The second installment in the Wicked film series, Wicked: For Good, was released on November 21, 2025, by Universal Pictures. It concludes the film series and was released one after Wicked (2024), a move planned by the studio. Wicked: For Good stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Thropp, a misunderstood young woman born with green skin who is now known as the Wicked Witch of the West. Ariana Grande stars as Galinda “Glinda” Upland, a popular young woman who is now known as Glinda the Good Witch.
Story
Wicked: For Good adapts the second act of the 2003 stage musical Wicked, itself inspired by the 1995 novel of the same name. Set in the Land of Oz before and during the events of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1939), the film explores the relationship between Elphaba and Glinda as they embrace their new identities as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good. Their roles put them on opposite sides and test their friendship greatly, as Glinda is aware of Elphaba’s pure heart but remains loyal to The Wizard even after his true colors are exposed, and is unable to defend her friend. Elphaba works tirelessly to expose The Wizard and protect the Land of Oz from him, even after their horrific treatment of her.
Acting
The emotional weight of Wicked: For Good is carried by its stars. Grande proves to any doubters that she can successfully make the move from pop star to movie star. Glinda presents to her fellow “Ozians” as the picture-perfect good witch, happily engaged to Prince Fiyero (Johnathan Bailey). Little does anyone know, she has no power of her own. Grande portrays Glinda’s layers effortlessly, and so much is said without any words leaving her mouth.
Erivo has great instincts throughout every scene of Wicked: For Good. Her performance humanizes Elphaba, and it’s hard to think of her as the same wicked witch from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1939). Erivo shows Elphaba’s side of the story, and exposing her layers gives viewers a unique perspective to view Wicked: For Good from.
An honorable mention goes to child actress Scarlet Spears, who portrays young Glinda. First of all, the casting couldn’t have been better, as Spears looks like she could be a young Grande. At the same time, she makes the most out of the few moments of screen time she has. Even though Glinda is not supposed to be your typical kid, she wants believe in something magical like all children do. Her inability to perform spells as a child has a lasting effect on her even in adulthood, and this background provides context for Glinda’s behavior as an adult, especially her desire to be the most powerful witch in The Land of Oz.
Music
Wicked: For Good wouldn’t be complete without its powerful soundtrack. Grande and Erivo carry the film with their vocals, and it’s hard to imagine anyone else playing their respective roles. Naturally, the best number of the film has got to be “For Good”. The song perfectly sums up Glinda and Elphaba’s connection, emphasing that although they may never see each other again, their friendship will have a lasting impact on each other. Other strong numbers from Wicked: For Good “Every Day More Wicked”, “Thank Goodness / I couldn’t be happier”, “No Place Like Home”, “Wonderful”, “I’m Not That Girl (Reprise)”, and “As Long As You’re Mine”.
Themes
There are several underlying themes in Wicked: For Good. First, one of the biggest themes is friendship, told through Glinda and Elphaba’s relationship. Their friendship is tested in both films, as their roles in Oz society pit them against each other. Glinda the Good Witch is the leader of Oz, and can’t publicly defend her best friend to the community due to their hatred and fear of her. Meanwhile, Elphaba refuses to compromise her beliefs and join Glinda in her blind support of the Wizard, and does whatever it takes to free the animals from his control, even if no one believes her. Despite this, they never stop caring for each other.
Prejudice is another major theme in both films. The Land of Oz hates Elphaba because of her green skin and fears her because they don’t understand her. When she takes a stand against the Wizard, she gets labeled as the Wicked Witch of the West, for daring to stick up for what she believes in and questioning the Wizard’s power. Despite being right all along, she sacrifices herself to bring peace to Oz, because she knows they will never see things her way.
Lastly, the most relevant theme in Wicked: For Good is perspective. Viewers are shown several points of view in both films, emphasizing that everyone is a villain in someone’s story. In The Wizard of Oz (1939), viewers only know Elphaba as the Wicked Witch, who serves as an antagonist to Dorothy. Meanwhile, both Wicked films portray Elphaba in a different light, as a three-dimensional character with layers. This method of storytelling shows that morality isn’t black-and-white but has shades of gray.
Final Verdict
Overall, Wicked: For Good is the weaker picture in the two-part film series. However, it’s still an enjoyable film that everyone can enjoy, and wraps up the story with a tragic, yet complete, ending. At the same time, Wicked: For Good leaves the door open for future installments in the franchise. There’s still so much about this world that’s unexplored, and future films can delve deeper into these characters. Only time will tell if there’s enough demand for the franchise to continue.
Wicked: For Good is now playing in theaters.