MOVIE REVIEW | Wicked For Good – Last year, Wicked redefined what a Broadway film adaptation could be, sweeping audiences into a dazzling, emotional reimagining of Oz and earning both critical acclaim and box-office glory.
Now, director Jon M. Chu returns with Wicked: For Good, a breathtaking, deeply affecting conclusion that not only matches but surpasses the magic of its predecessor. This final chapter is an event — a cinematic, theatrical, and musical experience woven into one unforgettable tapestry.
Picking up in the aftermath of Elphaba and Glinda’s painful estrangement, Wicked: For Good plunges us into an Oz reshaped by fame, fear, and fractured history. Cynthia Erivo once again delivers a towering performance as Elphaba, now branded the Wicked Witch of the West and forced into hiding. Yet in exile, Elphaba’s moral clarity shines brighter than ever; she fights for the silenced Animals of Oz and continues her relentless pursuit to expose the Wizard’s deceptions. Erivo balances ferocity with vulnerability, reminding us that Elphaba’s so-called wickedness is merely the world’s reaction to her unwavering integrity.
Ariana Grande’s Glinda, meanwhile, fully embodies the glittering icon of “Goodness,” basking in the spotlight of the Emerald City while wrestling with the emotional fallout of losing her closest friend.
Her rise in fame — encouraged and manipulated by Michelle Yeoh’s commanding Madame Morrible — is both spectacular and unsettling, as Glinda begins to feel the hollow distance between the image she upholds and the truth she has abandoned. Grande brings a heartbreaking depth to Glinda’s internal conflict, especially as she prepares for her lavish Ozian wedding to Jonathan Bailey’s charming Fiyero.
One of the film’s greatest triumphs is how seamlessly it connects the world of Wicked to The Wizard of Oz. Through bold storytelling choices, we witness the origins of the Tin Man, Scarecrow, Toto, and even Dorothy herself, grounding their familiar stories in new emotional resonance. What could have felt like simple fan service instead forms a clever, moving bridge between two beloved worlds.
The script — penned by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox — sharpens the themes that have always made Wicked powerful: the danger of perception, the cost of truth, and the transformative force of friendship.
As conflicts escalate and Oz hurtles toward chaos, the film never loses sight of the beating heart of its story: Elphaba and Glinda. Their final confrontation and reconciliation feel earned, honest, and profoundly human. It is in these moments that the film reaches its emotional peak, driving home that no one is truly wicked — only misunderstood.
The musical score is yet another triumph. With Stephen Schwartz’s iconic music and lyrics enriched by John Powell’s sweeping orchestration, the soundtrack soars. The performances are thrilling, the choreography electrifying, and the staging more ambitious than ever. Chu’s direction captures the immediacy of a live Broadway production while embracing the cinematic scale only film can offer. The result feels less like watching a movie and more like attending a monumental live event.
When the credits rolled, the entire audience erupted into enthusiastic applause — a testament to the film’s impact. Wicked: For Good isn’t just a sequel; it’s a celebration.
A celebration of storytelling, of friendship, of perspective, and of what happens when a world re-examined finally reveals its truth.
As the final notes fade and the last shimmer of magic settles, one thing is certain: Wicked: For Good will be remembered not only as a stunning finale but as a defining cinematic moment — one that brings Oz full circle with heart, humor, and a wickedly powerful message.
A triumphant, emotional, and exhilarating ending to an already iconic story. It truly changes everything — for good.
Wicked For Good – in cinemas 20 November, 2025
Link to Universal Pictures HERE
TV Central Movie Reviews HERE
MOVIE REVIEW | Wicked For Good
Rating
Aaron: 9 / 5 “A breathtaking, magical finale that enchants from start to finish.”
Zak: 9.5 / 10 “A soaring, emotionally rich conclusion that elevates the world of Oz to new heights”
@universalpicsau
Cinema Experience:
Hoyts Karrinyup delivered an impeccable cinematic experience for the highly anticipated screening of Wicked For Good. The sound quality was pitch-perfect, and the comfortable recliner chairs elevated the viewing to pure luxury. From the moment you stepped in, it was clear this was a special event, with moviegoers dressed in pink and green, channeling the film’s enchanting Glinda and Elphaba vibes.
Adding to the charm, reviewers were special green and pink donuts, along with complimentary drinks and popcorn—a delightful touch that made the evening feel even more exclusive.
Hoyts Karrinyup truly delivered a world-class cinematic experience, making it the perfect venue for a film as enchanting as Wicked For Good.
MOVIE | Wicked: For Good final trailer – And now whatever way our stories end, I know you have rewritten mine by being my friend …
Last year’s global cinematic cultural sensation, which became the most successful Broadway film adaptation of all time, now reaches its epic, electrifying, emotional conclusion in Wicked: For Good.
Directed once again by award-winning director Jon M. Chu and starring the spectacular returning cast, led by Academy Award® nominated superstars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, the final chapter of the untold story of the witches of Oz begins with Elphaba and Glinda estranged and living with the consequences of their choices.
Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), now demonized as The Wicked Witch of the West, lives in exile, hidden within the Ozian forest while continuing her fight for the freedom of Oz’s silenced Animals and desperately trying to expose the truth she knows about The Wizard (Jeff Goldblum).
Glinda, meanwhile, has become the glamorous symbol of Goodness for all of Oz, living at the palace in Emerald City and reveling in the perks of fame and popularity. Under the instruction of Madame Morrible (Oscar® winner Michelle Yeoh), Glinda is deployed to serve as an effervescent comfort to Oz, reassuring the masses that all is well under the rule of The Wizard.
As Glinda’s stardom expands and she prepares to marry Prince Fiyero (Olivier award winner and Emmy and SAG nominee Jonathan Bailey) in a spectacular Ozian wedding, she is haunted by her separation from Elphaba.
She attempts to broker a conciliation between Elphaba and The Wizard, but those efforts will fail, driving Elphaba and Glinda only further apart.
The aftershocks will transform Boq (Tony nominee Ethan Slater) and Fiyero forever, and threaten the safety of Elphaba’s sister, Nessarose (Marissa Bode), when a girl from Kansas comes crashing into all their lives. As an angry mob rises against the Wicked Witch, Glinda and Elphaba will need to come together one final time.
With their singular friendship now the fulcrum of their futures, they will need to truly see each other, with honesty and empathy, if they are to change themselves, and all of Oz, for good.
Wicked: For Good also stars Emmy nominee Bowen Yang and Bronwyn James as Glinda’s fawning assistants, Pfannee and ShenShen and BAFTA and Grammy nominee Sharon D. Clarke (Caroline, or Change) as the voice of Elphaba’s childhood nanny, Dulcibear.
The filmis produced by returning Tony and Emmy winning powerhouse Marc Platt p.g.a. and by multiple Tony winner David Stone. The executive producers are Stephen Schwartz, David Nicksay, Jared LeBoff, Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox.
The first film, Wicked, released in November 2024, earned 10 Academy Award® nominations, including Best Picture, and won the Oscars® for Costume Design and Production Design. To date, the film has grossed $750 million worldwide.
Wicked: For Good is based on the generation-defining musical stage play withmusic and lyrics by legendary Grammy and Oscar® winning composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz and book by Winnie Holzman, from the bestselling novel by Gregory Maguire.
The screenplay is by Winnie Holzman and Winnie Holzman & Dana Fox. The film score is by John Powell & Stephen Schwartz, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz.
Wicked: For Good – in cinemas 20 November, 2025.
