The cultural phenomenon surrounding the Wicked film franchise is back with a vengeance as the sequel, Wicked: For Good, begins its global rollout. Following last year's press tour, which generated some of 2025's most memorable pop culture moments, all eyes are once again on the film's leads, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. Their unique friendship continues to captivate audiences, but there's much more to the story than their red carpet antics.
The Unbreakable Bond and On-Set Drama
The profound connection between the two stars remains a central narrative. Their bond, famously intense during the first film's promotion, shows no signs of weakening. At the recent New York premiere, Erivo chose to preserve her voice by skipping interviews, and Grande reportedly followed suit 'in solidarity'. Despite this, Grande was seen enthusiastically promoting Erivo's upcoming projects, with CNN noting Erivo looked on smiling. When asked to describe their feelings, Grande expressed 'overwhelming gratitude' for them both. Shortly after the premiere, Grande tested positive for Covid.
Their physical closeness continues to spark discussion. The co-stars have cemented their friendship with not one, but four matching Wicked-themed tattoos. These include the phrase 'For good' inked on their inner palms. Grande has previously revealed that their most 'intense' matching tattoo remains private. On Amy Poehler's podcast, Grande addressed comments about their touchy-feely dynamic, explaining, 'I channel a lot of energy through my hands. I'm always holding a hand.'
Security Scares and Personal Lives
The tour has not been without its alarming incidents. At the Singapore premiere, an Australian man, 26-year-old Johnson Wen, vaulted a barricade and rushed towards Grande. In a swift protective move, Erivo immediately stepped in to shield her co-star before security intervened. Wen, who later posted the footage on Instagram with a caption thanking Grande, was identified as a known 'troll'. He was subsequently charged with being a public nuisance and sentenced to nine days in prison.
Speculation about Grande's personal life also persists. Her relationship with co-star Ethan Slater, which began during the filming of the first movie, has been the subject of rumour. Despite their noticeable distance in recent group photos and a lack of joint press appearances, sources close to the couple told TMZ that 'everything's great between them' and they consistently make time for one another.
Vegan Advocacy and Blockbuster Success
The film's themes are having a real-world impact on its cast. Veteran actor Jeff Goldblum publicly credited the movie's anti-animal cruelty message with inspiring him to give up meat. He joins longtime vegans Grande and Erivo, as well as Michelle Yeoh who follows a plant-based diet. This has prompted Peta to campaign for co-star Jonathan Bailey to join them, sending him a bottle of non-dairy Baileys in a playful stunt.
Meanwhile, the film is proving to be a commercial juggernaut. In the UK, advance ticket sales are soaring, with Vue reporting sales at more than double the rate of the first film. Odeon had sold over 250,000 presale tickets by mid-week, nearly double their part one numbers. The marketing blitz is inescapable, featuring everything from a Robinsons green squash tie-in to a yellow-brick road installation on London's Brick Lane.
For Ariana Grande, this project may signal a significant career shift. She revealed to Amy Poehler that her upcoming tour, supporting her 2024 album Eternal Sunshine, will likely be her last for a 'long, long, long, long time', describing it as a 'last hurrah'. With an Oscar nomination for Wicked: For Good being hotly tipped and a role alongside Robert De Niro in the comedy Focker-in-Law secured, her focus is shifting. She has even cultivated new hobbies, expressing a fascination with birdwatching and a desire to learn entomology, suggesting fans should not expect new music anytime soon.
