Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo tease emotional moments in wicked sequel

In April 2023, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, alongside director Jon M. Chu, attended the annual CinemaCon convention in Las Vegas to promote 'Wicked: For Good'. This film serves as a conclusion to the adaptation of the long-standing Broadway musical inspired by 'The Wizard of Oz' and is set to hit theaters in November 2023. Grande portrays Galinda, while Erivo takes on the role of the green-skinned Elphaba Thropp, known as the Wicked Witch of the West. During the presentation, Grande expressed a sentimentality regarding their past promotional experiences, noting that they often resulted in tears from the emotional weight of the material. Erivo jokingly promised fewer tears this time around as they unveiled a montage of the film's footage, signaling a confident approach after the previous film's success. The CinemaCon event has become a significant platform for Hollywood studios to showcase their upcoming films. Each year, it allows filmmakers and actors an opportunity for recognition among their peers, celebrating new artistic contributions. Universal Pictures closed their presentation with 'Wicked', showcasing their commitment to the project over the years. Chu reflected on the success of the previous movie, indicating a sense of gratitude that the adaptation resonated well with audiences. Presenting alongside a live orchestra further augmented the theatrical experience, illustrating Universal's dedication to merging cinematic storytelling with engaging live performances. In addition to 'Wicked: For Good', CinemaCon featured announcements for other major releases from Universal, including 'Jurassic World: Rebirth', which is set to launch in July 2023, and a live-action adaptation of 'How to Train Your Dragon', expected to release in June 2023. The event utilized nostalgic themes and scores to enhance presentations, highlighting the emotional connections films can forge with viewers. In an ambitious display of entertainment, Universal showcased its vitality and prowess in cinematic storytelling through both music and enthusiastic presentations from artists involved in their upcoming projects. As the date of 'Wicked: For Good's' release approaches, the success of its predecessor hangs over it, raising expectations about its reception at the box office. The concerted effort to convey excitement and anticipation around 'Wicked: For Good' suggests an understanding of the audience's attachment to the original material, further supported by the personal connections expressed by its stars. This sentiment was evident in their appearances, reinforcing the emotional core of the story that has captivated audiences for years, ensuring that fans will be watching closely as the November release approaches.