‘Wicked’ Star Turns Vegetarian After On-Set Animal Cruelty Experience

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Jeff Goldblum, the beloved Hollywood actor known for iconic roles in Jurassic Park, Independence Day, and Thor: Ragnarok, has revealed a surprising personal change following his involvement in the highly anticipated musical film Wicked: For Good. In a recent interview on British daytime talk show This Morning, Goldblum disclosed that he has adopted a vegetarian lifestyle, inspired by the animal welfare themes explored in the film.Credit: Universal Pictures“I’m lucky,” Goldblum explained during the interview ahead of the European premiere of Wicked: For Good on November 10, 2025. “It’s uncommon that you get to be doing this over a period of time and get more fertile and juicy and interesting and relevant roles for yourself at this period of time. And working with John Chu – amazing. It’s changed me. You know, after doing this movie, we talked about the animal cruelty. I stopped eating meat and poultry.”Goldblum, who plays the Wizard of Oz in the film, reflected on how the story’s darker themes affected him personally. At the conclusion of the first Wicked film, it was revealed that the Wizard had been silencing animals and planning to exploit a troupe of magical monkeys for his own purposes. Wicked: For Good, the second installment, continues to explore the repercussions of these actions, highlighting the consequences of animal cruelty and inspiring Goldblum’s newfound vegetarianism.In the interview, Goldblum also discussed how this lifestyle change might affect his upcoming holiday meals, noting that he may choose vegetarian options over Thanksgiving and Christmas. “But I’m happy,” he said. “We need the world to work for everybody on Earth, and every creature too.”Goldblum was effusive in his praise for director Jon M. Chu, saying, “He’s a master and a genius. He made a masterpiece out of the first one, and an even deeper, more relevant, soulful, smart, complicated, and riveting, rollicking entertainment out of this second one. I’m crazy about it.” His admiration reflects both the transformative experience of working on the film and the meaningful impact the story had on him personally.Wicked: For Good – The Sequel Fans Have Been Waiting ForCredit: Universal PicturesAfter more than two decades as one of Broadway’s most beloved musicals, Wicked finally received the live-action film treatment last year. Starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, Jon M. Chu’s Wicked Part 1 hit theaters on November 22, 2024, following a three-year production period. The first installment set box-office records, becoming the highest-grossing film adaptation of a Broadway musical, while the soundtrack debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, the biggest opening for a stage-to-screen adaptation.Fans have been eagerly awaiting the continuation of the story, which Universal Pictures officially confirmed would be split into two parts. The sequel, titled Wicked: For Good, promises to explore the darker, more complex aspects of the narrative. Chu announced in April 2022 that the split allowed the story to unfold as intended while providing deeper insight into beloved characters.Exploring Deeper Themes in Part TwoWhile much of the second film’s content has been kept under wraps, it’s clear that Wicked: For Good delves into the social and political consequences of the Wizard’s actions and the ongoing struggle for animal rights. Elphaba becomes increasingly misunderstood by the people of Oz as she continues to advocate for animal welfare, while Glinda remains aligned with the Wizard and Madame Morrible’s regime. Romantic tension is revisited between Elphaba and Fiyero, culminating in an emotional reunion between the two witches.Jon M. Chu has described Part 2 as “darker and twistier” than its predecessor. “If Part 1 is about choices, Part 2 is about consequences,” he told Entertainment Weekly in late 2024. Despite the increased complexity, Chu assures viewers that the film retains “lots of lightness” and fun, balancing the mature themes with engaging entertainment.The sequel also promises new musical experiences. Two original songs were created specifically for the film, complementing classic numbers like “No Good Deed Goes Unpunished” and the iconic duet “For Good.” Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande have teased emotionally charged performances, highlighting the depth the film adds to their characters’ relationships.A More In-Depth Look at Elphaba and GlindaThe cinematic format allows for a closer examination of Elphaba and Glinda’s relationship, offering nuances that go beyond the stage production. Grande hinted at a more complex exploration of Glinda’s love for Elphaba, suggesting a bond that transcends traditional friendship. This focus on emotional depth aligns with the film’s larger themes of empathy, understanding, and justice for all creatures, human or otherwise.Dorothy’s Expanded Role and Key ScenesDorothy Gale, briefly glimpsed in Part 1, will have a more significant presence in Wicked: For Good. Chu teased that Dorothy’s interactions with the witches will play a pivotal role in the narrative, though specific details remain a closely guarded secret. Fans can also anticipate powerful renditions of musical sequences, including the climactic “For Good” number, which both Grande and Erivo describe as physically and emotionally demanding.Jeff Goldblum’s Continuing InfluenceCredit: Marvel StudiosGoldblum’s turn toward vegetarianism reflects the profound impact of his role in Wicked: For Good. Known for his versatility in films such as The Fly, Jurassic Park, Thor: Ragnarok, and The Grand Budapest Hotel, Goldblum’s willingness to embrace lifestyle changes inspired by his work underscores the potential for film to influence both actors and audiences alike. His advocacy for animal welfare, highlighted in interviews and public appearances, complements the film’s central message that all creatures deserve respect and care.As Wicked: For Good prepares for its November 21, 2025 release, audiences can expect a film that combines spectacular performances, a powerful soundtrack, and meaningful social commentary — all of which have left a lasting mark on one of Hollywood’s most distinctive and thoughtful actors. Jeff Goldblum’s transformation into vegetarianism may be just one example of how art can inspire personal growth, while the Wizard of Oz’s tale continues to enchant, challenge, and entertain viewers around the world.The post ‘Wicked’ Star Turns Vegetarian After On-Set Animal Cruelty Experience appeared first on Inside the Magic.