Warning: Spoilers ahead! We’re delving into significant plot points from the new musical film “Wicked” (now showing in theaters).

So much unfolded before Dorothy arrived.

The expansive new film “Wicked” offers fans an insight into the events that transpired between the notorious witches of Oz, Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande). Despite its almost three-hour length, the film only adapts the first act of the beloved Broadway show, with the second installment expected to premiere in late 2025. Generally, the movie remains quite true to its stage roots, although there are some notable variations.

Having watched the stage production numerous times, we’ve addressed your pressing inquiries regarding the film’s most significant alterations:

Does the ‘Wicked’ movie feature any new songs?

When adapting “Wicked” for the big screen, many theater enthusiasts speculated that lesser-known songs like “Something Bad” and “A Sentimental Man” might be omitted or transformed into dialogue. However, the Broadway score remains fully preserved, and there are no additional songs scattered throughout the film or its closing credits.

“The second movie introduces two new songs as the narrative required it,” says composer Stephen Schwartz. “There were a few pieces I wrote for this film that ultimately were not necessary,” though existing numbers such as “Popular” have been slightly extended to feature a new outro that showcases Grande’s incredible vocal abilities.

Are there new scenes from Gregory Maguire’s ‘Wicked’ novel?

Dedicated “Wicked” fans are aware that Maguire’s 1995 book presents a vastly different narrative. When we first encounter Elphaba in the novel, she is depicted as a wild infant who is muzzled after biting people. As an adult, she evolves into a scientist and activist who remains hidden in a convent for much of her life and only begins her journey into magic toward the end. The book dives into themes of substance abuse, sexual violence, and illicit activities.

Understandably, screenwriter Winnie Holzman opted to exclude such mature content from the family-friendly Broadway rendition and its cinematic version. “However, I would occasionally refer back to the novel for inspiration regarding elements like locations or character names,” Holzman mentions. Characters like Glinda’s friends Pfannee (Bowen Yang) and ShenShen (Bronwyn James), who were not in the stage musical, were added for humor in the film.

Are there additional new characters in the ‘Wicked’ movie?

Yes, though they are all minor roles. The film includes a new flashback scene of young Elphaba (Karis Musongole) with her sister, Nessarose (Cesily Collette Taylor), under the care of their nanny, Dulcibear (voiced by Sharon D. Clarke), a new character. Additionally, a new administrator at Shiz University named Miss Coddle (Keala Settle) creates tension with Elphaba upon her arrival. Viewers also get to see various animal professors at the school and even an all-animal band in the vibrant Ozdust Ballroom, though most of these characters remain voiceless.

What insights do we gain about Elphaba and Glinda’s relationship?

Erivo and Grande exhibit remarkable chemistry, leaving us wishing to see even more moments shared between Elphaba and Glinda. Unfortunately, the film doesn’t delve deeply into their friendship development.

Nevertheless, the movie does succeed in adding some emotional layers to Elphaba, showcasing her as a social activist.

Elphaba, an outsider, wishes for the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) to transform her skin back to its natural color. However, after forming a friendship with Glinda and discovering self-acceptance, she ultimately rejects the Wizard’s offer to alter her appearance in a touching scene exclusive to the film.

The theme of self-love also plays a vital role in the finale “Defying Gravity”: Once Elphaba learns of the Wizard’s true evil nature, she decides to embrace her magical abilities and oppose his oppressive rule. By doing so, she remains true to her younger self, who always stood up against bullies. In the movie’s moving conclusion, Elphaba encounters a reflection of her childhood self.

“That was extremely significant,” explains director Jon M. Chu. “She needed to find her own purpose: not driven by anger or revenge, but for her own sake. It was essential for her to become this person.”

Does ‘Wicked’ have an end credits scene?

No. Even though it’s comparable to a Marvel franchise for theater fans, the film does not have any end-credits hints for “Wicked: Part Two” (set to release on November 21, 2025).

Marissa Bode, who portrays adult Nessarose, reveals that the sequel takes place about four years after the first film, allowing ample time for the characters to evolve or remain the same.

“Part Two” features beloved songs like “Thank Goodness” and “As Long as You’re Mine.” Additionally, based on set images, the sequel will show the building of the Yellow Brick Road, along with a “Matrix”-inspired design for Erivo’s Wicked Witch of the West. We’re excited to experience this transformation for the better.