Wicked: For Good Trailer

Universal Pictures has released a trailer for “Wicked: For Good,” featuring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. The film is directed by Jon M. Chu.

The witches are back, ready to wrap up their story. Erivo returns as Elphaba and Grande as Glinda in this follow-up to last year’s hit adaptation of the Broadway musical “Wicked,” which is based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel. The film explores the character of the Wicked Witch of the West, depicting her not as malevolent but rather as a misunderstood heroine—an outcast who battles injustice in Oz. It adds depth and context that differs from what we might expect.

Universal made a surprising choice with a two-part release for its musical adaptation, an approach not commonly taken before. Traditional musicals tend to run around three hours, including intermissions, shaping audience expectations.

The original “Wicked” film was 2 hours and 40 minutes, essentially encompassing the first act. The upcoming second part, “For Good,” will add another 2 hours and 18 minutes, significantly extending the experience compared to the Broadway’s second act.

There’s also the box office success to consider, with the original raking in over $750 million globally. So, it’s understandable why Universal chose to capitalize on that with two films—though it seems to have shifted the balance from light-heartedness to deeper, darker themes. The initial film leaned heavily into the fun aspects, creating some nostalgic moments, while “For Good” leans toward the existential conflicts faced by both Elphaba and Glinda.

The narrative deepens in “For Good,” showcasing Elphaba’s fight against wizardly oppression while Glinda faces her own moral dilemmas about loyalty and belonging. However, it may feel a bit disjointed, especially for those unfamiliar with the stage play.

Catchy numbers like “Popular,” “Dancing Through Life,” and “What Is This Feeling?” stand out in Act 1, while the second act seems to lack similar iconic songs, with only a couple of memorable tunes emerging. The uneven nature of the music may be frustrating for fans.

Rated PG, “For Good” attempts to cater to younger audiences despite its darker themes, a challenge stemming from the contrast in tones between the two acts.

Erivo delivers a strong performance as Elphaba, making her stand out, although her best moments were in the first film. Grande also shines, showcasing growth in her role, bringing a much-needed sparkle to “For Good.”

Adapting a musical is tricky, but Jon M. Chu has proven he understands how to bring grandeur to the big screen. Despite “For Good” dealing with heavier themes, the visuals—from costumes to special effects—are stunning.

Stephen Schwartz, the original composer, even wrote two new songs to enhance the second act, acknowledging its need for a bit more weight to justify its standalone nature.

Verdict

“Wicked: For Good” is a solid, though not exceptional, sequel to last year’s hit. It boasts impressive artistry worth experiencing on the big screen, yet it doesn’t quite match its predecessor’s charm.

As a note to Hollywood, perhaps reconsider splitting musical adaptations into two parts. The extra revenue doesn’t seem worth the sacrifice in storytelling.

★★★ — Stream later

“Wicked: For Good” is rated PG for action/violence, some suggestive content, and thematic content. It runs for 2 hours and 18 minutes and hit theaters on November 21, 2025.