Wicked: For Good is a great example of the risk in making multiple films to tell a story. The first film was a record-breaker and an eyebrow-raiser with bright colors and equally colorful performances. In the sequel, the focus shifts to a less interesting character, and political and societal overtones dominate a film where fantasy and imagination should reign. Director John M. Chu was seen without blemish after the first film, but escaping the sequel unscathed will be next to impossible.
If there’s one thing we learned from Wicked, it’s that Ariana Grande’s range pales in comparison to Cynthia Erivo’s. One of the biggest complaints from audiences was the inability to comprehend Grande’s lyrics when she tried using her upper register. Not only that, but the focus of the film shifted this go-round. Where Elphaba was the main attraction in Wicked, Glinda was the focus in Wicked: For Good. Choosing this direction was a grave misstep for Chu after winning over audiences by telling Elphaba’s story. Glinda isn’t a strong enough character, nor is she likable.
The subtle undertones that worked in the first film weren’t so subtle here. The mistreatment of Elphaba was akin to Black people or people of color experiencing racism, the Munchkins receiving a travel ban looked and felt a lot like Trump’s travel ban from his first administration, and the Wizard’s performance describing how the people of Oz will believe anything he says rang similar to Trump’s claim of shooting someone on 5th Avenue and not losing any voters. It was all too much.
In Wicked: for Good, Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) has been labeled “The Wicked Witch of the West,” while Glinda (Ariana Grande) reaps all the perks of fame in Emerald City. Hellbent on revenge against the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum), she wins over the animals who’ve been cast out and plans a full-scale reckoning for Oz.
The magic was lacking in this one. You can definitely wait until it’s available to stream. Of course, it will win over theater kids, but ultimately, it won’t have the widespread appeal that earned the massive fandom from the first film.
Wicked: For Good gets a 7 out of 10. This truly should’ve been one movie. When The Brutalist debuted with its ridiculously long runtime, people argued “art” this and “creative” that. I wouldn’t have had a problem if this were over three hours long. The Brutalist even had an intermission; the same could’ve been done here. The very odd friendship dynamic between Elphaba and Glinda isn’t a saving point either. If you’ve seen the musical, you won’t be surprised by much. If you’re going into this having only seen the first part, a lot will shock you, including the ending.
Wicked: For Good is now in theaters.
-Jon Jones
Photos: Courtesy of Universal Pictures
Genre: Musical
Rating: PG
Runtime: 2 hrs 17 minutes
Trailer: Watch
U.S. Release Date: November 21, 2025