The stars of the hotly awaited cinematic sequel, Wicked: For Good, illuminated their very own yellow brick road on Monday evening for the film's glitzy UK premiere in London.
A Night of Dark Glamour on the Red Carpet
As ever, the leading witches of Oz, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, commanded attention, but with a striking departure from their previous looks. Moving away from the signature pink and green ensembles that defined their press tour for the first film, the duo embraced the sequel's more serious tone by opting for sultry, dark outfits. Ariana captivated in a dazzling black gown covered in glittering sequins, while Cynthia made an edgy statement in a navy blue gown featuring PVC leather detailing, a belted waist, and a bustier neckline.
They appeared to brush off recent online chatter that mocked what some fans called an 'annoying' red carpet exchange between them in Paris. During that event, when asked by a journalist to describe each other's 'auras,' Ariana described Cynthia's as 'yellow' and 'purple,' while Cynthia saw Ariana's as 'ciel blue' and 'sunset-orange,' a moment that went viral and divided social media opinion.
Familiar Faces and a Glimpse at the Plot
They were not the only major names in attendance. The acclaimed actress Michelle Yeoh, who portrays the villainous Madame Morrible, was an early arrival, exuding elegance in a black satin gown with eye-catching lace. Ariana's boyfriend, Ethan Slater, was also spotted on the red carpet, though the pair did not pose together amidst ongoing rumours about their relationship status.
The premiere also offered fans a deeper look into the film's narrative. The final trailer, released ahead of the November 21 launch date, sets the stage for a darker conclusion. It shows Elphaba living in exile, continuing her fight for freedom while the silenced animals of Oz desperately try to expose the truth about The Wizard, played by Jeff Goldblum. In a defiant act, the witch writes 'Our Wizard lies' in the clouds above Oz.
Meanwhile, Glinda has become the public symbol of goodness, residing in a breathtaking Emerald City palace and preparing to marry Prince Fiyero, portrayed by Jonathan Bailey. The people of Oz are shown hunting for Elphaba, with posters warning citizens to 'Beware of the Wicked Witch' and one individual carrying a bucket ominously labelled 'Melt her.' Despite a tense confrontation where Elphaba tells Glinda she has 'no real power,' a glimmer of their former friendship remains, with Glinda tearfully stating, 'Think of what we could do together.' The trailer also treats fans to a first look at Dorothy's arrival in Oz, accompanied by the Cowardly Lion, the Tin Man, and the Scarecrow.
Overcoming the Backlash
The premiere comes after the film's stars faced some light-hearted criticism online for their effervescent and sometimes emotional interview chemistry. Following their recent 'aura' discussion, one Reddit user commented, 'I can't go through this again,' referencing what they deemed 'cringeworthy' moments from the previous year's press run. Another added, 'They r so funny honestly,' showcasing the divided but passionate reaction from the fanbase. It seems the pair have taken some of this in stride, with one observer noting they appeared to have 'toned it down compared to last year, and wisely so.'
With the final chapter of the beloved tale poised for release, the UK premiere successfully built anticipation, blending high fashion with hints of the emotional and dramatic journey awaiting audiences in cinemas later this month.
