I sobbed. Like, ugly-crying-in-the-theatre sobbed. And I wasn't alone.
My Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Wicked: For Good, the highly anticipated conclusion to Jon M. Chu's two-part adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, isn't just a sequel. It's a triumph. With a projected $115 million opening weekend and presale records that outpaced Part One, this film proves that the musical renaissance in Hollywood is far from over.
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande deliver career-defining performances that'll have you believing in the power of friendship, sacrifice, and defying gravity—both literally and metaphorically. Set to premiere on November 21, 2025, during the lucrative Thanksgiving window, Wicked: For Good is already tracking to become one of the year's biggest releases.
Let me tell you why this is the emotional gut-punch you didn't know you needed.
Key Takeaways
Is Wicked: For Good worth watching? Absolutely. This is the rare sequel that matches—and in some ways surpasses—its predecessor.
Quick Facts:
- Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
- Runtime: Approximately 160 minutes (2 hours 40 minutes)
- Release Date: November 21, 2025 (Thanksgiving weekend)
- Projected Opening: $115 million+ domestic
- Stars: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum
- Director: Jon M. Chu
- Part One Box Office: $750 million worldwide (highest-grossing Broadway adaptation ever)
- Awards Buzz: Strong Oscar contenders for both lead actresses
The Story: Where We Left Off and Where We're Going
If you've seen Part One, you know where we stand. Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) has been branded the "Wicked Witch of the West" after refusing to comply with the Wizard's corrupt regime. Glinda (Ariana Grande) chose to stay behind, accepting her role as "Glinda the Good" despite knowing the truth about her best friend.
Wicked: For Good picks up in the aftermath of that heartbreaking split.
The narrative explores how Elphaba and Glinda navigate their estrangement while dealing with the consequences of their choices. Their conflicting values—Elphaba's unwavering commitment to justice versus Glinda's pragmatic approach to maintaining social status—ultimately test their bond.
However, what makes For Good special is...The film expands upon their individual character arcs in ways critics have lauded as "exciting and innovative," adding depth that goes beyond what audiences experienced in the original stage production.
Without spoiling too much, the film explores themes of sacrifice, redemption, and what it truly means to do good in a world that demands you choose sides.
And yes, Dorothy makes an appearance. :)
Cynthia Erivo: A Jaw-Dropping Performance
Let me be clear. Cynthia Erivo IS Elphaba.
From her earliest scenes, Erivo establishes a complex, multi-layered character whose vocal choices—alternating between breathy uncertainty and powerful belting—perfectly mirror Elphaba's internal struggles. Critics note that she delivers a "jaw-dropping" performance that takes her already impressive work from Part One to an entirely new level.
The legendary song "No Good Deed" showcases Erivo's range like nothing else. This reimagined version features choreography from icon Misty Copeland, and let me tell you—it's DEVASTATING. Erivo's vocal performance captures Elphaba's rage, heartbreak, and determination as she realises the cost of trying to do good in a corrupt system.
Her vocal technique throughout the film demonstrates masterful control, using every musical choice to serve the emotional arc. When Elphaba sings with full power, you feel her defiance. When she pulls back to breathy tones, you sense her vulnerability.
What impressed me most? Erivo never lets you forget that Elphaba is a woman who's been misunderstood her entire life. Every scene carries that weight, that longing to be seen for who she truly is.
IMO, this is Oscar-worthy work. Period.
Ariana Grande: The Scene-Stealer Nobody Expected
Here's a confession: I was sceptical about Ariana Grande as Glinda.
I was wrong. SO wrong.
Director Jon M. Chu initially harboured similar concerns, worried that Grande's pop star persona would overshadow the character. But Grande completely dissolved into the role, delivering what many critics call "a tour de force" performance.
In For Good, Grande's Glinda evolves from the bubbly, self-absorbed girl we met in Part One into a woman grappling with moral complexity. She's still got the comedic timing that makes you laugh out loud, but now there's depth underneath.
The new original song "The Girl in the Bubble," written specifically for the film, becomes a showcase for Grande's vocal and acting abilities. It's a vulnerable moment where Glinda confronts her complicity in maintaining the status quo while her best friend suffers.
Grande's strength lies in her ability to balance Glinda's surface-level charm with deeper emotional complexity—her struggle with public image, her moral ambiguity, and ultimately, her courage to choose what matters most.
Critics are even suggesting Grande's expanded role might result in dual Oscar nominations for the same character across both films—a rare occurrence that would be absolutely deserved.
Cast & Characters Breakdown
| Actor | Character | Role in For Good |
|---|---|---|
| Cynthia Erivo | Elphaba Thropp | The "Wicked Witch" is fighting for justice |
| Ariana Grande | Glinda Upland | "Glinda the Good" confronting moral choices |
| Jonathan Bailey | Fiyero Tigelaar | Romantic interest torn between the women |
| Michelle Yeoh | Madame Morrible | Villainous headmistress |
| Jeff Goldblum | The Wizard of Oz | Corrupt ruler maintains power |
| Ethan Slater | Boq | Transformed character arc |
| Marissa Bode | Nessarose | Elphaba's sister with a significant arc |
Jonathan Bailey's Fiyero brings charm and complexity to the romantic subplot. His audition tape for the role showed exactly why Chu cast him—he understood that Fiyero isn't just a love interest, but a catalyst for both women's transformations.
Michelle Yeoh's Madame Morrible continues to command every scene, while Jeff Goldblum's Wonderful Wizard adds layers of intrigue and menace beneath his charming facade.
The Emotional Core: "For Good" and Friendship
At its heart, Wicked: For Good explores themes that resonate far beyond the fantasy setting of Oz.
The friendship between Elphaba and Glinda challenges traditional notions of good and evil. Their connection demonstrates how profound relationships transform us fundamentally. Their separation, while painful, becomes an exploration of how we grow through our relationships and what we carry with us when paths diverge.
The iconic duet "For Good" serves as the emotional climax—a powerful ballad celebrating how knowing each other has changed both characters permanently, for the better.
During filming, Erivo reflected on the emotional weight: "There was so much growth that happened between that day in Jon's house to the very many days on set that we shot that number. By the time we had shot that piece, we really understood who these women were, and what their relationship was, and what it could be, and what they were having to leave behind, and what they were yearning to hold onto."
The chemistry between Erivo and Grande is palpable throughout the entire film. You genuinely believe these two women love each other despite being on opposite sides of a conflict. That's the magic Chu captures—the tragedy of loving someone you can't be with, not because the love isn't real, but because the world won't allow it.
FYI, bring tissues. Lots of tissues. :/
Musical Numbers: Old Favourites and New Gems
The film features beloved songs from the stage production alongside new material created specifically for cinema.
Stage Production Songs:
- "No Good Deed" - Elphaba's devastating turning point (reimagined with Misty Copeland choreography)
- "Defying Gravity" - Referenced as the pivotal moment from Part One
- "For Good" - The emotional climax duet
- "March of the Witch Hunters" - Intense mob sequence
- "Wonderful" - The Wizard's manipulation song
New Original Songs:
- "The Girl in the Bubble" - Glinda's introspective solo exploring her complicity
- "No Place Like Home" - Thematic connection to Dorothy's journey
The new original songs expand the emotional landscape, with both being strong contenders for award recognition. Composer Stephen Schwartz created material that feels seamlessly integrated, while adding cinematic scope that is impossible on stage.
The orchestrations elevate these numbers into unforgettable cinematic moments. Chu uses the film medium brilliantly—crane shots during "Defying Gravity" callbacks, intimate close-ups during "For Good," and spectacular wide shots during ensemble numbers.
| Song | Performer(s) | Emotional Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| "No Good Deed" | Cynthia Erivo | Elphaba's breaking point |
| "The Girl in the Bubble" | Ariana Grande | Glinda's moral awakening |
| "For Good" | Erivo & Grande | Friendship celebration/farewell |
| "March of the Witch Hunters" | Ensemble | Mob mentality climax |
| "No Place Like Home" | Ensemble | Thematic resolution |
Production Excellence: The Team Behind the Magic
Director Jon M. Chu orchestrates an ambitious vision that showcases unprecedented scale and emotional depth.
