In a surprising revelation, Jon M. Chu, the director of the hit musical sequel Wicked: For Good, has disclosed that he initially enforced a strict rule against characters uttering the phrase 'I love you' throughout the land of Oz.
This creative decision was dramatically overturned during an emotional rehearsal with stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, a moment Chu describes as a pivotal turning point for the film.
The Ban That Shaped Oz
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Chu recounted his firm stance at the project's inception. 'Nobody says 'love' in Oz. That was a rule that we came into this movie with,' he stated. The director was intent on maintaining a specific emotional tone, believing the word should be earned rather than freely given.
This artistic principle guided the early production of the sequel, which serves as a follow-up to last year's cinematic adaptation of the beloved stage musical.
The Rehearsal That Changed Everything
The director's resolve melted away during a powerful rehearsal where Grande and Erivo improvised a key scene. Their characters, separated by a closet door, expressed their raw, unfiltered emotions.
'I just realized, 'Oh my gosh, that's the moment,'' Chu explained. He described the scene as the authentic climax of their relationship, a private goodbye where true feelings could finally surface away from prying eyes. 'That door closes, it's like that moment that you say goodbye to someone... and you can now let it all out.'
Witnessing this profound connection between the actors convinced Chu that the characters had, at last, 'earned the right to say 'I love you.'' The ban was immediately lifted for this crucial moment.
Box Office Success and Future Franchise Plans
This creative confidence appears to have paid off handsomely. Wicked: For Good has proven to be a monumental box office success, surpassing the performance of its predecessor.
The sequel garnered an impressive $150 million from North American theatres in its opening days, significantly outpacing the first film's $112 million launch.
This runaway commercial triumph has prompted Universal Studios to consider expanding the Wicked universe into a full-fledged franchise. Michael Moses, Universal's chief marketing officer, confirmed ongoing discussions, stating, 'Because of Wicked’s success but also the fanship, we have almost a responsibility to figure out how we can continue in this universe.'
Chu attributed his ability to change his mind and take creative risks to the freedom granted by the first film's success. He noted that the audience's investment in the characters allowed the focus to remain on their emotional journey, summarised by the mantra: 'It’s about the girls, stupid.'
Despite its financial achievements, the film received a mixed critical reception. The Independent's Clarisse Loughrey awarded it two stars, critiquing its visual presentation.
