Wicked's Elphaba Sings of Home Amid Oz's Chaos

A poignant scene in "Wicked: For Good" sees Elphaba's "No Place Like Home" song as animals flee an attack, seeking a hidden tunnel to safety. Elphaba rallies them to fight for their home, showcasing her deep connection and protective instincts. Visual effects supervisor Pablo Helman described the sequence as complex, emphasizing the need for actor comfort and genuine performance to support the visual storytelling.

The creation of the scene involved meticulous data gathering and collaboration. Helman and his team captured in-camera details to establish eye-level perspectives with the animals. Visual effects then expanded the forest and populated it with numerous, diverse animals, conveying the widespread nature of the displacement across Oz.

Despite the absence of real animals during filming, a dedicated animal crew of 15 actors simulated their presence, enabling Cynthia Erivo to react authentically. Physical interactions, especially with the character Dulcibear, were crucial. The animals' disheveled appearance reflects their hardship, adding emotional depth to their plight.