Chu described the experience as a "mad, joyous rush" of finishing a project he'd poured his heart into. His approach prioritised practical sets over green screens whenever possible, creating tangible environments that actors could interact with authentically.
Cinematographer Alice Brooks contributes stunning visuals that bring Oz to cinematic life. Her use of colour—the contrast between Elphaba's dark greens and blacks versus Glinda's bright pinks and whites—visually represents their ideological divide while maintaining visual harmony.
Production designer Nathan Crowley crafted intricate sets that balance practical construction with visual effects seamlessly. The Emerald City alone required months of design work, creating a location that feels both fantastical and grounded.
The costume design deserves special mention. Each outfit tells a story about where characters are in their emotional journeys. Elphaba's wardrobe becomes increasingly practical and militant as she embraces her role as a revolutionary. Glinda's costumes grow more elaborate and constricting as she becomes trapped by public expectations.
Critical Reception: What Are Critics Saying?
Early reactions from critics have been overwhelmingly positive.
| Publication | Key Quote | Rating/Reaction |
|---|---|---|
| Variety | "Jon M. Chu is a genius in the way he brings this to a close" | Highly Positive |
| Parade | "Magical first reviews... emotionally gut-punching" | ★★★★★ |
| People Magazine | "Heartbreakingly tender... career-defining performances" | Highly Positive |
| Screen Rant | "Grande's performance may result in dual Oscar nominations" | Positive |
| Reddit (Audience) | "Sobbed from start to finish... absolutely perfect" | Overwhelmingly Positive |
Variety's Jazz Tangcay wrote: "Jon M. Chu is a genius in the way he brings this to a close. Elphaba and Glinda's stories are expanded, and leave you with an emotional gut punch at the end."
The consensus? This is the rare sequel that respects its source material while expanding upon it meaningfully.
Box Office Forecast: Breaking Records Again?
The numbers tell an incredible story.
The first Wicked film became the highest-grossing Broadway musical adaptation of all time with nearly $750 million globally.
Wicked: For Good is tracking even higher. Industry projections suggest a $115 million or potentially higher domestic opening during the lucrative Thanksgiving weekend.
| Metric | Wicked Part One | Wicked: For Good (Projected) |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Weekend (Domestic) | $108 million | $115+ million |
| Worldwide Total | $750 million | $700-800 million (projected) |
| Presale Performance | Record-breaking | Outpacing Part One |
| Holiday Window Advantage | Yes (Thanksgiving) | Yes (Thanksgiving + Christmas legs) |
Early ticket sales reportedly outpaced those of Part One, suggesting audiences are even more invested in seeing how the story concludes.
The Thanksgiving release date is strategic. Families traditionally flock to theatres during this window, and Wicked's all-ages appeal, combined with its emotional resonance, makes it perfect counter-programming against action-heavy blockbusters.
Awards Buzz: Oscar Contenders?
Both Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are expected to be significant contenders in the upcoming Oscar race.
The first Wicked film received four Golden Globe nominations, including Best Motion Picture—Musical or Comedy and acting nods for both leading ladies.
Industry insiders anticipate even greater recognition for For Good, with particular attention paid to:
Acting Categories:
- Best Actress (Cynthia Erivo)
- Best Supporting Actress (Ariana Grande)
- Potential dual nominations for Grande across both films
Technical Categories:
- Best Cinematography (Alice Brooks)
- Best Production Design (Nathan Crowley)
- Best Costume Design
- Best Original Song ("The Girl in the Bubble" and "No Place Like Home")
- Best Original Score
Major Categories:
- Best Picture
- Best Director (Jon M. Chu)
- Best Adapted Screenplay
The Academy loves musicals when they're done well. Chicago, La La Land, and West Side Story—all earned Best Picture nominations or wins. Wicked: For Good has the critical acclaim, commercial success, and technical excellence to compete seriously.
