The magical world of Oz is set to captivate audiences again with Wicked: For Good, the highly anticipated sequel to 2024’s Wicked. Slated for release on November 21, 2025, this film concludes the two-part adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, reimagining the origins of Elphaba and Glinda, the witches of Oz. Directed by Jon M. Chu, Wicked: For Good promises to deepen the emotional and political stakes, while tying into the timeless story of The Wizard of Oz. Here’s everything you need to know about how this sequel redefines Oz’s legacy.
What Is Wicked: For Good About?
Wicked: For Good picks up where Wicked left off, covering the second act of the 2003 Broadway musical by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman. The story follows Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), now branded as the Wicked Witch of the West, living in exile and fighting to free Oz’s silenced animals while exposing the fraudulent Wizard. Meanwhile, Glinda (Ariana Grande), embracing her role as Glinda the Good, navigates fame and political power in the Emerald City, haunted by her fractured friendship with Elphaba.
The sequel explores the consequences of their choices, culminating in a pivotal reunion that tests their bond and shapes Oz forever. The plot overlaps with The Wizard of Oz, introducing Dorothy Gale in a more prominent role than in the stage musical, alongside familiar characters like the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion. New scenes, including Glinda’s wedding and the Wizard’s schemes, expand the narrative, offering fresh perspectives on this iconic world.
Why Was Wicked Split Into Two Films?
The decision to divide Wicked into two films was made to preserve the musical’s depth and complexity. Director Jon M. Chu explained that compressing the story into one movie would have required cutting essential songs and character moments, compromising the source material. Splitting the adaptation allowed for richer world-building and expanded relationships, particularly between Elphaba and Glinda, ensuring a faithful yet cinematic experience.
The first film ended with the show-stopping “Defying Gravity,” a natural breaking point, as composer Stephen Schwartz noted that the song was designed to bring down the curtain. Wicked: For Good builds on this foundation, delivering the emotional payoff of the musical’s second act, including iconic songs like “For Good” and “No Good Deed.”
The Cast and Crew Behind the Magic
Wicked: For Good brings back the stellar cast from the first film, with performances that earned Oscar nominations for Erivo (Best Actress) and Grande (Best Supporting Actress). The returning cast includes:
- Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, the misunderstood witch with powerful magic.
- Ariana Grande as Glinda, the glamorous yet conflicted Good Witch.
- Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, the prince caught in a love triangle with Elphaba and Glinda.
- Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, the manipulative headmistress.
- Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard, a charismatic fraud.
- Ethan Slater as Boq, a Munchkin with unrequited love for Glinda.
- Marissa Bode as Nessarose, Elphaba’s sister and the future Wicked Witch of the East.
A notable cameo features Kerry Ellis, an iconic stage Elphaba, adding a nod to the musical’s Broadway legacy.
Jon M. Chu directs, with a screenplay by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox. The soundtrack, featuring Schwartz’s original songs plus two new tracks (one co-written by Erivo for Elphaba and another for Glinda), is produced by Stephen Oremus and Greg Wells, with John Powell composing the incidental score. The orchestra, expanded from 23 to 125 musicians, enhances the film’s epic sound.
How Wicked: For Good Connects to The Wizard of Oz
Unlike the Broadway musical, where Dorothy is a minor presence, Wicked: For Good integrates her more significantly, showing her journey along the Yellow Brick Road with the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion. The trailer reveals the Wizard sending them to kill Elphaba, aligning with The Wizard of Oz’s timeline. This intersection, as Chu describes, makes “more sense of how it impacts our girls,” offering a fresh lens on Dorothy’s role in Oz.
The film also explores darker political themes, exposing the Wizard’s propaganda and control over Oz’s citizens. Elphaba’s rebellion and Glinda’s rise reflect a generational awakening, drawing parallels to films like Pleasantville and The Truman Show. These elements redefine Oz as a complex, morally ambiguous world, distinct from the whimsical land of L. Frank Baum’s original story.
The Trailer and Hype
The first trailer for Wicked: For Good, released on June 4, 2025, after debuting at CinemaCon, garnered 113 million views in its first 24 hours, outpacing the first film’s trailer. It teases Glinda’s wedding, Elphaba’s reunion with Fiyero, and Dorothy’s arrival, set to Erivo’s powerful rendition of “No Good Deed” and the duet “For Good.” Fans on X have praised the trailer’s emotional depth and expanded world-building, calling it a “darker, action-packed spectacle.”
A musical TV special, The Wicked Event Special, featuring the cast performing songs from both films, will air on NBC in November 2025 to build anticipation.
Why Wicked: For Good Will Redefine Oz’s Legacy
Wicked: For Good is poised to cement Wicked as a cultural phenomenon, following the first film’s $756 million global box office and record-breaking streaming success on Peacock. Its themes of friendship, truth, and resistance resonate deeply, as Chu notes, making the story “eight times more relevant” in today’s context.
By expanding Dorothy’s role and introducing new songs, the sequel bridges the gap between Wicked and The Wizard of Oz, while staying true to the musical’s emotional core. The film’s visual effects, handled by Industrial Light & Magic and Framestore, promise a stunning Oz, with vibrant landscapes and battle-ready flying monkeys.
What’s Next for the Wicked Universe?
Schwartz and Holzman have hinted at expanding the Wicked universe beyond Wicked: For Good, though not as a direct third or fourth film. Theme park attractions at Universal Destinations & Experiences are in development, signaling the start of a broader media franchise. This evolution ensures Oz’s legacy will continue to enchant new generations.
Final Thoughts
Wicked: For Good is more than a sequel—it’s a transformative conclusion that redefines the witches of Oz and their world. With a stellar cast, iconic music, and a bolder narrative, it’s set to soar into theaters on November 21, 2025, ready to change audiences “for good.” Whether you’re a fan of the musical or new to Oz, this film promises an unforgettable journey.
