Wicked is actually significantly different than most of the stories that get cut in half. Wicked itself, i.e. the musical that the film is based on, has a natural breaking point. However, the thing that makes Wicked different than all the rest is that its first act is already a complete story.

Wondering why Wicked was split into two movies? Here's what went into the decision to make audiences wait a whole year for part two.

Second, condensing the musical into one film meant cutting or leaving out important scenes, songs, and moments that fans cherish. Schwartz and the team wanted to preserve these details, ensuring the movie captured the depth of the story and characters.

The director Jon M. Chu narrates the musical scene, also featuring Cynthia Erivo, where Grande performs the song “Popular.”

Universal Pictures said that the studio paid Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo the same for their performances in "Wicked."