Wicked: For Good Early Reactions Hail a Heartbreaking Triumph
Early buzz crowns Wicked: For Good a heartbreaker—an emotional, visually ravishing, musically soaring sequel that may outshine the 2024 smash and leave Oz fans spellbound.
Good news for Oz obsessives: the first reactions to Wicked: For Good are in, and they are wildly upbeat. Think big emotions, big visuals, and musical numbers that actually earn the capital-M. A lot of early viewers are even saying this sequel tops the first movie. After the 2024 film blew up globally, expectations were sky high. Based on the chatter, it sounds like this one clears the bar.
What this chapter covers
Wicked: For Good picks up right where Wicked (2024) left off and adapts the back half of the original Broadway musical. It’s the conclusion of the two-part story, with Elphaba and Glinda facing the fallout from their choices and putting their friendship through the wringer. Director Jon M. Chu is getting early credit for sticking the landing and expanding the world without losing the heart.
- Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba
- Ariana Grande as Glinda
- Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero
- Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard of Oz
- Marissa Bode as Nessarose
- Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible
The early verdict
The general vibe from first screenings on October 28, 2025: it’s lush to look at, packed with music, and somehow even more emotional than part one. One attendee praised how the film builds out Act 2 rather than just mirroring the stage version, and the word you keep seeing is 'devastating' in the best way. Also, yes, people are calling a Wicked movie sexy. Did not have that on my bingo card.
"If Wicked part one was faithful to the blueprint of the stage, Wicked: For Good builds out the world to create a full and different... and extremely emotional version of act 2. It’s a thrill ride and a heartbreaker and it’s sexy and everything you want it to be."
- David Gordon
The performances people are buzzing about
Erivo is once again getting the 'magnificent' treatment. But the avalanche of praise is aimed at Ariana Grande, who several viewers say levels up into full-on tour-de-force territory. The Oscar talk has already started, which is premature by definition, but the enthusiasm is loud. Bring tissues, apparently.
Jonathan Bailey is earning love too, with fans calling him a lifelong heartthrob and highlighting how his swaggering, anti-nerdy playboy evolves when he collides with Elphaba. It sounds like the character gets more depth and Bailey runs with it.
What changes, what hits harder
Early viewers say Chu widens the scope and still lands the emotional gut punch in the finale. Elphaba and Glinda’s arcs are reportedly deeper and darker, and the movie leans into the consequences of who they chose to be in the first film. If the first Wicked was about finding yourself, For Good is about the cost of staying true to that person.
There was even a screening where someone watched it alongside members of the original Broadway company, which is one of those pinch-me, once-in-a-lifetime fan moments that tells you how much this thing matters to people.
Release date
Wicked: For Good opens in theaters on November 21, 2025.