As Wicked: For Good prepares to enchant audiences, fans can immerse themselves further in Oz with two new pop-up books: the intricate Wicked: The Ultimate Pop-Up Book and the stunning Wicked: The Story of Oz & The Wonderful Wizard: Replica Pop-Up Book. Director Jon M. Chu also shares heartfelt insights into the emotional depth of filming with stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.
The Land of Oz is about to get even more magical, not just on the big screen, but right in your hands. With the highly anticipated sequel, Wicked: For Good, set to hit theaters on November 21, fans are eagerly seeking every possible way to reconnect with the beloved story. Two unique pop-up books are emerging as must-have collectibles, offering intricate glimpses into the world created by the celebrated musical.
Exploring the ‘Wicked: The Ultimate Pop-Up Book’
One of the most exciting new offerings is Wicked: The Ultimate Pop-Up Book, an immersive experience designed to transport readers directly into Oz. Crafted by master paper engineer Matthew Reinhart and co-written by Chip Carter and Rui Ricardo, this hardcover treasure is available for pre-order now and will begin shipping after December 2, perfectly timed for the holiday season.
For $75, this book promises more than just pages. Inside, fans will discover elaborate paper structures of iconic locations and memorable moments from the Wicked movie, complete with dozens of intricate and liftable flaps. Adding another layer of wonder, the entire book unfolds to reveal a comprehensive map of Oz, inviting readers to explore every magical corner. Fans have already expressed immense excitement online, with one user calling it “stunning” and stating, “I can’t wait to get it,” as reported by Parade.
The ‘Wicked: The Story of Oz & The Wonderful Wizard: Replica Pop-Up Book’
In addition to the ultimate experience, another captivating volume is available: Wicked: The Story of Oz & The Wonderful Wizard: Replica Pop-Up Book. This timeless edition is a faithful replica of the Ozian book featured within the Wicked universe itself, designed by renowned paper engineer David Hawcock.
Priced at $50, this replica presents the Wizard’s grand arrival in Oz through a “thrillifying poem” spread across ten pages, highlighted by three large, “breathtakingly illustrated, fantabulous pop-up spreads.” With exceptional production quality and elegant gold foil detailing on the cover, this book offers fans a unique piece of Wicked lore, making it a heritage item for any dedicated collector, as detailed on the Insight Editions website.
Connecting with the Cinematic Journey: ‘Wicked: Part 1’ and ‘Wicked: For Good’
These pop-up books arrive as anticipation for director Jon M. Chu’s two-part film adaptation of the celebrated musical reaches a fever pitch. While Wicked: Part 1 premiered in 2024, the sequel, Wicked: For Good, is the focus of current excitement, with its release slated for November 21. The films star Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, bringing the iconic characters to life on the big screen.
Director Jon M. Chu on the Emotional Depth of Filming
Director Jon M. Chu has been open about the profound emotional journey involved in bringing Wicked to the screen. At the London Film Festival on October 10, Chu debuted a new clip from Wicked: For Good, urging audience members not to record or photograph the preview, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. This plea underscored the significance of the moments being shared.
Chu also addressed the frequently emotional press run for the 2024 film, where stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande were often seen in tears during interviews. He clarified that their emotional responses were a natural outcome of their deep immersion in the characters’ experiences.
“Everyone’s like, ‘The girls were so emotional. Why are they so emotional?’” Chu shared with the London audience. “It’s because we lived both movies. We lived their meeting, their separation, their death. We lived the whole thing before you ever saw one frame of it… When you guys catch up and see this movie, we already know what you’re gonna feel. I’m excited for everyone to be there and finally share it and you’re gonna see these girls are incredible.” His words offer a poignant insight into the dedication and emotional investment from the cast and crew, hinting at the powerful experience awaiting audiences.
The Enduring Magic of Oz and Fan Anticipation
The release of these pop-up books and the upcoming film sequel demonstrate the enduring appeal of the Wicked narrative and the broader Land of Oz. Fans of the classic story, the Broadway musical, and now the cinematic adaptation have new avenues to explore the intricate lore and emotional depth of Elphaba and Glinda’s journey. These collectibles not only serve as tangible connections to the films but also deepen the interactive experience for a passionate community eagerly awaiting more magic from Oz.
