The New York City premiere of Wicked: For Good unfolded with unexpected drama as leading stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande skipped scheduled interviews. Universal representatives informed journalists hours before the event at Lincoln Center that Erivo was unwell and had lost her voice. In solidarity, Grande opted out of interviews as well—though both appeared on the red carpet for photographs.

Wicked: For Good, the finale to last year’s Wicked, adapts Act II of the iconic Broadway musical. The film is set for theatrical release on November 21, closing out the duology at the exact point where the stage narrative ends. Producers and cast have confirmed there are currently no plans for a third film in the Wickeduniverse. For background on the franchise, visit the official Wicked website.

Questions about a potential continuation were addressed by several cast members. Bowen Yang, also known for his work on Saturday Night Live, suggested the story has reached its natural conclusion, though he jokingly entertained a spinoff featuring his character and Bronwyn James’ in a “Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead”-style narrative. Director Jon M. Chu responded more cautiously, saying, “Let’s enjoy this ride first,” when asked about a third film.

The premiere welcomed Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Marissa Bode, Colman Domingo, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum, along with director Jon M. Chu. However, it marked yet another setback in the film’s global promotional tour. Grande previously missed the São Paulo premiere due to aircraft issues, and days later, she was grabbed by a fan who breached security in Singapore—an incident quickly handled by Cynthia Erivo. Coverage of the international tour can also be found on Variety.

Reflecting on these challenges, Erivo admitted during a discussion moderated by Variety’s Clayton Davis, “We have come through some shit… even this last week.” Despite the disruptions, Erivo and Grande appeared together the night before the premiere at the Governors Awards in Los Angeles, where Erivo presented an honorary Oscar to Debbie Allen and Grande spoke to members of the press.

Bowen Yang also expressed excitement for Grande’s upcoming hosting return to Saturday Night Live in December, where Cher will be the musical guest. Praising Grande’s iconic Cher impression, he pitched a festive “Cher Family Reunion” sketch featuring cast members showcasing their best impersonations.

The first Wicked film was both a critical and commercial success, earning more than $746 million globally and securing 10 Oscar nominations—including acting nods for Erivo and Grande, and one for Best Picture. Wicked: For Good picks up the story as Elphaba (Erivo) intensifies her effort to bring down the Wizard (Goldblum), while Glinda’s (Grande) popularity continues to rise as she prepares for marriage to Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey).