Product Info

Studio

Universal Pictures

Director

Jon M. Chu

Genre

Family, Fantasy, Musical, Romance

Rated

PG

Theatrical Release Date (NA)

Nov 21, 2025

Film Length

2hr 18min

Purchase From

Wicked: For Good is the second part of the 2024 film, Wicked. While the sequel closes the story of the Broadway musical, its magic doesn’t completely transition over to give it the same spark. However, the two witches and their growth in this dark-toned film deliver a different type of magic.

Wicked for Years

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The sequel takes place five years after the first film’s ending. Elphaba, portrayed by Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Bad Times at the El Royale), known as the Wicked Witch of the West, is shown trying to free the animals in Oz who are being suppressed. Her goal is to expose the manipulative schemes that The Wizard, played by Jeff Goldblum (Jurassic Park, Independence Day), is imposing on the people. Unfortunately, she is also battling against Madame Morrible, played by Michelle Yeoh (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Kung Fu Panda 2), who possesses similar powers to Elphaba and works alongside The Wizard. No matter what Elphaba does, Madame Morrible and The Wizard counter her actions, portraying Elphaba as a wicked person seeking torment and death. This sequel explores a darker theme than the first film due to the aggressive actions and gloomy scenes.

Fortunately, Elphaba is not alone, as her past friends Glinda, played by Ariana Grande (Brighter Days Ahead, Don’t Look Up), and Prince Fiyero, played by Jonathan Bailey (Jurassic World: Rebirth, Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail), question The Wizard’s hostile actions towards Elphaba. While other characters continue their roles in the sequel, Glinda and Fiyero stand out the most and showcase significant character growth, especially Glinda. In the first film, Glinda was portrayed as having a bubbly attitude and seeking attention. As the “Good Witch,” she continues to seek attention and serves as a public figure for Oz. Despite the chaos caused by her friend Elphaba, Glinda maintains a strong, positive connection with her. Though they may have moments of conflict, true friends endure. When the film depicts these events, it adds depth to the story. Glinda exhibits more backbone and stands up for what she believes is right, even though she lacks magical abilities like Madame Morrible or technical skills like The Wizard. 

The film also delves into Fiyero’s connection with Elphaba, causing tension between Elphaba and Glinda, leading to occasional disagreements. Wicked: For Good further explores Elphaba’s sister, Nessarose Thropp, played by Marissa Bode (No Roles Written, Carsleepers), and her interactions with her sister and her sweetheart Boq Woodsman, played by Ethan Slater (The SpongeBob Musical: Live on Stage!, The Man Behind the Camera). This storyline sets the stage for the introduction of Dorothy and Toto, offering viewers a fresh perspective on the classic 1939 film, The Wizard of Oz. It is similar to how Disney’s spin-off film The Lion King 1/2 portrayed the main storyline from the perspective of supporting characters. The portrayal of Elphaba feels darker and more aggressive towards the witch in this sequel. You feel bad about the actions that are going against her, with increased hostility from Oz civilians, Tin Man and the rest of Dorothy’s misfit team.

Full Speed Ahead

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It would have been great to see more of Dorothy’s posse in the film, as the pace greatly picks up once she arrives in Oz. Before that, the pacing felt slow. There are plenty of musical scores throughout, but some musical scenes didn’t feel necessary and interrupted the story too much. While the cinematic scenes, CGI, and costumes continue to look great like in the first film, the sequel didn’t really introduce anything new. Instead, it connected more dots to the first film and the original story of The Wizard of Oz. It’s still a positive film to watch, just don’t expect the same reaction as the first one.

Those who watched the first film may not be as impressed with the sequel, as it relies heavily on musical scores that aren’t as mesmerizing as the first one. Perhaps waiting a year was too long to release the second film. If it had been released within six months of the first film, the aesthetics would have felt more magical.

The Final Spell

Wicked: For Good concludes the two-part film series with a darker tone. The sequel highlights the developing friendship between the Elphaba and Glinda, while also impressing viewers with its stunning visuals and cinematography. However, the pacing is a bit of an issue and doesn’t quite capture the same magic as the first film.

An early screening was provided for this review. Wicked: For Good will arrive in theaters on November 21, 2025. More information and tickets are available on the official website.