Makeup artist Frances Hannon has offered an inside look into the extensive transformation process behind bringing the Tin Man and the Scarecrow to life in “Wicked: For Good.” She revealed the elaborate procedures required for the film’s characters.
The intricate makeup and costume work for each character typically lasted four hours. This included hair, wigs, straw elements, prosthetics, and hands, followed by wardrobe fitting. Hannon described the process as deeply moving, believing it adds a special quality to the movie.
Director Jon M. Chu’s positive reaction to the final product made the challenging process worthwhile, Hannon noted. She simply stated his appreciation was “incredible.”
“Wicked: For Good” continues the narrative of the Broadway musical. The stage production drew inspiration from Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel, “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West,” itself inspired by “The Wizard of Oz.”
The first film, “Wicked,” released in 2024, covered the first act of the musical. “Wicked: For Good” develops the second half of the story.
The first movie ended with Elphaba, played by Cynthia Erivo, and Glinda, portrayed by Ariana Grande, discovering the Wizard, played by Jeff Goldblum, lacks magical powers. The sequel begins with Elphaba’s banishment from Emerald City. She is now known as the Wicked Witch of the West.
Dorothy also arrives in the magical land. She encounters the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion on her journey to meet the Wizard.
Jonathan Bailey transforms into the Scarecrow, embodying Fiyero, while Ethan Slater takes on the role of the Tin Man, portraying Boq. Colman Domingo provides the voice for the computer-generated Cowardly Lion, a character Elphaba saves as a child.
Hannon described keeping the identities of the Scarecrow and Tin Man a secret during production as “very difficult.” Both films were shot simultaneously. She explained it was a challenge to tell the story without revealing crucial character developments.
Both Bailey and Slater were reportedly impressed with their characters’ final appearances. Hannon noted the transformations were “phenomenal” and the design was “incredible,” deeply moving the actors. She highlighted that the practical effects filled the IMAX screen flawlessly.
For Fiyero’s transformation into the Scarecrow, the team deliberately retained some of Jonathan Bailey’s original characteristics. Hannon emphasized the importance of still seeing Fiyero in the Scarecrow’s appearance.
Director Jon M. Chu specifically requested this continuity. The aim was to preserve the attraction and emotional connection between Fiyero and Elphaba.
This included keeping Fiyero’s distinctive hairstyle, albeit now straw-colored. For Boq’s transformation into the Tin Man, Ethan Slater’s red hair had to be removed.
Hannon co-designed the Tin Man’s metallic look alongside Mark Julio. She explained the goal was to keep the prosthetics thin and subtle, ensuring the actor underneath remained unaltered.
The reveal of Bailey’s and Slater’s characters’ fates was a “heartbreaking” moment for them, Hannon shared. She alluded to the possibility of a third movie.
Hannon praised Slater’s portrayal of the Tin Man’s sadness, noting it moved everyone.
“Wicked: For Good” is scheduled to premiere in theaters on Friday, November 21.