Ahead of its general release, select critics had the opportunity last week to preview Universal Pictures’ Wicked: For Good, the highly anticipated follow-up to the successful musical adaptation. The social media embargo has now lifted, revealing overwhelmingly positive reviews for Jon M. Chu Wicked sequel, with many calling it a powerful and fitting conclusion to the story.
The initial film captured audiences worldwide and grossed $744.07 million, becoming the highest-grossing film adaptation of a Broadway musical. Critics suggest this sequel is poised to replicate or even surpass that success, with some industry voices pointing to its potential as an awards contender.
Expanding and Deepening the Story of Oz’s Iconic Witches
Jon M. Chu returns as director for this emotionally charged final chapter, featuring the acclaimed cast led by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. The film picks up with Elphaba and Glinda estranged, each grappling with the ramifications of past decisions. Elphaba, portrayed by Erivo, lives in exile within the Ozian forest, condemned as The Wicked Witch of the West while continuing her fight for the silenced Animals and striving to reveal the truth about The Wizard, played by Jeff Goldblum.
Meanwhile, Glinda’s life contrasts sharply as she has become the emblem of Goodness in Oz, residing in the Emerald City palace and embracing her fame. Under Madame Morrible’s leadership—Michelle Yeoh’s Oscar-winning character—Glinda performs as a comforting figurehead for the people, supporting the Wizard’s regime.
Character Dynamics and Plot Tensions Drive the Narrative Forward
Glinda is preparing for a grand wedding to Prince Fiyero, enacted by Jonathan Bailey, whose presence adds both charm and depth to the story. Despite her public success, Glinda wrestles with the pain of her separation from Elphaba and seeks to mend their broken bond, though these efforts ultimately fail. This rift triggers profound consequences for characters like Boq (Ethan Slater) and Fiyero, while also endangering Nessarose (Marissa Bode), Elphaba’s sister, particularly after a girl from Kansas enters their lives, upending their world.
As fear escalates and a mob targets the so-called Wicked Witch, Elphaba and Glinda must confront their strained relationship. Their friendship becomes central to the fate of Oz, requiring honest reflection and empathy to transform themselves and their world.
Critical Voices Highlight the Film’s Emotional Impact and Visual Grandeur
Reviews emphasize Wicked: For Good as a spectacular close to the franchise, blending emotional depth with visual excitement. Jazz Tangcay praises Jon M. Chu’s direction, calling it a genius finale that expands Elphaba and Glinda’s stories to deliver an “emotional gut punch.”
Get ready because #WickedForGood exceeds all expectations. Jon M. Chu is a genius in the way he brings this to a close. Elphaba and Glinda’s stories are expanded, and leave you with an emotional gut punch at the end. Cynthia Erivo is magnificent, but get ready for Ariana Grande… pic.twitter.com/rozw66JyEo
— Jazz Tangcay (@jazzt) October 28, 2025
David Gordon remarks on the sequel’s ability to expand the stage blueprint into a more expansive, emotional, and thrilling experience.
If Wicked part one was faithful to the blueprint of the stage, Wicked: For Good builds out the world to create a full and different (but the same) and extremely emotional version of act 2.
It’s a thrill ride and a heartbreaker and it’s sexy and everything you want it to be.
— David Gordon (@MrDavidGordon) October 28, 2025
Critics such as Chris Murphy highlight the innovation in storytelling and performance, noting Erivo and Grande’s standout roles.
Saw wicked for good last month and believe me when i say that it expands and deepens the original source material in generally exciting and innovative ways. Cynthia and Ari take their performances to the next level with jaw dropping performances. The film fully sticks the landing
— Chris Murphy (@christress) October 28, 2025
Audience Response and Festival Appearances Signal Strong Momentum
At the SCAD Film Festival, Rebecca Ford shared her enthusiastic reaction after seeing the film and speaking with Jon M. Chu, describing the sequel as
“gorgeous, full of heart, and sticks the landing.”
This marks the director’s continued success in adapting the beloved Broadway show into a cinematic phenomenon.
I spoke w/Jon M. Chu at the SCAD Film Festival just yesterday in front of a very enthusiastic crowd! Now I can finally share that I’ve seen Wicked: For Good and he’s done it again! It’s gorgeous, full of heart, and sticks the landing. A beautiful finale. pic.twitter.com/fjn33WML2C
— Rebecca Ford (@Beccamford) October 28, 2025
Destiny Jackson emphasizes the film’s emotional resonance, referring to it as a “heartbreakingly tender conclusion” that honors the iconic friendship at its core.
#WickedForGood
All Good Deeds Go Rewarded in Wicked: For Good. It’s an epic and heartbreakingly tender conclusion to one of the most dynamic friendships in pop culture history. There’s a lot for fans of the Broadway show to love with butterfly kiss sized surprises in store. pic.twitter.com/lTVqbZfawH
— Destiny Jackson (@DestinyDreadful) October 28, 2025
What the Wicked Sequel Means for Fans and the Industry
This sequel, poised to match or eclipse its record-breaking predecessor, represents more than just a continuation—it’s a powerful conclusion that explores themes of friendship, sacrifice, and courage with fresh innovation. Jon M. Chu’s vision expands the world of Oz while remaining grounded in the emotional core that made the original so beloved.
With critical acclaim mounting and a star-studded cast delivering memorable performances, Wicked: For Good is set to captivate audiences globally and secure a lasting position in both film and theatrical history. Fans and newcomers alike can anticipate an epic cinematic event that not only fulfills expectations but raises the bar for musical adaptations going forward.
All Good Deeds Go Rewarded in Wicked: For Good. It’s an epic and heartbreakingly tender conclusion to one of the most dynamic friendships in pop culture history. There’s a lot for fans of the Broadway show to love with butterfly kiss sized surprises in store. pic.twitter.com/lTVqbZfawH
— Destiny Jackson (@DestinyDreadful) October 28, 2025
Get ready because #WickedForGood exceeds all expectations. Jon M. Chu is a genius in the way he brings this to a close. Elphaba and Glinda’s stories are expanded, and leave you with an emotional gut punch at the end. Cynthia Erivo is magnificent, but get ready for Ariana Grande… pic.twitter.com/rozw66JyEo
— Jazz Tangcay (@jazzt) October 28, 2025
I spoke w/Jon M. Chu at the SCAD Film Festival just yesterday in front of a very enthusiastic crowd! Now I can finally share that I've seen Wicked: For Good and he's done it again! It's gorgeous, full of heart, and sticks the landing. A beautiful finale. pic.twitter.com/fjn33WML2C
— Rebecca Ford (@Beccamford) October 28, 2025
If Wicked part one was faithful to the blueprint of the stage, Wicked: For Good builds out the world to create a full and different (but the same) and extremely emotional version of act 2.
It’s a thrill ride and a heartbreaker and it’s sexy and everything you want it to be.
— David Gordon (@MrDavidGordon) October 28, 2025
Saw wicked for good last month and believe me when i say that it expands and deepens the original source material in generally exciting and innovative ways. Cynthia and Ari take their performances to the next level with jaw dropping performances. The film fully sticks the landing
— Chris Murphy (@christress) October 28, 2025
