London was transformed into its very own slice of Oz on Monday night as the stars of Wicked: For Good lit up the yellow brick road for the film’s glittering UK premiere.
The highly anticipated sequel, which hits cinemas on November 21, brings the story of Oz’s most famous witches to a dramatic close — and the cast made sure to mark the occasion in spellbinding style.
Fans gathered in droves to see Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo — the duo behind Glinda and Elphaba — step out for the event.
But unlike the pink-and-green glamour they sported last year, the pair took a darker, more mysterious turn for this premiere, matching the movie’s more emotional tone.
Ariana and Cynthia Dazzle in Contrasting Dark Looks
Ariana stunned the crowd in a jet-black gown glittering with sequins, giving her a celestial, old-Hollywood glow.
Cynthia, meanwhile, struck a bold figure in an edgy navy gown complete with leather detailing and a cinched waist that gave her silhouette real drama.
The fashion statement was clear — this new chapter of Wicked is deeper, darker, and more powerful.
Among the first to arrive was Michelle Yeoh, who plays the formidable Madame Morrible.
The Oscar-winning actress radiated elegance in a black satin gown detailed with delicate lace.
Ariana’s boyfriend, Ethan Slater, was also spotted on the red carpet — though the couple skipped posing together, fueling quiet whispers of a possible rift.
The Viral “Aura” Moment That Has Fans Talking
The chemistry between Ariana and Cynthia has been one of the tour’s biggest talking points, and once again, the pair found themselves at the center of social media buzz.
During the Paris premiere last week, the co-stars were asked by Elle magazine to describe each other’s “auras.”
Ariana described Cynthia’s as “yellow — like sunshine — and a little purple,” while Cynthia saw Ariana’s as “ciel blue… and sunset orange.”
Fans were quick to share the clip online, calling it everything from “adorably chaotic” to “painfully cringey.”
Reddit users didn’t hold back either — one joked, “We’re all holding space for them,” while another laughed, “They’ve definitely toned it down from last year — thank God.”
But others loved the energy, with one fan admitting, “They’re so annoying… and I love it!”
When a Finger Hold Broke the Internet
The Wicked press tour has delivered its fair share of viral moments — perhaps none more memorable than Ariana’s tender gesture last year when she clasped Cynthia’s green-manicured finger during an emotional interview.
It happened after journalist Tracy E. Gilchrist mentioned how fans felt empowered by the song Defying Gravity. Cynthia teared up at the comment, saying, “That’s really powerful.
That’s what I wanted.” Ariana, also moved, reached out and grabbed her co-star’s finger — a simple but emotional act that soon became internet comedy gold.
“Is this a sketch show?” one person joked on X (formerly Twitter).
Others found it sweet and human, a rare display of genuine emotion amid the chaos of movie promotion.
A Glimpse Into Oz’s Darker Future
The final trailer for Wicked: For Good gives fans a powerful preview of what’s to come.
We see Elphaba living in exile, still fighting for freedom while the animals of Oz struggle to reveal the truth about The Wizard — played by Jeff Goldblum.
In one striking scene, Elphaba writes “Our Wizard lies” in the sky above Oz, a defiant message that sets the tone for the sequel.
Meanwhile, Glinda, now the symbol of purity and goodness, prepares to marry Prince Fiyero, played by Jonathan Bailey.
The trailer also teases the moment fans have been waiting for — the arrival of Dorothy, alongside the Cowardly Lion, Tin Man, and Scarecrow.
And while Elphaba and Glinda may find themselves on opposite sides of the story, there’s still a hint of their friendship shining through, with Glinda pleading tearfully, “Think of what we could do together.”
From Broadway to Box Office Glory
Directed by Jon M. Chu, Wicked: For Good follows the success of last year’s first installment, which grossed an astonishing $747.2 million worldwide on a $150 million budget.
The film also earned 10 Oscar nominations and took home two Academy Awards — a massive feat for a musical adaptation.
With its mix of magic, heart, and friendship, this sequel promises to be an unforgettable finale to one of the most beloved stories ever told.
And judging by the red carpet glamour and the passionate reactions from fans, the spell of Wicked shows no signs of wearing off anytime soon.