Just a month after the acclaimed musical film “Wicked” concluded its successful awards season run at the Academy Awards, fans are buzzing with excitement for the upcoming sequel, “Wicked: For Good”. Set to hit theaters on November 21, 2025, this film will take audiences back down the iconic yellow brick road, continuing the beloved story of Elphaba and Glinda.
In “Wicked: For Good”, we follow the journey of the heroine Elphaba, portrayed by the talented Cynthia Erivo. As the people of Oz are manipulated into rejecting her, Elphaba's best friend Glinda, played by Ariana Grande, finds herself caught in the conflict, becoming a spokesperson for the opposition led by Madame Morrible, played by Michelle Yeoh, and the Wizard, portrayed by Jeff Goldblum.
At CinemaCon, attendees got a thrilling first look at footage from “Wicked: For Good.” During Universal’s presentation, a live performance featuring a stunning 43-piece orchestra conducted by Rickey Minor captivated the audience with a medley of songs from the musical. Both Erivo and Grande took the stage alongside director Jon M. Chu and producer Marc Platt to introduce this exciting new chapter.
The trailer opens with Elphaba declaring, “There’s no going back,” setting a dramatic tone for the film. Fans can expect to see Glinda in her iconic pink dress and tiara, Fiyero rallying a group as they pursue Elphaba, and even a glimpse of Dorothy along with the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion as they are commanded by the Wizard to capture the Wicked Witch of the West’s broom. The trailer closes with a poignant exchange between Elphaba and Glinda that resonates deeply with the themes of friendship and loyalty.
As fans of the original musical know, Act Two delves into a much darker narrative, with Elphaba and Glinda facing off against each other amidst escalating tensions. The sequel also explores the connections between “Wicked” and its narrative predecessor, “The Wizard of Oz.” Significant character backstories, including those of the Scarecrow and the Tin Man, will be revealed, adding layers to the familiar tale.
Director Jon M. Chu has emphasized that this film will offer a more prominent role for Dorothy Gale, who has a brief appearance in the musical. Cast member Jonathan Bailey, who plays Fiyero, has hinted that “Wicked: For Good” will present a tonal shift, moving towards a heavier and more complex storyline while still capturing the essence of hope and resilience that fans cherish.
Alongside Erivo, Grande, Yeoh, and Goldblum, the film will also feature Ethan Slater as Boq, Marissa Bode as Nessarose, and Bowen Yang as Pfannee. Both parts of the musical were filmed simultaneously, a decision made to fully honor the source material without compromising its integrity. Chu expressed that splitting the musical into two films allows for a richer storytelling experience.
The first part of the “Wicked” saga proved to be a massive box office success, grossing nearly three-quarters of a billion dollars worldwide and receiving 10 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actress (for Erivo), and Best Supporting Actress (for Grande). The original film won two Oscars for Best Costume Design and Best Production Design, solidifying its place in cinematic history.
As anticipation builds for “Wicked: For Good”, fans can look forward to an unforgettable journey filled with magic, friendship, and the exploration of complex themes that resonate deeply within the heart of the narrative.
