Stephen Schwartz may add Wicked movie’s “Popular” ending to Broadway

Wicked composer Stephen Schwartz is considering adding the film version's new extended ending of “Popular” to the Broadway stage show.

The updated version, sung by Ariana Grande as Glinda in the 2024 Wicked movie, features new key changes and showcases more of Grande’s soprano range.

Schwartz revealed in a recent interview with BuzzFeed UK that although this ending was written specifically for the film, he now feels it could enhance the stage version. “If I had thought of this ending then, I would have done it,” Schwartz said, noting the potential of integrating the movie’s version into the long-running Broadway production.

Grande, who stars alongside Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba), originally hesitated about the dramatic vocal shift but eventually embraced the idea. In an interview with The Emsolation Podcast, Grande shared that the final choreography and musical arrangement were a spontaneous decision made just days before shooting. Director Jon M. Chu, cinematographer Alice Brooks, and choreographer Chris Scott were inspired by the architecture of Shiz University’s hallway, prompting the team to adapt the number’s staging and vocals on the spot.

The film adaptation of Wicked was released in two parts, with Part One debuting November 22, 2024, and Part Two set for November 21, 2025. Alongside Grande and Erivo, the cast includes Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, and Ethan Slater.

If approved, the “Popular” film ending could be the first musical number from Wicked’s cinematic debut to make its way back into the original Broadway production.