Bowen Yang Challenges Expectations in Wicked Sequel: A New Take on ‘For Good’ That Rivals ‘Defying Gravity’

Bowen Yang shares that fans of Wicked will be thrilled with the ballad “For Good.”

In a recent interview, the star of the romantic comedy The Wedding Banquet offered a glimpse into Wicked: For Good, the much-anticipated second installment of the upcoming 2024 film based on the beloved Broadway show.

“Just as everyone had high expectations for ‘Defying Gravity’—to the point where some wondered how it could possibly meet those expectations—this new rendition of ‘For Good’ is likely to create that same sense of anticipation,” Yang, 34, explains.

“You’ll know it’s coming, but when the moment arrives, you’ll think, ‘I can’t believe I’m witnessing this.’ It’s poised to exceed the already high expectations,” he adds.

This musical serves as a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, delving into the backstories of the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch, represented as Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande). Yang portrays Pfannee, a classmate of Glinda’s at Shiz University.

Throughout the first segment of the film, the introverted Elphaba and the effervescent Glinda become roommates and develop a friendship against the backdrop of their contrasting personalities. The climactic song “Defying Gravity” concludes the film, depicting how Elphaba—falsely depicted as wicked by her mentor Madam Morrible (Michelle Yeoh)—and Glinda ultimately choose divergent paths.

In this poignant scene, Erivo showcases an incredible vocal performance that has sparked significant cultural discussions.

The upcoming installment, Wicked: For Good, features “For Good,” a heartfelt duet between Elphaba and Glinda that examines the profound impact of friendship.

Yang, while remaining tight-lipped about additional details, expresses his enthusiasm for reuniting with the cast for another exciting press tour. “The first tour was incredible; we created so many memorable moments,” he reflects.

“We’re not aiming to be overly boastful—it’s just that films of this magnitude deserve a prominent presence during promotional campaigns, which adds to the overall experience,” he elaborates.

Although Wicked: For Good will not be released until November, fans can currently watch Yang in The Wedding Banquet, a remake of the 1993 Ang Lee romantic comedy, which is now playing in theaters nationwide.

For more insights into Bowen Yang, stay tuned for upcoming updates.