Holding Space for Wicked Act II

Since the release of the movie, Wicked, it’s been nearly impossible to find someone who doesn’t know the iconic belt in “Defying Gravity.” Based on the Broadway musical and book of the same name, Wicked, is a retelling of Baum’s classic tale The Wizard of Oz, set before and during the events of the original story. The hype for this movie has been nearly unmatched, similar to only that of last summer’s Barbie, in large part due to all the marketing they have done. Beyond interviews and talk shows there have been makeup collabs, restaurant pop ups, even cupcakes that turn either Galinda’s pink or Elphaba’s green when you bake them. The energy for this musical film has not run out yet, though.

Fans across the world are now gearing up for this global box office hit to drop its second act next year. With any luck, the buzz and excitement surrounding Act I will continue to hold strong through these next few months and the second film will be just as good as the first. Though fans of the Broadway musical know what to expect from this upcoming musical movie but for those who don’t, Act II essentially compiles various scenes from the famous Wizard of Oz, and creates new scenes that fall in between those pre existing ones, always just after the original story’s heroine, Dorothy, would have left the stage. 

This has left many to speculate, who will be playing the famous ruby-heeled heroine? Many names have been thrown out in the air, Alisha Weir, star of Netflix's Matilda movie musical adaptation, being one in particular. While anyone’s guess could be true, it is very important to note that Dorothy is not really a character in the musical. In fact, she only appears as a silhouette in the play’s final scene where, spoiler alert, the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba, melts just like in the original story. While I’m sure many actresses would be honored to play Judy Garland’s famous role, not many high-profile actors would agree to a role for one scene, appearing as only a mere shadow. 

Whether we get a well-known actress to play Dorothy, maybe expanding her role from the source-material, or not, all the speculation certainly has helped in keeping people excited for the film's return next year. The internet has played a big role in creating a positive energy for this musical, even boasting several memes like the “Holding space for” meme, originating from an interview with the film's two main stars, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. In the interview, the host asked the two co-stars if they were aware the people have been taking time to “Hold space for the lyrics of Defying Gravity.” Confused and doubtful, the two tried to save face and nod along, mentioning that no, they did not know that was happening because of course, what does “holding space” even mean? Fans recognized the absurdity of this interaction, taking the quote and running with it by using the phrase and adding whatever they want behind it, creating a meme that should keep us laughing until next November’s Act II release.

Fans aren’t the only ones who have gotten excited about this film though, it has also been incredibly well received by critics too. Some of the film's stars like Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo have been nominated for Golden Globe awards, and the film itself has been nominated for box office achievement and best motion picture, musical, or comedy. With several nominations already, it’s very likely that this movie has an Oscar nomination in its future.

Wicked Act II is on its way, whether the world is ready or not, and so long as the hype continues, nominations add up, and the film turns out just as good as its predecessor, we will be holding space for it.