Dir: Jon M. Chu
Cast: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Marissa Bode, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum
The eagerly awaited sequel offers a competent return to the hit musical, but despite Erivo and Grande’s best efforts, its wavering tone and less memorable songs keep it from soaring to the heights of its predecessor
Undeniably, one of the cinematic sensations of 2024 was the dazzling adaptation of the Broadway smash “Wicked”. Despite never having seen the stage production or read Gregory Maguire‘s 1995 novel, I found myself swept up in the film’s magic. Much of my delight came from the breath-taking set and costume design, as well as the unforgettable, career-defining turns by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
The first act of this fantasy epic culminated in Erivo’s electrifying performance of “Defying Gravity”, a hair-raising crescendo worthy of such a dazzling first act. Now, less than a year later, fans are rewarded with the eagerly awaited conclusion to Galinda and Elphaba’s intertwined journeys, both films having been shot in tandem by director Jon M. Chu. Though labelled a sequel, “Wicked: For Good” is truly the second chapter of a single, sweeping tale, making it essential to experience the first film before diving in. Like its predecessor, this instalment cleverly reimagines both L. Frank Baum‘s classic novel and the iconic 1939 film, offering a bold new perspective on Oz by placing Elphaba and Galinda at the heart of the story as Dorothy’s fateful arrival via tornado approaches.
Five years have passed since the events of the last adventure, and “Wicked: For Good” dives deeper into the heart of Oz, reuniting fans with past characters as they embark on a journey along the newly built yellow brick road, their progress watched from afar, with the focus remaining solely on its two heroines. After standing up to the not-so-wonderful Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum), Elphaba Thropp (Cynthia Erivo), now known across the kingdom as the infamous “Wicked Witch of the West”, wages a passionate fight for animal rights from her secret forest refuge. Meanwhile, Galinda (Ariana Grande), now celebrated as “Glinda the Good,” acts as the Wizard’s charismatic spokesperson and is newly betrothed to Prince Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey).
Demonized by the Wizard and Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh), Elphaba becomes more resolute than ever to unmask the Wizard’s deceptions and reveal the truth to the people of Oz. With Glinda busy basking in the spotlight and few allies to count on, Elphaba faces a choice: embrace her new identity and, in doing so, spark a transformation not just for herself, but for all of Oz.
After being charmed by the first film and walking in with high hopes, I found myself let down by “Wicked: For Good”. My lack of familiarity with the original story left me eager for another dazzling twist on “The Wizard of Oz”, but the supposed surprises in the final act were signposted so early that any sense of wonder faded fast. I had hoped the back-to-back filming would let the enchantment and energy of the first movie spill over, but even with impressive sets and costumes, the visuals felt muted and lacked the vibrant pop that has become synonymous with Oz. I suspect director Chu and returning cinematographer Alice Brooks intentionally dialled down the colour to match the story’s darker mood, trading the first film’s candy-bright spectacle for a more sombre palette.
The film flirts with weighty themes like corruption, manipulation, and animal cruelty, but only skims their surface, sacrificing the first movie’s lively spirit for a gloomier mood that never truly lands. Stretching one musical into two films adds hours of filler, forcing screenwriters Dana Fox and Winnie Holzman – the latter having co-created the stage show – to pad the story until its tone blurs and the pacing stumbles. I never imagined “Wicked: For Good” could bore me, yet the emotional spark and narrative pull flicker out so often that the film feels far longer than its predecessor, even though it actually clocks in twenty minutes shorter.
Luckily for Chu and his team, the cast shoulders much of the film’s weight, with Erivo and Grande breathing fresh life into their stage-born roles. Their vocal fireworks are as dazzling as ever, and while Erivo’s star power is already well established, Grande truly shines here, given richer emotional depths to explore. As showcased last year, whenever Glinda and Elphaba share the screen, the film crackles with energy, though sadly, those moments are fewer than before. Goldblum, whose casting as the Wizard I once doubted, feels more at home this time and even gets time to flex his vocal chords himself alongside Erivo and Grande on “Wonderful”, one of only two songs that reach the heights of the first film’s showstoppers. The rest of the soundtrack, including the new additions, struggles to escape the shadow of “Defying Gravity”, an undeniably tough act to follow. As for Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, despite my admiration for her storied career, the Oscar-winning actor remains miscast, her talents left untapped and her villainy never quite convincing, leaving the saga without a truly formidable antagonist.
Having now experienced both films in cinemas, my disappointment with the second act has not dampened my resolve to see the musical live someday. I suspect that, condensed and viewed in one sitting, the story’s flow would feel far smoother and the tonal shifts less abrupt.
The Verdict:
“Wicked: For Good” brings the second act of the beloved Broadway musical to the big screen with flair, yet its hesitant darkness, lacklustre songs, and uninspired storytelling keep it from soaring like its predecessor. Ultimately, it is the dazzling cast that keeps the magic alive.
Wicked: For Good is now showing in UK Cinemas
You can also check out my review of “Wicked” (2024) here:
Dan Loves Film 
The title song “For Good” is so meaningful for many people. I’ve heard it sung at funerals and memorial services several times now. Looking forward to the film.
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Ive nevet heard any of the songs before having never seen the musical and I think it has a slighter weaker pull in the UK so it does not have the same cultural impact here but that is great to hear that it means alot to so many people
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