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 events in the first film. It adopts a darker tone and expands on the characters' journeys, particularly their struggles with power, identity, and the consequences of their actions. The narrative delves into the political and social tensions in Oz, with Glinda and Elphaba navigating the fallout from their rebellion against the Wizard.

Box Office Performance

• Global Gross: $327 million (as of November 2025), making it the highest-grossing Broadway adaptation ever.
• Domestic Opening: $147 million (second-largest 2025 debut, behind A Minecraft Movie), with a record-breaking opening day of $69.1 million.
• International Gross: $223 million, surpassing its predecessor's performance.

Critical Reception

• Rotten Tomatoes: 67% positive (296 reviews), with critics praising the performances and emotional depth but noting a slower pace and darker tone that some found detracting from the original's charm.
• Metacritic: 58/100 (mixed reviews), reflecting divided opinions on its ambition versus its derivative elements.
• Audience Reaction: Strongly positive, with a CinemaScore of "A" and a 92% approval rating on PostTrak.

Key Highlights

• Direction & Performances: Jon M. Chu’s direction and the chemistry between Lopez and Grande were widely praised.
• Themes: The film explores themes of power, legacy, and the cost of rebellion, with a focus on the political machinations of Oz.
• Marketing: A $90 million global campaign (compared to $150 million for the first film) included partnerships with over 400 brands, a Lego Masters episode, and a live TV special (Wicked: One Wonderful Night).

Future of the Franchise

• Sequel Potential: Creators have hinted at more content beyond For Good, though no official third film has been confirmed.
• Theme Parks: Universal Destinations & Experiences is developing theme park attractions based on the Wicked films.

Notable Criticisms

• Some critics, like The New Yorker’s Justin Chang, felt the film was overly cautious in its approach, reacting to its predecessor rather than building originality. Others, like The Irish Times’ Donald Clarke, criticized its visual style as derivative.

Conclusion: Wicked: For Good is a ambitious, if uneven, sequel that expands the world of Oz while delivering a visually stunning and emotionally resonant story. Its box office success and audience enthusiasm suggest it will remain a cultural touchstone, even as debates about its artistic merits continue.