Wicked Cast Bids Emotional Farewell as Cinematic Journey Concludes

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo have shared heartfelt goodbyes to their iconic roles in the Wicked film. The stars posted emotional messages on social media following the movie’s major theatrical release. This marks the end of a long and intense production journey for both actresses.

The dual films have been a massive cinematic event. Grande portrayed the bubbly Glinda, while Erivo took on the complex role of the misunderstood Elphaba.

Stars Share Intimate Behind-the-Scenes Memories

Grande posted a carousel of images from her time on set. She captioned it with a direct address to her character. “Thank you, my sweet Glinda, for everything,” the pop star wrote.

Her post gave fans a glimpse into the personal journey of playing the Good Witch. It highlighted the deep connection she formed with the role over years of work. The message was both a thank you and a final send-off.

Erivo’s note was equally moving and reflective. She expressed that words were insufficient to capture the experience. The Tony Award winner described the journey as being “paved with gold.”

Her message served as a poignant thank you to fans for their support. It emphasized the profound personal and professional impact of playing Elphaba.

Film Duology Caps Years of Anticipation and Effort

The first film, Wicked, premiered in November 2024. Its sequel, Wicked: For Good, arrived one year later in November 2025. This strategy created a sustained cultural moment around the beloved musical.

According to Reuters, the decision to split the stage production into two films allowed for a richer narrative. It provided more depth for both Glinda and Elphaba’s character arcs. This approach satisfied long-time fans and attracted new audiences.

The emotional farewells from the lead actors signify the closing of a significant chapter. Their posts confirm the immense personal investment required for such large-scale projects. The success of the films demonstrates the enduring power of this story.

The heartfelt departures from Grande and Erivo close a major chapter in film history. Their emotional Wicked farewells resonate with millions of fans worldwide. This journey has truly been “for good.”

Dropping this nugget your way

When did the Wicked movies come out?

The first film, *Wicked*, was released on November 22, 2024. The sequel, *Wicked: For Good*, premiered on November 21, 2025. Both releases strategically preceded the Thanksgiving holiday.

What roles did Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo play?

Ariana Grande starred as Glinda the Good Witch. Cynthia Erivo portrayed Elphaba, who becomes the Wicked Witch of the West. Their casting was announced after a lengthy search process.

Will there be more Wicked movies after the sequel?

The two films complete the adaptation of the Broadway musical. There are no current plans for additional sequels. The story arc concludes with *Wicked: For Good*.

How did fans react to the film adaptations?

Fan reception has been largely positive according to major outlets. The films were praised for their faithfulness to the source material. The performances of the lead actors received significant acclaim.