‘Wicked’ Movie New Songs Added, Composer Stephen Schwartz Revealed

Since the SAG-AFTRA strike has been lifted the production of the "Wicked" movie has begun again. The production of the highly-anticipated movie musical was halted when the SAG-AFTRA announced a strike earlier this year, forcing the production to a halt with ten more days left to complete the shoot.

With the strike being lifted, the production is back in full gear and continuing the remaining work needed.

Its original composer, Stephen Schwartz, is also heavily involved in the project, and he revealed that he added two new songs for the film alone!

Wicked Movie New Songs Added

According to Stephen Schwartz, the composer of "Wicked," new songs were written just for the upcoming "Wicked" movie. (via Playbill)

However, he noted that fans might have to wait until November 2024 when the film arrives in cinemas if the songs made it into the cut. Schwartz also explained that the "Wicked" film is divided into two parts, which makes the addition of new songs logical.

"Defying Gravity," the iconic song of the musical, was explained by Schwartz as a song "written specifically to bring a curtain down." In the musical, the song is the Act 1 ender, which fans could probably expect in the films too.

Comparing the musical numbers of the two acts, Act 1 has two more songs than Act 2, which can now be balanced by Schwartz's new songs.

'Wicked' Movie Production Stopped Due To Strike

According to the composer, the two films were nearing their finish just when the strike was announced last July 2023. (via Variety)

"It's quite frustrating in a way because we have, I think, 10 days worth of shooting to go finish all the shooting for both movies...But on the other hand, I might as well declare it, I'm in great sympathy and support of the unions that are striking," Schwartz said in an interview then.

Director Jon M. Chu revealed that they were "SO close" to finishing the work before the strike.

However, Jonathan Bailey who plays Fiyero, revealed to SiriusXM that he had to come to work alone during the strike. (via JustJared)

"I was the only actor who was on an equity contract, so I had these four days where I came up and, you know, acted with people in wigs who were pretending to be..." Bailey explained.

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