Director says Elphaba “can be seen as Jesus”

Director Jon M. Chu made a curious and symbolic comparison when commenting on the ending of Wicked: Parte 2. In an interview with Entertainment Weeklyhe argued that Cynthia Erivo, interpreter of Elphaba, “has already played Jesus more than once”.

Last summer, Erivo received critical acclaim when playing the biblical figure in the production of Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. Now, according to Chu, she repeats this symbolism in Wicked: Parte 2.

At the end of the film, everyone in Oz believes that Elphaba has died, when, in fact, she and Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey) fake their deaths and flee beyond the kingdom’s borders. Before leaving, Elphaba says goodbye to Glinda (Ariana Grande) and gives her the Grimmerie, the book of spells.

“Literally, Cynthia can be seen as Jesus walking away, leaving us, and handing the book to Galinda, saying, ‘You know the power that you have, and you know the truth,’” Chu said.

He adds that the ending leaves an open provocation:

“There’s no answer at the end of this film. It’s a challenge: who are you going to be? We don’t know what Glinda does, we just know that the possibilities are beautiful.”

Chu also highlighted that it’s not just Glinda who has an undefined path ahead. Although the desert where Elphaba and Fiyero flee seems inhospitable, the director reinforces that the scenario represents possibility:

“It’s not a dead space, it’s opportunity. Nobody has explored that horizon because everyone is afraid.”

All about Wicked: Part 2

The sequence shows Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) living in exile, seen as the Wicked Witch of the West, while trying to reveal the secrets of the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) and fight for the freedom of the animals of Oz. Glinda (Ariana Grande) assumes the role of “symbol of kindness”, enjoying fame in the palace of the Emerald City, but divided by the longing for her friend.

As Glinda prepares to marry Prince Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey), her attempts at rapprochement fail and the two end up increasingly distant. The arrival of Dorothy – the mysterious girl from Kansas – and a popular uprising against the Wicked Witch change everyone’s destiny.

In the end, Elphaba and Glinda will need to reunite for a final goodbye, with their friendship deciding not only their own paths, but also the future of all of Oz.

There is a broad expectation that Wicked: Parte 2 stand out at the 2026 Oscars, as did Part 1. It’s worth remembering that Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo received acting nominations this year. However, Wicked: Part 1 only won two Oscars in 2025: Best Costume Design and Best Production Design.

Jon M. Chu (Filthy Rich People) directs both parts of Wicked.

Stephen Schwartz adapted the script with Winnie Holzman and composed the film’s music. Marc Platt, the musical’s producer, also produced the film.

Wicked: Parte 2 is showing in cinemas, while the first film remains available on Prime Video.

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