Since the announcement of Jon M. Chu’s two-part adaptation of Wicked, fans have been eagerly waiting for updates about the storyline and music. The first film amazed audiences worldwide, earning praise as one of the best Broadway musical adaptations ever. Its massive success at the box office has raised expectations for Wicked: Part 2.
One burning question among fans is if the second part will include the elusive and beloved song, “The Wicked Witch of the East.” Chu has recently hinted at its possible inclusion, fueling excitement. But why is this song so important, and what would its addition mean for the movie? Let’s explore.
What Will Wicked: Part 2 Be About?
Wicked: Part 2 will be continuing the story of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and show the events leading to her downfall. For those familiar with The Wizard of Oz, this part of the tale overlaps with Dorothy’s adventures in Oz. However, the movie stays closely tied to the Wicked musical, which first debuted on stage in 2003.
While the first film focused on Elphaba’s transformation into the feared Wicked Witch, the second will dive deeper into her relationships with her sister Nessarose and her friend-turned-rival Glinda. One significant moment in this part of the story is the heated confrontation between Elphaba and Nessarose, which features the song “The Wicked Witch of the East.”
What Makes “The Wicked Witch of the East” So Special?
For fans of the Wicked stage musical, “The Wicked Witch of the East” is a hidden gem. The song is performed in Act 2 when Elphaba visits Nessarose at the governor’s office. This emotional moment showcases Nessarose’s frustrations and feelings of betrayal. She angrily accuses Elphaba of never helping her walk and, in her rage, uses magic to punish Boq when he tries to leave her for Glinda.
Unlike the musical’s iconic songs like “Defying Gravity” and “Popular,” this piece is less well-known. It didn’t appear on the official Broadway cast (OBC) album, so many casual fans have never even heard of it. However, for devoted fans of the stage production, it holds a deep emotional resonance.
Why Hasn’t the Song Been Officially Recorded?
The absence of “The Wicked Witch of the East” from the OBC album has puzzled and frustrated fans for years. The exact reason remains unclear, but it may have been excluded to make the album shorter or to focus on more commercial tracks.
As a result, the only versions of the song available are unofficial recordings from live performances, often of poor quality. These recordings have kept the song alive among hardcore fans, but many have longed for a polished, professional version.
What Did Jon M. Chu Say About the Song?
In a recent interview with CinemaBlend, director Jon M. Chu dropped an interesting hint about the upcoming movie Wicked: Part 2. While he didn’t outright confirm it, he hinted that the movie might finally include a character that many fans have been waiting to see: The Wicked Witch of the East. This character has been a part of the Wicked story for a long time, and the idea of seeing her in the film has excited many fans. What made this mention even more intriguing is that Jon M. Chu specifically referred to the popularity of a song associated with the character. He acknowledged that this song is something that fans really love and have been asking for an official recording of.
Even though Jon M. Chu didn’t give a direct answer, his comments were significant. He didn’t ignore the song’s popularity or the fans’ desire to hear it in a recorded version. In fact, his acknowledgment suggests that he is well aware of how much this song means to Wicked fans, and he understands the importance of giving the audience something they’ve been hoping for. The fact that he brought it up in such a casual way gives a strong indication that there’s a good chance the song, and possibly the Wicked Witch of the East, could appear in Wicked: Part 2.
By recognizing the song’s popularity, Jon M. Chu has shown that he is not just focusing on the technical aspects of making the film but also paying close attention to what the fans care about. This makes it feel even more likely that the sequel will include the song, or at least give fans a glimpse of the character that’s tied to it. Fans have been waiting for this moment for a long time, and Chu’s acknowledgment only adds fuel to the excitement. It’s clear that he understands how much the inclusion of the Wicked Witch of the East and her song would mean to the Wicked community, and his comments suggest that he’s considering all the elements that will make the film feel complete and fulfilling for long-time fans.
Overall, while there’s no official confirmation yet, Jon M. Chu’s remarks show that he’s aware of the song’s significance to the fans and is likely thinking about how to incorporate it into Wicked: Part 2. The possibility of the song making its debut in the movie, along with the introduction of the Wicked Witch of the East, has definitely got fans even more excited for what’s to come in the sequel.
What Challenges Might the Song Face in Adaptation?
While including the song excites fans, it does present some challenges for the filmmakers:
1. Balancing Pacing: Movies often need to trim or adjust material from stage productions to maintain a steady flow. Chu must ensure that the song fits seamlessly into the film without disrupting its rhythm.
2. Appealing to Casual Fans: Because the song is relatively unknown to audiences outside the Wicked fandom, the filmmakers need to ensure it resonates emotionally, even for those hearing it for the first time.
3. High Expectations: Fans have built up years of anticipation around this song. If it doesn’t meet their expectations, it could lead to disappointment.How Has Wicked Balanced Tradition and Innovation So Far?
Wicked: Part 1 was praised for staying true to the spirit of the stage musical while introducing fresh, cinematic elements. Director Jon M. Chu successfully combined nostalgia with innovative storytelling, making the film accessible to both longtime fans and newcomers.
If “The Wicked Witch of the East” is included in Part 2, it will likely follow a similar approach. A visually striking presentation and strong performances could make it one of the sequel’s standout moments.
Conclusion
The inclusion of “The Wicked Witch of the East” in Wicked: Part 2 would be a meaningful addition for fans and a fitting tribute to the musical’s legacy. It offers a chance to deepen the story, explore complex characters, and celebrate one of Broadway’s most beloved productions.
While the wait continues, fans can hold on to the possibility that Jon M. Chu will deliver the official version they’ve been dreaming of. Whether or not it ultimately appears, the buzz surrounding this song highlights the timeless power of Wicked to captivate audiences.
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