The highly anticipated sequel to the Wicked franchise, Wicked For Good, has finally landed, and it delivers a more assured and mature conclusion to the magical tale of Oz. Directed by Jon M Chu, this second part neatly wraps up the story of Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West in a way that feels grounded in both fairytale and reality.
A Deeper Look at Good and Evil
Based on the musical that has been running for two decades, Wicked: For Good makes a valiant and impressive attempt to explore the complex themes of goodness and wickedness. The film delves into how these concepts feed on each other and questions the very meaning of truth, asking whether anyone truly desires it. While some of these profound arguments are presented through song, it takes little away from their intellectual soundness, though a slightly shorter runtime with fewer musical numbers might have improved the pacing.
The film begins with Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West (Cynthia Erivo), living in hiding, hunted by all of Oz. Meanwhile, Glinda the Good (Ariana Grande) is settling into her role as the beloved, pink-bubble-inhabiting ruler. Grande effectively portrays a woman who has achieved everything her younger self desired, yet struggles with the emptiness beneath her 'good' crown.
Standout Performances Steal the Show
Ariana Grande appears more confident and assured in this installment, perfectly capturing Glinda's internal conflict. Cynthia Erivo, who carried the first film, matures wonderfully in her role, embodying a person who has been misunderstood her entire life. The chemistry between the two leads is palpable, and they execute their emotional pas de deux with remarkable elan.
If anyone upstages the powerful duo, it is Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard. He is simply dazzling as the 'fake, hokum' His Ozness, a wealthy old man with ostentatious tastes. His musical number where he sings, 'The truth is not a fact or reason / The truth is just what everyone agrees on...' is a highlight of the film.
The supporting cast, including Michelle Yeoh as the sweet yet malicious Madame Morrible and Jonathan Bailey as the shared love interest, provides solid backing. The classic Wizard of Oz characters—The Tin Man, Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion, and Dorothy with Toto—are introduced in quick, economical succession.
Pacing and Final Verdict
While there are many moments where Grande, Erivo, and Goldblum completely seize your attention, Wicked For Good does tend to meander at times. The film, already expansive due to its first part, feels a bit overlong. Director Jon M. Chu seems reluctant to let his stellar cast go, which occasionally affects the narrative momentum.
Ultimately, Wicked For Good is a satisfying and thoughtful conclusion to the story. It was released on November 21, 2025, and earns a solid rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars. It is a film that bravely tackles the grey areas between good and evil, leaving the audience with much to ponder long after the credits roll.
