Gilbert Cruz

You know, the team behind this decided to split the story into two separate films.

Essentially, Wicked is Act One, Wicked for Good is Act Two.

This was a choice that, you know, in the lead up to the release of the first film last year, a lot of people were talking smack about.

They were like, why are we doing this?

You're going to have a second movie full of lackluster songs in which there's not a ton of plot.

The first film, however, was an undeniable success.

It was financially successful, culturally dominant, somewhat critically successful.

It was nominated for Best Picture.

Which I still think is crazy.

The first movie, just to remind people what it's about, it's about Elphaba.

She becomes the Wicked Witch of the West.

You're green.

You have Glinda, who becomes the good witch.

We love you.

Takes you through their school years, where they go to Shiz University.

A name they should have changed for the movie.

They form this unlikely friendship, and the movie ends with arguably the musical's biggest hit, which is Defying Gravity.

Um, Kyle, you've spoken to members of the cast and the crew over the past couple years.

Did these two films always feel like they were going to be a success?

Yeah.