Director Jon M. Chu offered an exclusive sneak peek into “Wicked: For Good,” the highly anticipated sequel to Universal’s musical adaptation, at the BFI London Film Festival. While the film is set to premiere on November 21, Chu unveiled a brand-new clip featuring a poignant reunion between Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) on Glinda’s wedding day. The scene depicts a secret encounter following the events of “Defying Gravity,” with Glinda, adorned in a dazzling white gown, tearfully pleading with a hunted Elphaba to reconcile with the Wizard before Elphaba vanishes, pursued by the Wizard’s flying monkeys.

Chu also shed light on the meticulous practical effects employed for the characters of the Tin Man and Scarecrow, formerly Boq and Fiyero. He confirmed that these iconic figures are brought to life through “real, physical make-up and hair,” rather than digital effects, emphasizing the extraordinary detail and precision required in their creation. Though footage was not shown, Chu assured the audience that the dedication to practical artistry, leaving no room for error, would be evident upon viewing the film.

A significant highlight discussed was the sequel's titular song, “For Good.” Chu praised Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s rendition as “the most beautiful, emotional version” he has ever heard. He described their performance as less about traditional singing and more about profound communication through their expressions, allowing their connection to drive the scene. Chu revealed he initially filmed the “For Good” scene with expansive, sweeping shots, and kept it in the cut for seven months, but ultimately chose a more “intimate” approach after realizing the grander style “never sat right” for the deeply personal exchange between the characters.

Both “Wicked” and “Wicked: For Good” were filmed consecutively in the U.K., primarily at NBCUniversal’s advanced Sky Studios Elstree facility. The first “Wicked” adaptation, released in late 2024, achieved immense success, becoming a pop culture phenomenon and a box office juggernaut with over $750 million in earnings, ranking as the fifth-highest grossing film of its release year. It garnered critical acclaim, being named one of the best films of the year by the American Film Institute and Best Film by the National Board of Review, in addition to securing 10 Oscar nominations, including best picture, and winning awards for best costume design and best production design.

Looking beyond Oz, Chu also hinted at his next directorial venture: a film adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s classic biblical stage musical, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” This project, being developed for Amazon Studios, will see Chu reunite with his “In the Heights” producer Scott Sanders, fulfilling a long-held passion for the director who expressed that they have “cracked something in there that’s really fun” while acknowledging the challenge of conceiving its tone.