"Never Changing Forever"... Ariana Grande X Cynthia Erivo, Tearful Farewell Amidst Record-Breaking Success of 'Wicked 2'

"Diving to Save During the Singapore Attack"... A True Friendship Between Two Witches More Cinematic Than the Movie

The finale of the long-awaited musical blockbuster, 'Wicked: For Good', has taken over the box office since its opening week. Amidst the film's tremendous success, the heartfelt farewell from the two lead actors, Ariana Grande (Glinda) and Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba), has brought tears to fans' eyes.

◆ Deadline "Opening Surpasses $200 Million"... Unprecedented New Record

According to the American entertainment media Deadline on the 28th (local time), 'Wicked: For Good', which premiered in North America on the 21st, recorded an opening revenue of $150 million in North America and a total of $226 million (approximately 310 billion won) worldwide.

This is the best opening performance in the filmography of director Jon M. Chu, as well as lead actors Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. This figure surpasses the box office success of the previous installment released in 2024, proving that the 'Wicked Syndrome' has reached its peak.

◆ "Words Are Not Enough"... Elphaba and Glinda's Final Farewell

With the film's success, the two actors bid their final farewells to their characters through social media. Ariana Grande expressed her deep affection with a short but heartfelt message: "Dear Glinda, thank you for everything. I will love you forever."

Cynthia Erivo left a slightly longer tribute. She stated, "I could write an essay, a poem, or Shakespearean prose to explain what this journey means to me," but added, "the truth is, no words are enough," expressing her overwhelming emotions about the time spent as Elphaba.

◆ From Refusing Interviews to Physical Altercations... The Real-Life 'For Good'

The bond displayed by the two actors during this promotional tour was the embodiment of 'Elphaba' and 'Glinda' from the movie. When Cynthia Erivo lost her voice and could not participate in the New York premiere interview, Ariana Grande refused her solo interview in solidarity, staying by her friend's side.

In particular, a shocking incident that occurred at the Singapore premiere on the 13th confirmed their friendship. When a male fan rushed past the barricade towards Grande, Erivo immediately intervened to protect Grande with her body. Erivo revealed in an interview with the Today Show, "I wanted to make sure my friend was safe. That was my first instinct," moving many to tears.

◆ "From Sunshine to Shadow"... A More Mature Finale

This work directed by Jon M. Chu depicts the process of the wicked witch of the west and the good witch Glinda accepting their identities.

Cinematographer Alice Brooks explained in an interview with ABC News, "If the first film shone brightly in the cheerful sunlight, this second film is soaked in shadows with maturity and depth," hinting at a narrative and visual richness that surpasses the previous installment.