Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel aren’t appearing in Wicked: For Good, and while some longtime fans might feel a little disappointed, the two Broadway legends are completely at peace with the decision.
Both actresses, who first brought Glinda and Elphaba to life on stage in 2003, believe it’s time for the new cast to shine, especially Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, who lead the film as the iconic duo.
Chenoweth explained during an interview with Extra in June that she and Menzel fully support letting the movie stars take center stage this time.
“Idina and I feel really good about it. It’s their time,” she said, adding that they felt honoured to be included in the previous film but felt it was now the right moment to step aside.
“We had our moment… but it’s their turn,” she shared, reflecting warmly on the passing of the torch.
She echoed that feeling again while speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, saying, “I think we kind of did our thing and passed the broom and wand, so to speak. But I can’t wait to see it.”
Chenoweth mentioned that she already knows quite a bit about the new film thanks to her close friendship with Grande, which only adds to her excitement.
Both Chenoweth and Menzel made cameo appearances in part one of the Wizard of Oz prequel, where they appeared as members of the Wizomania Choir during the Emerald City sequence featuring One Short Day.
Ariana Grande later told PEOPLE that working with the women who inspired her for years was “such a surreal honour,” describing the experience as unforgettable and almost unreal as they collaborated on small moments together on set.
Director Jon M. Chu also made sure their brief appearance in the first film paid proper tribute to their legacy, previously telling CinemaBlend that if they were going to be in the movie at all, they had to sing.
As he put it, fans would expect nothing less.
This time around, though, the original Glinda and Elphaba are simply cheering from the sidelines, happily handing over the wand and the broom to the next generation.
