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The witches return to complete their tale. In the highly anticipated sequel, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande reprise their roles as Elphaba and Glinda in Wicked: For Good. This film serves as the conclusion to last year’s box office sensation.
The original Wicked adapts the beloved Broadway musical, drawing inspiration from Gregory Maguire’s 1995 fantasy novel. It chronicles the journey of the Wicked Witch of the West, a character often misunderstood by society due to her green skin. Rather than being deemed evil, Elphaba emerges as a heroine battling against the injustices unfolding in the Land of Oz.
The Two-Part Adaptation Controversy
Universal Pictures sparked controversy by opting to split the musical adaptation into two parts, a first in cinematic history. While traditional musicals like My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music, and Fiddler on the Roof typically had running times around three hours with intermissions, the original Wicked boasts a running time of two hours and 40 minutes.
In contrast, Wicked: For Good covers Act II with a runtime of over two hours and 18 minutes, exceeding the length of Act II in the original Broadway production.
Box Office Impact and Narrative Shift
The decision to divide the film into two resulted from the staggering success of the first installment, which grossed over $750 million globally. This financial cue clearly motivated Universal to extend the Wicked brand, but it may have come at the cost of the narrative integrity of For Good.
While the first installment captivated audiences with its joyful and meme-worthy moments, the sequel delves into darker themes and drama. In Wicked, viewers witness Elphaba and Glinda’s rivalry at Shiz University as they vie for the attention of the charming Fiyero, played by Jonathan Bailey. The antagonistic forces of the Wizard, portrayed by Jeff Goldblum, and Madame Morrible, acted by Michelle Yeoh, are more compelling in the first part.
Character Arcs and Disjointed Elements
In Wicked: For Good, Elphaba transforms into a one-woman rebellion, challenging the Wizard’s tyranny. Meanwhile, Glinda faces a moral dilemma regarding her loyalty to her green friend or the regime that provided her the life she dreamed of. The film struggles to connect the plot lines of Wicked to The Wizard of Oz, creating a disjointed viewing experience, particularly for those unfamiliar with the stage adaptation.
Musical Highlights: A Tale of Two Acts
Act I brims with cherished songs such as Popular, Dancing Through Life, and the iconic Defying Gravity. In contrast, Act II offers a more limited selection. The standout tracks include No Good Deed and For Good, but the absence of beloved musical numbers leaves a notable void.
Despite its PG rating, For Good attempts to maintain accessibility for younger audiences amidst its darker themes. This remains a challenge as the lighter tone of the first act feels too far removed from the severe reality of the sequel.
Praise for Performances and Direction
One cannot overlook Erivo’s exceptional performance as Elphaba, yet her most powerful moments occurred in the first Wicked. Grande, who portrays Glinda, showcases significant character development in For Good, displaying a wider emotional range as an actress and bringing much-needed vibrancy to the film.
Visual Splendor and Musical Adaptation Challenges
The task of transitioning a musical to film presents unique challenges. Fortunately, director Jon M. Chu, known for films like Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights, embraces the grandeur. Although Act II’s plot may lean towards the grim, the film remains mesmerizing, rich with extravagant costumes, intricate production design, and stunning visual effects.
Academy Award-winning composer Stephen Schwartz contributed two new songs for For Good, acknowledging the necessity for additional material beyond Act II’s existing tracklist.
Final Thoughts: A Mixed Reception
Wicked: For Good provides a strong, albeit imperfect, conclusion to last year’s cultural phenomenon. The film’s artistic merits warrant a trip to the theater, but it lacks the exuberance that defined its predecessor.
As a parting note to the film industry: consider refraining from splitting musicals into two films in the future. The financial benefits may not justify the artistic sacrifices.
Wicked: For Good is rated PG for action, violence, suggestive content, and thematic elements. The film has a running time of 2 hours and 18 minutes and will be in theaters on November 21, 2025.
