As anticipation builds for Wicked: For Good, the second installment of Jon M. Chu’s ambitious two-part film adaptation of the Broadway smash Wicked, more details are emerging about what audiences can expect when the movie hits theaters on November 21. While the spotlight will undoubtedly shine on Ariana Grande’s Glinda and Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba, co-star Ethan Slater promises that another character will finally get her due on the big screen.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE during San Diego Comic-Con, Slater – who plays the charming and conflicted Munchkin Boq – teased that Marissa Bode’s Nessarose will be given a powerful moment that fans of the original musical have never seen in any official recording.
“This is not a spoiler, I promise,” Slater said with a smile. “There’s something that never made it onto the original Broadway cast recording. And that’s a really special moment that I remember filming and just being like, ‘I cannot wait for people to see Marissa do this.’”
While he didn’t mention the song by name, fans of Wicked can reasonably guess Slater is referencing the emotional number “The Wicked Witch of the East.” The song, originally included in the stage show, was never featured on the original cast recording – and as a result, has remained something of a hidden gem within the Wicked universe.
Bode, who makes her film debut in the role of Nessarose – Elphaba’s sister who becomes the tragic Wicked Witch of the East – is poised to bring new depth to a character often overshadowed by her more glamorous or rebellious counterparts. Slater’s comments suggest that her role will expand in Wicked: For Good, giving her both a narrative and musical spotlight that audiences have long waited to experience.
Expanding the World of Oz
Wicked: For Good will pick up where Wicked: Part One left off – with Elphaba fleeing Oz in the wake of being labeled “wicked” by her former mentor, Madame Morrible, played by Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh. Glinda, now ascending in power and public adoration, is left to navigate a kingdom divided by fear, magic, and misinformation.
While the first film featured a host of beloved show tunes such as “Defying Gravity,” “Popular,” “No One Mourns the Wicked,” and “Dancing Through Life,” the second installment will dive even deeper into the emotional arcs of each character, including those whose stories were more peripheral in the stage production.
Director Jon M. Chu confirmed in interviews late last year that Wicked: For Good will feature two original songs written exclusively for the film. While he stopped short of naming specific tracks, Chu hinted that “The Wicked Witch of the East” could finally get its time in the spotlight.
Speaking with CinemaBlend in December 2024, Chu said, “I don’t know what I’m allowed to say or not say at this point, because it’s still pretty early, but I will say it’s a great number. And I think it’s due time that people do get it so they can hear it over and over and over again.”
Marissa Bode: A Star on the Rise
For Marissa Bode, Wicked: For Good is more than a career debut – it’s a meaningful breakthrough in representation. Bode, who uses a wheelchair in real life, brings authentic visibility to a character often portrayed as fragile or voiceless. The film is expected to provide her with a performance platform that challenges stereotypes and reclaims power for a character who has long been misunderstood.
The musical number in question could be a turning point for Bode’s Nessarose, giving her character a voice that speaks to longing, loss, and agency – a major departure from her previously limited storyline.
Ethan Slater, who has described his time on Wicked as “life-changing,” has repeatedly praised his castmates and the collaborative energy of the film. In past interviews, he’s emphasized how transformative it was to work with such a diverse and passionate team, both in front of and behind the camera.
Building Toward an Epic Conclusion
Rounding out the cast are Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard, and Bowen Yang as Pfannee. With high expectations set by the success of Wicked: Part One, Universal Pictures is positioning Wicked: For Good as one of the year’s most anticipated blockbusters.
The first film grossed over $800 million worldwide and was praised for its dazzling visuals, heartfelt performances, and inclusive casting. Chu’s direction was particularly celebrated for translating the magic of the stage to screen while also expanding the emotional landscape of the story.
The decision to split the adaptation into two films has allowed for deeper storytelling, particularly when it comes to underdeveloped characters like Nessarose and Boq. Slater’s recent remarks suggest that Wicked: For Good will not only provide closure but also give space to previously unheard voices in the land of Oz.
A New Chapter in Queer-Positive Fantasy
While Wicked is not an explicitly LGBTQ+ story, it has long resonated with queer audiences. The narrative of being misunderstood, vilified, or “othered” — especially in Elphaba’s arc — has made it a powerful metaphor for queer identity and resilience. The addition of performers like Slater and Bode, who have been embraced by LGBTQ+ communities for their visibility and advocacy, only deepens that connection.
As the November 21 release date approaches, Wicked: For Good is shaping up to be more than just a sequel — it’s a celebration of complexity, compassion, and long-overdue spotlight moments. And thanks to performers like Marissa Bode, those moments are finally being heard.
