Wicked: Production Delayed Just Before Filming 'Defying Gravity' Due to Strikes

Following the unveiling of new scenes from Wicked at CinemaCon 2024, director Jon M. Chu shared insights about the production challenges faced, notably that the musical number "Defying Gravity" was nearly filmed just before the onset of actors' and writers' strikes.

The director revealed that when the strikes commenced in July 2023, the production had only 10 days of shooting left in London, necessitating a pause until January to resume filming.

"We had planned to shoot the big stunts at the end of production so that Cynthia could fly and sing simultaneously," Chu explained during the event in Las Vegas. "When I learned about the strikes, I couldn't believe it; I was so focused on the film."

Chu described how the abrupt halt left him stunned, noting that during the break, he concentrated on editing the footage already shot. He expressed particular concern for Cynthia Erivo, who had been preparing for months for her pivotal performance.

"She was ready to fly," he said. "I spent the following months talking with her to help her temporarily let go of the character."

When the cast returned to the set, Chu was pleasantly surprised by Ariana Grande's ability to seamlessly slip back into her role as Glinda. "I was worried about Ariana; I didn't know if she would be able to return to the character easily. But she did wonderfully, like a true professional. Cynthia was ecstatic; I think the extra time to prepare benefited her greatly."

The two-part adaptation is directed by Jon M. Chu, with the first installment of Wicked set to release on November 28, 2024, and the second part following on November 26, 2025.