The Broadway-to-Hollywood Renaissance
Wicked: For Good represents something bigger than just one film's success.
We're witnessing a musical-film renaissance. After years of studios being gun-shy about musicals following several high-profile flops, Wicked proved audiences still hunger for this art form when it's executed with care and authenticity.
The Broadway-to-Hollywood pipeline has created massive franchise value:
- Hamilton (Disney+) - Cultural phenomenon
- In the Heights (2021) - Critical success
- West Side Story (2021) - Awards contender
- Wicked Part One (2024) - $750M worldwide
- Wicked: For Good (2025) - Projected $700M+
What makes Wicked special? It respects the source material while understanding that cinema requires different storytelling techniques than the stage. Chu doesn't just film a stage production—he reimagines it for a new medium.
This approach has revitalised interest in Broadway itself. Ticket sales for the Wicked stage production have surged since the first film's release, with theatres reporting sold-out performances months in advance.
Fan Psychology: Why Wicked Resonates
So what makes Wicked connect so deeply with audiences?
The story operates on multiple levels. On the surface, it's a fantasy adventure with spectacular musical numbers. But dig deeper, and you find themes that resonate universally:
Misunderstood Outcasts: Elphaba's journey speaks to anyone who's ever felt different, judged, or misunderstood. Her green skin becomes a metaphor for any characteristic that makes us "other."
Moral Complexity: The story rejects simplistic good-versus-evil narratives. Glinda isn't evil for choosing comfort over revolution. Elphaba isn't perfect despite fighting for justice. Both make mistakes. Both grow.
Female Friendship: The relationship between Elphaba and Glinda celebrates female friendship without reducing it to competition or rivalry. They genuinely love each other even when they disagree fundamentally.
Systemic Injustice: The story critiques how power structures manipulate truth, scapegoat the vulnerable, and maintain control through fear and propaganda. These themes feel remarkably relevant today.
Audiences don't just watch Wicked. They see themselves in it.
What Works: The Film's Biggest Strengths
Career-Defining Performances: Erivo and Grande deliver work that will be remembered for years. Their chemistry, vocal prowess, and emotional authenticity elevate every scene.
Emotional Resonance: The film makes you FEEL. Laugh, cry, cheer—sometimes all within the same scene. That emotional range keeps you engaged for the entire 160-minute runtime.
Visual Spectacle: This is cinema at its most spectacular. Practical sets, stunning costumes, gorgeous cinematography—every frame looks incredible.
Faithful Yet Innovative: Chu respects the Broadway show while adding cinematic elements impossible on stage. Fans of the musical feel honoured; newcomers aren't lost.
New Songs Enhance the Story: "The Girl in the Bubble" and "No Place Like Home" don't feel tacked on. They deepen character development and expand emotional range.
Thematic Depth: This isn't just pretty songs and spectacle. The themes about friendship, justice, and moral complexity give the story weight and staying power.
Minor Concerns: What Doesn't Quite Work
Runtime: At 160 minutes, some viewers might find the pace occasionally slow, particularly in the middle act. A tighter edit could've maintained momentum better.
Familiarity for Broadway Fans: If you've seen the stage show multiple times, some plot beats might feel predictable. The new songs help, but the overall arc remains the same.
Dorothy's Role: Without spoiling anything, Dorothy's appearance feels slightly underutilised. Given her importance to the Wizard of Oz mythology, I wanted more.
Romantic Subplot: The Fiyero love triangle, while handled well, sometimes distracts from the central friendship. The heart of this story is Elphaba and Glinda's bond, and scenes focusing elsewhere can feel like detours.
Ending Ambiguity: Some viewers might want a more concrete resolution to certain character fates. The ending honours the stage show's approach but could frustrate those seeking definitive answers.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Wicked: For Good appropriate for children?
