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Regardless of your interest, the buzz surrounding the Wicked sequel is unavoidable. After a chaotic press tour for the initial installment, attention is now on the lead actors and the new movie in the beloved franchise.

1. They Continue to ‘Hold Space’ Mutually

The previous press circuit was famous for the deep bond between the two stars. Their emotional interviews and expressions of affection gained widespread notice. Despite jokes about being “annoying,” their relationship appears unbreakable. During the New York premiere, Erivo avoided interviews to rest her vocals, while Grande reportedly joined her as a show of support. When asked about their feelings ahead of the final installment, the response was “overwhelming gratitude.”

It was shared that Cynthia Erivo lost her voice and would not be speaking with press at the ‘Wicked: For Good’ premiere. Her co-star also skipped media appearances to stand with her.

2. … and Often, They Are Physically Close

The sight of two successful women in their 30s constantly fussing over each other has sparked online speculation. They share multiple identical tattoos related to the franchise, such as “Permanently” on their palms. In a recent show, one star explained that they simply “look after each other” and adding she “channels energy” through hand-holding.

{3. An Overzealous ‘Fan’ Crossed the Line

At the international event, a man breached security barriers and rushed toward one of the stars. Her co-star quickly intervened to protect her before security restrained the intruder. Named as an admitted “prankster,” the individual later shared video of the incident online, which was strong criticism. He faced penalties and was sentenced to jail.

{4. Grande and Slater Are Reportedly ‘Doing Great!!!’

Ariana Grande’s boyfriend, Ethan Slater, also appears in the film. They met during production of the first movie, amid prior relationships. Despite online sharing, they have not done interviews together and have been apart in group photos, fueling breakup speculation. But, sources familiar with the pair recently dismissed these rumors, affirming that things are “fine” between them.

{5. The Film Is Inspiring Stars to Go Vegan ‘For Good’

A co-star, who plays The Wizard of Oz, recently shared that being part of the project led him to give up meat. Both stars are longtime vegans, and another cast member adheres to a vegan lifestyle. It motivated organizations to reach out to co-stars, including Jonathan Bailey, aiming to persuade them to switch to a vegan lifestyle. So far, he has not committed but has praised the film's message of tolerance.

{6. The Path to Success Is Paved With Gold …

Advance ticket sales for the sequel are apparently exceeding those of the original. In the UK theaters, tickets are selling at more than twice the pace. The movie has additionally inspired countless product tie-ins, from drinks to television specials. The city even showcased a publicity yellow brick display with musical quotes. Given the momentum, there is talk about a potential next installment.

{7. … and Could Be Leading Grande Away From Music

The singer has indicated that her upcoming concert series—the initial in almost a decade—could be her last for a “very long time.” Her focus appears to be shifting toward film roles, including an upcoming movie with renowned actors. Meanwhile, she has developed hobbies like observing birds and expressing curiosity in entomology. For fans eagerly awaiting another album, it might be a lengthy wait.