Universal Pictures is preparing for the release of Wicked: For Good, hoping it will attract audiences around the world. But according to a report from That Park Place, director Jon M. Chu has suggested that the sequel might include political themes. His comments sound like a reflection on the current political climate under President Trump and the broader movement that changed American politics.
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Chu made it clear that the second film is meant to be more than entertainment. He said the creative challenge was whether they could “make it something that it’s not just a fairy tale, but it’s about being as relevant as we could about what we really wanted to say in this movie.”
That statement drew attention for its political undertone. In Hollywood, calling a film “relevant” often signals it will deal with politics or social commentary, which can alienate part of the potential audience. Chu added that his goal was for the movie to “speak to what’s happening in the U.S. now, particularly around the themes of standing up to power.”
To many, “standing up to power” represents familiar Hollywood phrasing often tied to criticism of Republican leaders. Viewers usually expect Wicked to offer a fantasy escape, not a lesson in current political activism.
Chu went even further, describing the story as a national reflection. He said it deals with questions like “who are we when we know the truth? Who do you become when the stories you’re told, the promises you’re given, shatter in front of you?” Such remarks echo the tone of post-2016 discussions about American identity and division.
He also stated, “What happens when you look at your home and it’s no longer the home that you thought it was? And that your home isn’t actually even built for you?” Critics argue that this mirrors the common theme in progressive commentary portraying America as a flawed or exclusive nation. For a film expected to entertain a wide audience, that may not be the message fans are eager to hear.
Chu finished by urging people to escape their “bubble,” saying that some are “too scared to pop their bubble because they don’t have to.” To some, that comes across as a critique of those who disagree with his political perspective. The implication seems to be that the movie will praise those who challenge mainstream institutions and question those who don’t.
For years, moviegoers have voiced frustration about major studio productions turning into political statements. They want movies to provide escape and shared enjoyment, not a repeat of the same arguments found in comment sections or on cable news. Yet Hollywood continues to remake popular stories into platforms for expression about social divisions and political beliefs.
Universal has devoted immense time and money to making Wicked: For Good. Fans expect spectacle, strong performances, and the familiar world of Oz. What they may not want is a lecture about the state of the country. If the film strikes viewers as political instead of magical, a negative reaction could come quickly, as it should.
As Universal aims for a billion-dollar franchise, the challenge is clear. A movie that delights everyone will always fare better than one that divides its audience. When a fantasy becomes a political argument, some potential fans will simply stay home. The original Broadway show addressed big ideas but kept its focus on story and music. The upcoming film, however, sounds more like a conversation about power and ideology than a return to Oz.
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English (US) · 