Wicked for Good is the second half of the story that started in the first Wicked movie, which was released in November 2024, with this second part released in November 2025. It finally gives us the ending to Elphaba and Glinda’s friendship.
The second part of the series feels a lot heavier and more emotional than the first one, but in a good way. Instead of just focusing on the beginnings of their friendship, this movie shows what happens when the world forces them onto opposite sides. It aims to make the audience think, not just be entertained.
Before getting into the story, it’s worth noting the leads: Cynthia Erivo plays Elphaba, and Ariana Grande plays Glinda. Both actresses do a great job showing how much their characters have changed.
One of the best parts of the movie is the acting. Both actresses do a great job showing how much their characters have changed. The plot of the movie shows how Glinda is suddenly stuck being the face of “good,” even though she’s not always sure she deserves that title.
Elphaba is dealing with being blamed for everything, even when she’s trying to do the right thing. Whenever they share scenes, one can really feel the history between them. Their emotions feel real, and the music helps bring out the tension and sadness in their relationship.
The movie also has surprisingly strong themes for a fantasy story. It talks a lot about how society decides who the “bad guy” is, even if that person isn’t bad. We get to see how rumors, fear, and politics can completely change the way people view someone.
That message feels relevant today because it shows how easy it is for the truth to get twisted. Even though the story takes place in Oz, the situations feel familiar in a way that makes the movie more meaningful.
The one thing that doesn’t work as well is the pacing. There are a lot of big events packed into this movie, and sometimes it feels a little rushed, like the quick shift from Elphaba escaping to suddenly becoming a full “threat” to Oz.
Some scenes move too fast to fully sink in, and some side characters, like Fiyero and Nessa, don’t get as much time as they probably should for their storylines to feel complete. The middle of the movie especially drags during the long council scenes in Emerald City.
Even though these issues make the film seem uneven, its overall experience isn’t ruined.
In the end, Wicked for Good is a meaningful and emotional way to conclude the Wicked series. Even though the pacing isn’t perfect, the strong performances and music make it enjoyable.
What stood out to me the most was how the movie shows the politics of Oz; how leaders twist the truth, use fear to control people, and decide who gets labeled as “good” or “wicked.”
It’s interesting because even though it’s a fantasy world, the way the Wizard’s government spreads rumors and manipulates the public feels a lot like real-life politics today. The movie basically reminds you that people in power can shape the whole story, even if it isn’t the truth. Overall, it’s a solid ending that makes you think about how easily someone can be misunderstood when others are the ones telling their story.
