Jon M. Chu, acclaimed for his work as the Jon M. Chu Wicked director, intentionally withheld the film’s pivotal closing shot from Universal Pictures executives during the production of Wicked: For Good, which premiered in 2025. The decision was driven by Chu’s commitment to preserving the emotional impact of the adaptation’s finale, keeping the beloved “whisper shot” from being diluted by promotional reveals.
Behind the Decision to Conceal the Finale
Jon M. Chu’s adaptation of Wicked, spanning two feature films, traces the complex friendship between Elphaba, played by Cynthia Erivo, and Glinda, portrayed by Ariana Grande, as they navigate their lives as Oz’s most prominent witches. The saga reaches its climax when Elphaba fakes her death and goes into exile, while Glinda orchestrates the removal of The Wizard, depicted by Jeff Goldblum. In Wicked: For Good, the emotional conclusion unfolds with Elphaba and Glinda reflecting on their bond as the song “For Good” reprises, before the film cuts to a meaningful flashback from their days at school, culminating in Glinda whispering into Elphaba’s ear—a visual echo of the show’s iconic Broadway poster.
This “whisper shot” was so significant to Chu that he fought to ensure it remained unseen outside the film until the very end. He said,
It was always the plan. I was always going to end on the whisper,
— Jon M. Chu, Director. Elaborating, he added,
Do you know how hard it was to force Universal to never use it in any marketing material? They even had a poster of it for the first movie, and I was like, ‘Why are we releasing this poster? We should never acknowledge the whisper. Never. Never.’ I wanted it to feel like we didn’t care about it, then suddenly it’s the last shot […].
— Jon M. Chu, Director.
Keeping the Studio in the Dark
The Jon M. Chu Wicked director imposed strict restrictions on Universal to prevent the “whisper shot” from appearing in any pre-release content or promotional materials, a rare move in major studio filmmaking. Chu shared,
So the studio never saw that final shot,
— Jon M. Chu, Director. He further emphasized,
I imposed a huge thing: ‘Do not show this shot!’ They wanted it so badly.
— Jon M. Chu, Director. Despite frequent temptations to tease other sentimental moments from the film in marketing, including a scene where Glinda rests her head on Elphaba’s shoulder, Chu remained adamant about protecting the finale’s integrity.
The importance of the “whisper shot” extended beyond its visual power. Chu described the moment as a symbol of friendship’s mysteries, referencing the famous Broadway poster that inspired the film’s closing image. He told Business Insider,
You don’t know what Glinda’s saying, because they never actually do that in the musical. But it’s sort of the key to friendship. That we have these secrets. And the girls got to choose what they are actually saying in the scene. I don’t even know what they said.
— Jon M. Chu, Director.
The Emotional Weight and Legacy of the Whisper Shot
Chu’s commitment to authenticity meant that even secondary scenes, like the wistful field day with Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey), Nessarose (Marissa Bode), Boq (Ethan Slater), and the leads, were only glimpsed in fragments. This approach ensured these shared moments, much like real memories, remain fleeting and not fully accessible to viewers, enhancing the story’s sense of loss and nostalgia.
The ensemble cast also boasts Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, Peter Dinklage as Dr. Dillamond, and Colman Domingo taking up the role of the Cowardly Lion. While the original Wicked became a box office hit in 2024 and a strong Oscar contender in 2025, Wicked: For Good has outperformed in its opening weekend, earning more than $220 million globally despite receiving more mixed reviews.
What Lies Ahead for the Wicked Adaptation
Jon M. Chu succeeded in forging a cinematic adaptation that honors the spirit of the Broadway original, using narrative secrecy and emotional resonance to elevate the connection between Elphaba and Glinda. The impact of withholding the “whisper shot” fostered audience anticipation and ensured the film’s climax remained poignant. With box office records being broken and Oscar buzz continuing, the legacy of Wicked: For Good appears strong. Chu’s choices, including safeguarding the film’s most intimate moment, highlight the value of creative control in blockbuster filmmaking. As awards season approaches, industry attention will focus on whether this adaptation follows in the award-winning footsteps of its predecessor.
