Introduction

After the massive box office success of Wicked (2024), the anticipation for Wicked: For Good was sky-high — especially with Broadway fans still riding the nostalgia wave of the original musical, which remains one of the longest-running shows in Broadway history. The sequel made its grand entry at the New York premiere on November 17, 2025, at David Geffen Hall, where the cast walked a shimmering yellow carpet under the theme “Emerald City Elegance.”

With Hollywood heavyweights like Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, and director Jon M. Chu in attendance, the night sparkled. But once the early reactions hit the internet, the vibe started shifting.

So, does Wicked: For Good live up to the magic? Let’s break it down.

🎭 Storyline Overview

Wicked: For Good picks up where the first film left off, taking audiences deeper into Oz’s political tensions, Elphaba’s rising rebellion, and Glinda’s struggles with power and public perception.

The film attempts to expand the world introduced in Wicked — diving deeper into the themes of populism, propaganda, and the cost of being “good” in a world obsessed with narratives. These ideas align with the source material: L. Frank Baum’s Wizard of Oz has long been read as an allegory for American populism and shifting political identities — something fans immediately noted.

But while the potential is huge, the execution doesn’t always hit the mark.

👥 Cast & Performances

The strongest part of the film remains its cast — and fans on social media agree:

Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba)

A knockout. Her vocal power is unmatched, and she brings raw emotion to every scene. Even critics who disliked the film praised her performance.

Ariana Grande (Glinda)

Ariana continues her charming, bubbly take on Glinda — balancing comedy, warmth, and impressive vocals. Her Broadway-style delivery feels far more confident in this film.

Jonathan Bailey (Fiyero)

Bailey adds nuance and depth to a character often overshadowed in the musical. His chemistry with both leads hits harder this time.

Michelle Yeoh (Madame Morrible) & Jeff Goldblum (The Wizard)

Both icons add personality, but the script doesn’t give them as much to work with as fans hoped.

Despite a powerhouse cast, many viewers felt the emotional beats were undercut by weak pacing and rushed transitions.

🎶 Music — New Songs, Mixed Reception

Composer Stephen Schwartz, who created the original Broadway soundtrack, returns with two new songs:

• “The Girl in the Bubble”
• “No Place Like Home”

While some critics appreciated the additions, many fans felt the songs didn’t rise to the level of classics like Defying Gravity, Popular, or For Good. A few even argued the new tracks slowed down the film where dialogue would’ve been more effective.

This complaint mirrors a long-standing issue:
Act 2 of the original Broadway show has always been considered structurally uneven — a flaw that appears to carry into the film.

⚖️ What Worked

• ✨ Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s powerhouse performances
• 🌈 Spectacular production design & VFX (Jon M. Chu’s specialty — similar to his work on In The Heights and Crazy Rich Asians)
• 🎼 Strong musical moments when sticking to the original Broadway score
• 🧙‍♂️ Expanded world-building and political commentary with modern parallels
• 👗 Gorgeous costume work and imaginative Emerald City visuals

❌ What Didn’t Work

• 🕒 Uneven pacing — especially in the middle act
• 📉 A plot that feels emotionally scattered despite strong themes
• 🎵 New songs failing to stand out
• 🧩 Some characters underutilized (The Wizard, Morrible)
• 🗳️ Political elements introduced but not fully explored
• 🎬 Not as memorable or cohesive as the first film

Fans on X labelled it everything from “disappointing” to “lacking soul,” with one viral post calling the movie “abysmal” despite praising the cast.

🎤 Final Verdict

Wicked: For Good is visually enchanting and carried beautifully by its two leading ladies — but it struggles to deliver the emotional punch and narrative sharpness that made the first movie soar.

For fans of the franchise, it’s still worth a watch for the performances, the nostalgia, and the big-screen spectacle.
For casual viewers, the story may feel uneven, but the music and visuals hold enough charm to keep the experience enjoyable.

⭐ Rating: 3/5
(Performances: 5/5, Story: 2.5/5, Music: 3/5, Visuals: 4.5/5)