ANS. Wicked: For Good carries a PG rating, making it appropriate for most ages. However, the film deals with mature themes, including political corruption, discrimination, and moral complexity. Some intense scenes might frighten very young children (under 7). The film contains no explicit violence, sexual content, or profanity. It's significantly more family-friendly than many superhero blockbusters while still offering emotional depth that engages adult audiences. Families with children 8 and up should find it perfectly appropriate and potentially conversation-starting.
2. Do I need to see Wicked Part One before watching For Good?
ANS. Absolutely yes. Wicked: For Good is a direct continuation of Part One's story, picking up immediately where the first film ended. The character relationships, political dynamics, and emotional stakes are all established in Part One. Watching For Good without seeing Part One would be like watching Return of the Jedi without The Empire Strikes Back—you'd be confused about character motivations, relationships, and why events matter. Universal Pictures designed this as a two-part story meant to be experienced sequentially.
3. How does the movie compare to the Broadway show?
ANS. The film expands upon the Broadway show's story in ways critics have called "exciting and innovative." Director Jon M. Chu added new songs, extended scenes, and cinematic elements impossible on stage. Broadway fans appreciate how the film honours the source material while using cinema's strengths—intimate close-ups, spectacular locations, and visual effects—to deepen the story. The core plot remains the same, but the film format allows for character moments and world-building that stage constraints prevented.
4. Will there be more Wicked movies after For Good?
ANS. No. Wicked: For Good concludes the story adapted from Gregory Maguire's novel and the Broadway musical. The two-part film structure allows the complete narrative arc from Elphaba and Glinda meeting at school through their ultimate destinies. However, given the commercial success ($750M for Part One, projected similarly for For Good), Universal Pictures might explore other stories set in the same universe. Nothing has been officially announced, but the financial incentive exists for expanding the Wicked cinematic world.
5. Is Ariana Grande actually singing in the movie?
ANS. Yes! Both Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo performed all their vocals live on set rather than lip-syncing to pre-recorded tracks. This approach creates authentic, emotionally present performances. Director Jon M. Chu insisted on live singing because it allows actors to adjust vocal choices based on the emotion of each take. Grande's pop star background translates beautifully to musical theatre, and critics consistently praise her vocal performance as one of the film's highlights.
6. What is the message of Wicked: For Good?
ANS. The central message explores how relationships change us permanently, for the better—even when those relationships end. The title song "For Good" articulates this: "Because I knew you, I have been changed for good." Beyond friendship, the film examines moral complexity, systemic injustice, and what it truly means to do good. It challenges simplistic notions of heroes and villains, suggesting that people are products of their circumstances and choices, not inherently evil or pure.
7. How much did Ariana Grande get paid for Wicked?
ANS. Exact salary figures haven't been publicly disclosed, but industry insiders estimate Grande and Erivo each earned between $10 million-15 million for both films combined. This would be standard for A-list talent in a major studio musical with franchise potential. Given the films' massive commercial success ($750M+ worldwide for Part One alone), both actresses likely negotiated backend deals that provide additional compensation based on box office performance, potentially earning significantly more than their base salaries.
8. Is there LGBTQ+ representation in Wicked?
ANS. The Wicked story has always resonated strongly with LGBTQ+ audiences, though representation remains somewhat subtextual rather than explicit. The themes of being misunderstood, judged for who you are, and finding acceptance speak powerfully to queer experiences. The central friendship between Elphaba and Glinda contains romantic undertones that many viewers interpret as queer-coded, though the film maintains the Broadway show's approach of leaving this ambiguous. Supporting characters include some openly queer performers, and the film's themes of acceptance and defying societal expectations align strongly with LGBTQ+ values.
9. What is the controversy with Wicked?
ANS. Most "controversy" around Wicked involves minor social media debates rather than serious issues. Some discussions include: whether splitting the story into two films was necessary (critical and commercial success suggests yes), casting choices (which have been universally praised), and whether changes from the Broadway show honour the source material. Some Christian reviewers have raised concerns about the film's portrayal of authority and moral relativism, though mainstream religious audiences have embraced the film's themes of friendship, sacrifice, and doing good. Overall, Wicked has avoided significant controversy and been embraced across diverse audiences.
