Why did Jon M. Chu hide the final scene of Wicked?

Jon M. Chu hid the final scene to surprise audiences by recreating the iconic Broadway poster's imagery as a surprise ending.

How did Wicked: For Good perform at the box office?

"Wicked: For Good" achieved significant global box office success, grossing $226 million in its opening weekend.

What made the Wicked Broadway poster so special to the director?

The director considered the Broadway poster "one of the most brilliant posters ever made" and wanted to honor its iconic imagery.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Wicked Director Hid Final Scene from Studio

Wicked Director Hid Final Scene from Studio

25 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Director Jon M. Chu concealed the final shot from studio executives.
He aimed to recreate the iconic Broadway poster moment for the film's conclusion.
The movie, 'Wicked: For Good,' recently topped box office charts globally.

Wicked Director Hid Final Scene from Studio

Director Jon M. Chu confessed to deliberately concealing the concluding scene of "Wicked: For Good" from studio executives. He aimed to surprise audiences by replicating the beloved Broadway poster's iconic imagery as the film's final moments. Chu successfully resisted studio pressure to use this image in early promotional materials, preserving the impact for the movie's release.

Chu described the Broadway poster as "brilliant" and felt compelled to do the moment justice. The scene features Glinda whispering to Elphaba, a moment left ambiguous in the musical, symbolizing the depth of their friendship. The director allowed the actresses creative freedom to define the whispered words, adding a personal touch to the cinematic interpretation.

This revelation follows the recent box office success of "Wicked: For Good," which garnered $226 million globally in its opening weekend, setting a record for Broadway adaptations. Despite its financial triumph, the film has received mixed critical reviews, with some critics finding the second half underwhelming.