Expanding the world of Oz with spectacle and heart, even as this second chapter struggles to match the impact of its predecessor.
In Wicked: For Good, the story resumes one year after the Oscar-winning Wicked, bringing audiences back to Oz as Elphaba and Galinda face consequences that reshape their destinies. The film arrives with massive expectations and a legacy to uphold - but can lightning really strike twice?
November 22, 2025, will be the first anniversary of the theatrical premiere of the Oscar-winning movie Wicked starring Ariana Grande (Victorius) and Cynthia Erivo (Harriet) as Galinda Upland and Elphaba Thropp, respectively. This Friday, the second part of the story will premiere when Wicked: For Good hits theaters nationwide. Based on the Tony and Drama Desk award-winning musical of the same name, Wicked earned $759 million worldwide, putting it in the top 5 earning films of 2024 and setting high expectations for part two this Thanksgiving Holiday Season. With such lofty goals, could lightning strike twice in the same place?
The story picks up where it left off with Elphaba (Erivo) in hiding and Galinda (Grande) in good favor with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum; Jurassic Park) and Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh; Everything Everywhere All at Once) and set to marry Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey; Bridgerton. However, when Elphaba wreaks havoc on Oz to right the wrongs set in motion by the Wizard and Madame Morrible, she is dubbed "wicked," leaving everyone in the land out to kill her. Eventually, Fiyero decides to leave with Elphaba, leaving Galinda heartbroken and ensuring the friends will most likely never see each other again.
As with the first film, the story follows the storyline of the Broadway show with minor changes and adjustments. Fans of the musical won't be especially disappointed because the changes don't alter the plot very much. However, those who loved the first movie might leave the theater a little disappointed by this sequel. The stakes and the expectations have been set so high and, sadly, Wicked: For Good can't live up to either. That isn't to say that the movie is awful, because it isn't. It simply isn't as strong as Wicked was last year, so audiences won't be as pleased.
Before we get to the problems with this second act, let's review the strengths of Wicked: For Good. First, the costumes...it's difficult to imagine that Oscar winner Paul Tazewell (Hamilton) could improve upon the masterpieces he created for Wicked, but he does. Galinda's costumes are even more layered, textured, and vibrant than before, and Elphaba's wardrobe is also incredibly detailed, even if the clothing is all black. Second, the set designs...Lee Sandales (The Batman) once again outdoes himself with interesting architecture and set dressings that enhance the overall look and feel of the land of Oz.
Third, the cast is brilliant for the most part. Casting Grande and Erivo was a stroke of genius that paid off well in the first movie and continues to do so this second time around. Their acting is terrific, and their vocals are impeccable and angelic. It is obvious to see why Bailey was named the sexiest man alive by People Magazine, and he brings that charm and his good looks to the love interest. Goldblum is very good as the elder statesman; however, I can't understand why Yeoh was given the part of Madame Morrible. Not only can't she sing, but he plays the character without any redeeming qualities, making her the true villain of the story and a glaring miscast in an otherwise strong ensemble.
Overall, the new songs fit well with the originals, and the story remains the same for the most part, but perhaps my expectations were too high based on the previous year's release, or maybe the darker tone of this second film is simply a turn-off. Whatever the reason, the movie isn't as good as Wicked is which is disappointing.
Regardless, Wicked: For Good will top the box office in the next few weeks and make quite a large profit over this holiday season. It is sure to garner at least a few Oscar nominations next year as well, but if you want it to be as good (pun intended) as Wicked was, plain and simple, it isn't.
Grade: B-