10. How long is Wicked: For Good?
ANS. Wicked: For Good runs approximately 160 minutes (2 hours and 40 minutes), making it slightly longer than Part One's 155-minute runtime. Combined, both films total over 5 hours of storytelling. The extended runtime allows the story to breathe, giving proper attention to character development, emotional beats, and spectacular musical numbers. While some viewers might find the length challenging, critics note that the pacing keeps audiences engaged throughout, and the emotional payoff justifies the investment.
11. Is Cynthia Erivo really singing in Wicked?
ANS. Absolutely. Cynthia Erivo performed all vocals live on set, bringing immediate emotional authenticity to every musical number. Her background as a Tony Award-winning Broadway performer means she's uniquely qualified for this demanding role. Erivo's live vocal performances create genuine emotional moments that pre-recorded tracks couldn't capture. Her rendition of "No Good Deed" has been called one of the most powerful musical performances in recent cinema, showcasing her incredible range, control, and emotional depth.
Final Verdict: A Triumph of Musical Cinema
Wicked: For Good isn't just a great sequel. It's a masterclass in how to adapt beloved stage musicals for cinema.
Jon M. Chu has crafted something genuinely special—a film that honours its Broadway roots while embracing the unique possibilities of cinema. The performances by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande transcend typical movie musical work, delivering emotionally raw, vocally stunning portrayals that will define their careers.
The film succeeds because it understands what made the original musical resonate: the friendship between two women who choose different paths but remain forever changed by knowing each other. That emotional core gives weight to the spectacular musical numbers, stunning visuals, and fantasy world-building.
Yes, at 160 minutes, it's long. Yes, if you know the Broadway show, you know how it ends. But the journey—the performances, the music, the emotional beats—makes every minute worthwhile.
My Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
This is the rare sequel that matches its predecessor in every way while deepening what made the original special. It's a celebration of friendship, a showcase for two extraordinary performers, and proof that musical cinema can still create magic when approached with care, artistry, and heart.
The presale records and projected $115 million opening weekend prove audiences are hungry for this kind of emotionally resonant storytelling. In an era of franchises and sequels that feel cynically manufactured, Wicked: For Good feels genuinely earned—a conclusion that satisfies while reminding us why we fell in love with these characters in the first place.
So here's my question: Are you ready to be changed for good?
Conclusion
Wicked: For Good represents the culmination of a nearly 20-year journey from Broadway phenomenon to cinematic achievement. What began as Gregory Maguire's novel evolved into one of Broadway's longest-running shows, and now concludes as one of the most successful musical film adaptations in history.
The film's success validates Jon M. Chu's vision of splitting the story across two films, allowing proper attention to character development and emotional depth that a single three-hour movie couldn't provide. The decision to release during Thanksgiving weekend positions it perfectly for holiday audiences seeking emotional, family-friendly entertainment.
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande have delivered performances that will be studied by future musical ththeatreerformers and film actors alike. Their chemistry, vocal prowess, and emotional authenticity create the kind of magic that reminds us why we go to movies in the first place.
As the Broadway-to-Hollywood pipeline continues proving commercially viable, Wicked: For Good stands as the gold standard for how to adapt beloved stage musicals. It respects the source material while understanding that cinema requires different storytelling techniques, creating something that honours both mediums.
Whether you're a devoted Wicked fan who's seen the show multiple times or a newcomer experiencing this story for the first time, For Good delivers emotional satisfaction, spectacular entertainment, and a celebration of friendship that transcends the fantasy setting.
The projected box office success, awards buzz, and overwhelmingly positive critical reception suggest this film will have legs through the holiday season and beyond. It's exactly what audiences need right now—a story about choosing good over easy, friendship over convenience, and love over fear.
What moment from the Wicked story resonates most with you? Will you be seeing For Good opening weekend or waiting to experience it with loved ones during the holidays?
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