significant importance.

The intense frenzy, often referred to as “Wicked Mania,” has persisted and remains very much alive today. There’s another film on the horizon titled “For Good,” which is a testament to its enduring brilliance and genius. They cleverly decided to break it down into two parts, creating a span of approximately two years filled with the literal Wicked Mania.

As we count down the remaining months until “Wicked: For Good” hits theaters, anticipation for this highly-anticipated film is likely to reach (or even surpass) previous levels of excitement. While the trailer does offer a glimpse into some aspects of the stage show that might otherwise be surprises, the division of the story into two films ensures there will still be plenty of fresh twists and turns, even for those who have already seen the original version.

Upon expressing my reservations about the division of “Wicked” into two films, Michael James Scott reacted when I ended up weeping during “Defying Gravity.” In simpler terms, I initially had concerns about splitting “Wicked” into two movies. However, upon watching it, I found myself shedding tears at the end of “Defying Gravity,” and this is what prompted a response from Michael James Scott.

A film offers more creative opportunities compared to a Broadway stage, as there are elements unique to each medium. While a film allows for extended storytelling and intricate details, a Broadway show thrives on live performance and audience interaction in real-time. Both platforms have their own distinct advantages, but the scope for epic narratives over a longer duration is unique to films compared to a stage production.

Highlighting “Dancing Through Life” as a piece that delivers unique experiences in film versus theater is noteworthy. Although Elphaba and Glinda’s friendship development by the end remains consistent across mediums, the emotionally charged performances by Cynthia Erivo alongside Ariana Grande during the Ozdust dance scene, which truly tugged at heartstrings on screen, would have been hard to fully capture live on stage. In contrast, this particular sequence was designed for humor in both theater performances I attended. Scott further emphasized:

When viewing something, there’s less tolerance for pauses or breaks in the action. The narrative needs to progress continually. Therefore, moments of calm are quite rare and deliberate. In a movie, you can endure periods of silence as it’s permissible – this is where silent films come from. However, in some movies, these prolonged silences can occur and it’s acceptable. So I believe that in Part 1, it was necessary to divide the scenes due to the lack of room for pauses or rest.

Absolutely, the movie adaptation of “Wicked” featured some action scenes that wouldn’t be possible on stage. There’s a unique excitement that comes with live theater performances, and this was acknowledged by the Broadway legend. The legend praised both formats before praising the “Wicked” team for incorporating people from the stage show into the film. Scott remarked:

The movie “Wicked” is absolutely spectacular, with its music being equally remarkable. Interestingly, I have connections within the Broadway community and it’s fascinating to see that several members of the original music team are still involved in the film adaptation. This continuity is quite impressive. However, some of the songs in the musical are notoriously challenging to perform, making them among the hardest in the entire theater repertoire. My friends who have portrayed the famous characters Elphaba and Glinda are exceptional vocalists, and their performances of these difficult pieces are truly awe-inspiring. In fact, I would argue that the music in “Wicked” is some of the most challenging in the world.

During the Her Universe Fashion Show, Michael James Scott showcased some of the toughest tunes in the world, complete with a twist on the musical “Wicked.” Ashley Eckstein held her own alongside her Broadway companion. It’s likely that both will catch “Wicked: For Good” later this year. Part 2 of “Wicked” is set to hit theaters on November 21, featuring Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, and others reprising their roles from the first part.

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2025-08-29 20:34