Hollywood veteran Jeff Goldblum, best known for iconic roles in Jurassic Park, Independence Day, Thor: Ragnarok, and The Fly, has revealed a surprising lifestyle shift: he’s now a vegetarian. The change comes after his recent work on the highly anticipated musical film Wicked: For Good, where he reprises his role as the Wizard of Oz.
Speaking on the UK daytime show This Morning ahead of the European premiere of the film on November 10, 2025, Goldblum described how the movie’s themes around animal welfare and cruelty made him reconsider his eating habits.
“You know, after doing this movie, we talked about the animal cruelty. I stopped eating meat and poultry,” Goldblum said. He went on to explain how this transformation aligns with his broader worldview: “We need the world to work for everybody on Earth, and every creature too.”
Goldblum, whose career spans decades and includes standout performances in films like The Grand Budapest Hotel and The Fly, praised working with director Jon M. Chu as a pivotal part of the experience. “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.”
The Wizard’s Dark Side Inspires Change
The impetus for Goldblum’s dietary switch comes directly from the story he helped bring to life. In the first Wicked film, the Wizard is revealed to be using animals in harmful ways for his own ends, including silencing them and manipulating magical monkeys for his schemes. Wicked: For Good, the second installment, delves even further into these consequences, shining a light on the impact of cruelty to animals. Goldblum admitted that exploring these darker themes in depth had a personal effect on him, inspiring his move toward vegetarianism.
He also hinted that his new diet might influence his holiday meals this season. “I may go vegetarian over Thanksgiving and Christmas,” he said. “But I’m happy.”
Wicked: For Good – What Fans Can Expect
The Wicked musical has been a fan favorite for more than two decades, and its live-action adaptation has been eagerly awaited since the first film premiered on November 22, 2024. Starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, the movie set box-office records for a Broadway adaptation and saw its soundtrack debut at No. 2 on the Billboard 200.
The sequel, Wicked: For Good, scheduled for release on November 21, 2025, promises to explore the darker and more complex aspects of Oz. Jon M. Chu, who directed both films, described Part 2 as a story about consequences. “If Part 1 is about choices, Part 2 is about consequences,” Chu told Entertainment Weekly in November 2024. While the first film focused on the fun and excitement of life at Shiz University, the second installment tackles political tension, moral dilemmas, and the struggles of those who fight for justice, including Elphaba’s ongoing advocacy for animal rights.
Musical Highlights and New Content
In addition to expanding the story, the sequel introduces two brand-new songs written specifically for the films, complementing classic numbers like “No Good Deed Goes Unpunished” and the heart-wrenching duet “For Good.” Erivo and Grande have teased the emotional intensity of these new pieces, promising fans unforgettable performances.
The film also offers a closer look at the evolving relationship between Elphaba and Glinda, exploring the emotional nuances that couldn’t be fully captured on stage. Grande has hinted at a depth in their bond that goes beyond friendship, adding another layer to the film’s rich storytelling.
Dorothy’s Expanded Role
While Dorothy Gale had only a brief cameo in Part 1, she is set to play a larger role in Wicked: For Good. Director Chu has suggested that her interactions with the witches will be critical to the story, though the specifics remain under wraps. Fans can also anticipate some of the most ambitious musical sequences of the franchise, including the climactic “For Good” number, described by both Grande and Erivo as a physically and emotionally demanding performance.
Goldblum’s Personal Takeaway
For Jeff Goldblum, participating in Wicked: For Good has been more than just another acting role. It has inspired a personal transformation, leading him to embrace vegetarianism and reflect on his responsibility toward other creatures. Known for his eclectic filmography, including Jurassic Park, Thor: Ragnarok, and The Fly, Goldblum’s change is a reminder of how art can impact even the most seasoned actors.
As Wicked: For Good prepares for its big-screen release, fans can expect a film that blends spectacle, emotional depth, and meaningful social commentary — along with a powerful message about compassion for all living beings, championed by one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors.
