[This article contains significant spoilers for Wicked, both the movie and the musical.]
Exciting Times Ahead for Wicked Fans
Fans of Wicked can look forward to an upcoming journey back to the enchanting land of Oz. The eagerly awaited sequel, Wicked: For Good, directed by Jon M. Chu, is set to grace theaters on November 21, 2025. This date marks nearly one year after the release of the first film, which captivated audiences worldwide.
Plot Continuation and Character Development
The sequel will continue to explore the intertwined destinies of Ariana Grande’s Galinda (Glinda the Good Witch) and Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West). The title was officially announced on December 16 and promises to build on the narrative established in the first installment.
First Look and Production Insights
At CinemaCon 2025, the first teaser poster for Wicked: For Good was revealed, showcasing Erivo as Elphaba in her iconic wicked witch attire, alongside Grande as Glinda in her more familiar, whimsical look from The Wizard of Oz.
Also, hi from @CinemaCon! pic.twitter.com/qxirnyKdqx
— Fandango (@Fandango) March 30, 2025
A Box Office Achievement
The first film made history by achieving a remarkable $114 million in its opening weekend, marking the most successful debut for a musical adaptation to date. Grande and Erivo reportedly received equal compensation for their leading roles, dispelling any unverified rumors to the contrary.
Based on Gregory Maguire’s best-selling novel and the acclaimed 2003 musical, Wicked delves into the unexplored backstory of the witches from Oz. The screenplay for the film adaptation was crafted by Winnie Holzman, who also penned the musical’s book, in collaboration with screenwriter Dana Fox. Notably, Academy Award-winning composer Stephen Schwartz adapted his own musical for the cinematic version.
Maintaining the Essence of the Original
Chu’s adaptation cleverly stays true to the essence of the stage musical with minimal alterations to the core plot. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he discussed the challenges of translating the story from stage to screen, emphasizing the necessity of including all the musical numbers while finding ways to condense them without losing their impact. This deliberation ultimately led to the decision to split the story into two films, allowing for deeper character exploration.
“You need to see what her childhood was like… how do you build that friendship?”Chu explained. He stressed the importance of creating a believable relationship between the characters, particularly with Galinda serving as a narrator to set up future developments.
New Musical Additions and Story Depth
As for the musical landscape of Wicked: For Good, Schwartz confirmed that two new songs will be introduced, crafted to enhance the storytelling experience. He noted, “They were written because they were necessary for the storytelling,”in contrast to the first film, which did not require any new songs.
Holzman echoed this sentiment, mentioning that the second part allowed for creative expansion that needed to be reflected through additional musical compositions. Changes made in part one, she noted, were intended to heighten the emotional stakes and intensity of the narrative.
Embracing Spoilers: A Unique Perspective
Addressing fan concerns about spoilers, Holzman and Fox expressed a relaxed approach to the narrative’s disclosure, given that the stage musical has been enjoyed globally for over two decades. Holzman humorously remarked, “It didn’t open yesterday; it’s been running for 21 years.”Nevertheless, she acknowledged the passion and investment of fans awaiting the film’s release.
What Lies Ahead in the Story
As the plot unfolds in the sequel, audiences can anticipate a darker tone in Act 2, diverging from the playful moments in the first act. The narrative runs parallel to the classic Wizard of Oz storyline as Glinda officially takes on her title and Fiyero, portrayed by Jonathan Bailey, becomes a captain in the Wizard’s guard.
The Wizard attempts to sway Elphaba but faces rejection, leading to a dramatic escape aided by Fiyero. The stakes escalate as Morrible orchestrates a catastrophic plan to eliminate Elphaba’s sister, Nessarose, igniting the events leading to Elphaba’s transformation into the Wicked Witch, and culminating in connections to Dorothy’s arrival in Oz.
Conclusion and Ongoing Updates
As we edge closer to the release of Wicked: For Good, buzz continues to grow. The Hollywood Reporter will provide updates leading up to the November 21, 2025 premiere as more information becomes available.