Wicked: For Good

Wicked: For Good is the sequel to the 2024 film Wicked, directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Jennifer Lopez as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda. The film continues the story of the witches of Oz, focusing on the aftermath of the first film, as Glinda and Elphaba navigate new challenges, including political tensions, personal growth, and the darker themes of power and identity. The sequel maintains the musical style of the original but introduces a more mature, introspective tone, with expanded character arcs and a deeper exploration of the Wizard of Oz's world.

Box Office Success

• Global Gross: $327 million (as of November 28, 2025), making it the highest-grossing Broadway adaptation ever.
• Opening Weekend: $147 million domestically and $223 million internationally, surpassing its predecessor's opening and ranking as the second-largest debut of 2025.
• Domestic Performance: $69.1 million on its opening day, including $30.8 million from preview showings, which were the biggest of the year.

Critical Reception

• Mixed Reviews: While praised for its performances (particularly Lopez and Grande) and direction, the film faced criticism for its darker tone and pacing, with some critics calling it derivative of its predecessor.
  • Rotten Tomatoes: 67% positive (296 reviews), with a consensus noting its "epic conclusion" but acknowledging its "unhurried pacing."
  • Metacritic: 58/100 (mixed reviews).
• Audience Response: Strong positive feedback, with a CinemaScore of "A" and a 92% positive rating on PostTrak.

Marketing & Promotion

• Budget: $90 million globally (compared to $150 million for the first film), with over 400 brand partners and $330 million in media value.
• Promotional Campaigns: Included a revamped Shiz University website, a Lego Masters episode, and a live musical special Wicked: One Wonderful Night on NBC.
• Trailers: The first trailer garnered 113 million views in 24 hours, surpassing the first film's trailer.

Future of the Franchise

• Sequel Potential: Directors and producers hinted at expanding the Wicked universe, though no official third film was announced.
• Theme Park Attractions: Universal Destinations & Experiences is developing theme park experiences based on the films.

Key Takeaways

• Strengths: Stellar performances, visual spectacle, and a compelling continuation of the story.
• Weaknesses: Some critics felt the darker tone and pacing diluted the original's charm.
• Legacy: Wicked: For Good solidified the franchise's place in pop culture, blending Broadway magic with cinematic grandeur.

This sequel marks a significant milestone for the Wicked adaptation, balancing reverence for its source material with bold creative choices.