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Published: November 20, 2025
The wait is finally over for the citizens of Oz and moviegoers alike. Jon M. Chu has returned to complete his cinematic vision with the release of Wicked: For Good. This second chapter arrives exactly one year after the first film took the world by storm. It trades the bright optimism of Shiz University for a grittier and more intense reality.
The gamble to split the stage musical into two feature films was a massive risk. Many critics worried the story would drag or lose its magic. However, this sequel proves that the decision was not just necessary but brilliant. It offers a deeper look into the fractured friendship that defines the saga.
A darker turn for the witches of Oz
The narrative picks up some time after the events of the first movie. The dynamic has shifted dramatically between our two leads. Elphaba is no longer the hopeful student trying to meet the Wizard. She is now living in exile within the dense Ozian forest. The public views her as a threat.
Glinda has taken a very different path. She is now the popular face of the regime in the Emerald City. She resides in the palace and enjoys the adoration of the public. But beneath the surface, the political tension is boiling over. The people of Oz are rising up against the so-called Wicked Witch.
wicked for good cynthia erivo ariana grande movie sequel poster
“It is like serving up The Empire Strikes Back after Star Wars, but with a chorus line instead of carbonite.”
This film functions much like the middle chapter of a great trilogy. It is darker, denser, and more emotional. The stakes feel real. The movie does not shy away from the tragic elements of the story. It challenges the audience to look past the black and white of good and evil.
Key Plot Differences in Part 2:
- Setting: Moves from the school setting to the wider, dangerous world of Oz.
- Tone: Shifts from a coming-of-age story to a political thriller with magic.
- Focus: Centers on the consequences of choices made in the first film.
The script offers a path to redemption. Glinda and The Wizard attempt to bring Elphaba back into the fold. Things do not go according to plan. This failure sparks a chaotic chain of events that leads to the legendary melting point we all know from history.
Star power shines in the emerald city
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande return to their roles with even more confidence. Their chemistry was the heartbeat of the first film. In this sequel, their relationship is tested to its breaking point. Erivo brings a raw intensity to Elphaba that is heartbreaking to watch. She captures the pain of being misunderstood perfectly.
Ariana Grande adds layers to Glinda that we did not see before. She balances the bubbly public persona with deep private regret. It is a performance that proves she is a true acting force. The supporting cast also gets more room to breathe in this chapter.
Jonathan Bailey returns as Fiyero. His role is expanded significantly in this second half. His relationships with both witches are heady and intense. He provides the emotional anchor for the romantic conflict. Jeff Goldblum is back as the Wizard. He continues to bring his unique charm and menace to the ruler of Oz.
New Faces in Oz:
- Colman Domingo: Joins as the Cowardly Lion.
- Bethany Weaver: Plays the central figure, Dorothy.
- Michelle Yeoh: Returns as Madame Morrible.
The introduction of Dorothy is handled with extreme creativity. The director chose not to show her face directly. This keeps the focus strictly on the witches. It allows the audience to see the famous story from a completely new perspective. We see Dorothy as the witches see her. She is a mysterious force of nature rather than a protagonist.
New songs and visuals steal the show
The music remains the soul of this production. Fans of the Broadway show will be relieved to hear the classics. “Wonderful” is performed with flair and style. The emotional heavyweight “No Good Deed” serves as a standout moment. It allows Erivo to flex her incredible vocal range.
The creative team did not stop with the original score. They have added new tracks to flesh out the runtime. Two new songs titled “No Place Like Home” and “The Girl in the Bubble” fit seamlessly into the narrative. You would never know these songs were not in the original 1995 stage production.
Musical Highlights Breakdown:
| Song Title | Context | Impact Level |
|---|---|---|
| No Good Deed | Elphaba’s turning point | High Emotional Peak |
| Wonderful | The Wizard’s manipulation | Whimsical yet Dark |
| No Place Like Home | New addition to the score | Nostalgic & Sad |
| The Girl in the Bubble | Glinda’s reflection | Character Deep Dive |
Visually, the film is a stunner. The first movie was bathed in daytime light and color. This sequel takes place mostly at night. Cinematographer Alice Brooks uses this to her advantage. She plays with shadows and a grim palette to enhance the mood.
The lighting makes the magic pop off the screen. The Emerald City looks seductive but ominous in the dark. The set design by Nathan Crowley builds a world that feels lived in and dangerous. The costumes by Paul Tazewell evolve with the characters. The clothes tell a story of their own.
Is the sequel worth watching in theaters
This film demands to be seen on the biggest screen possible. It is an event movie in every sense of the word. However, it might not win over everyone. Those who did not enjoy the first chapter will not find solace here. The darker tone might alienate viewers looking for pure fluff.
But for fans, this is a feast. It respects the source material while adding something new. The editing by Myron Kerstein keeps the pace moving. The film never feels like it is dragging despite the heavy themes. It manages to be both an epic blockbuster and an intimate drama.
This is the Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom of movie musicals. It takes risks. It goes to dark places. It asks the audience to grow up along with its characters. The result is a satisfying conclusion to a massive cinematic undertaking.
The film delivers on its promise. It connects all the dots logically and emotionally. The final scenes pack a punch that will leave theaters silent. It is a rare sequel that justifies its existence completely.
Final Verdict: Wicked: For Good is a triumph. It is a bold, breathtaking conclusion that cements this duology as a modern classic. It offers a solid second half that is delicious in its own way.
If you have seen the movie, let us know your thoughts. Did the new songs work for you? Share your review on social media using the hashtag #WickedForGood and tag your friends who love musicals.
