---
title: "Wicked: For Good"
year: 2025
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/wicked-for-good"
fi1m_id: "wicked-for-good"
imdb_id: "tt19847976"
tmdb_id: 967941
wikidata_id: "Q114817050"
fi1m_score: 64
critics_score: 65
critics_reviews: 15
published: "2026-09-09"
updated: "2026-09-18T08:37:47.529787+00:00"
region: "PA"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Wicked: For Good (2025)

Directed by Jon M. Chu · 2h 17m · Fantasy, Adventure, Romance

## Identity

Wicked: For Good

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/wicked-for-good
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** wicked-for-good
- **IMDb ID:** tt19847976
- **TMDB ID:** 967941
- **Wikidata ID:** Q114817050
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt19847976/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/967941, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q114817050

**Fi1m score: 64** · Critics 65 from 15 reviews

*In a sentence:* Everyone in Oz has learnt about propaganda, and nobody has learnt to cut a reprise

> Jon M. Chu’s second half of *Wicked* gives Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande the songs they deserve and a plot that keeps interrupting them. Handsomely dressed, over-long and dimmer than the first, it is worth the evening for the two of them.

## Synopsis

The second half of Jon M. Chu’s adaptation of the stage musical, picking up where *Wicked* (2024) left off. Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), now branded the Wicked Witch of the West, hides in the forests of Oz and frees the animals the regime has caged. Glinda (Ariana Grande) has become the public face of the Emerald City, engaged to Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey) and reading from a script written for her by the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) and Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh). In Munchkinland, Elphaba’s sister Nessarose (Marissa Bode) governs with Boq (Ethan Slater) at her side. The songs are by Stephen Schwartz; the story comes from Gregory Maguire’s novel.

## Review

Jon M. Chu’s [*Wicked*](https://film.one/film/wicked) (2024) stopped at the interval, with Elphaba in the air. *Wicked: For Good* is the second half of the stage show, and anyone who has seen it will tell you it is the weaker half: the songs are sadder, the plot has to hurry, and it exists to hand over to [*The Wizard of Oz*](https://film.one/film/the-wizard-of-oz) (1939) with every hat and slipper in place. Chu and his screenwriters, Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox, have two jobs: finish the story of two friends, and join it to the older film. They manage the first. The second keeps interrupting.

Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) is now the Wicked Witch of the West, hiding in the forest and freeing whatever caged animals she can reach. Glinda (Ariana Grande) has taken the job of being adored, floating over the Emerald City in a bubble and reading what the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) and Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh) have written for her. Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey) is engaged to Glinda and looking past her. In Munchkinland, Elphaba’s sister Nessarose (Marissa Bode) governs, with Boq (Ethan Slater) at her side.

Erivo and Grande are the reason to go. Erivo is angry for most of the film and sings as if it were costing her something, with a hardness in the lower register that was not there before. Grande, who did the comedy in the first film, does it again and then lets it drop; she has more to do this time, including a song of her own, and plays a woman noticing she is being used. The closing duet moved us more than we expected. Chu keeps the camera close on two faces, cuts away from neither, and lets the number finish. After two hours of fireworks it is the one scene that trusts its actors to be enough, and they are.

Paul Tazewell dresses them so you could follow the story with the sound off: Glinda in paler and paler pinks, layered like spun sugar, Elphaba in a black that has begun to fray at the hem. Nathan Crowley’s Emerald City is polished green glass and gold rails, and his Munchkinland is all crooked timber. Alice Brooks’s photography is a problem. The first film was flooded with colour; this one lives in browns and greys, which suits the story, but the forest is plainly a stage and the skies have the flat look of something added afterwards. Twice we noticed the join when we should have been watching the face.

The trouble is everything between the songs. Stephen Schwartz’s tunes are reprised and hummed until they wear thin, and John Powell’s underscore runs the same melodies beneath the dialogue, so we hear the numbers before anyone sings them. The politics are laid out with a heavy hand: Morrible and the Wizard print posters, hold rallies and invent an enemy, and the film says what this means, then has a character say it again. Myron Kerstein cuts the second hour fast, but fast is not the same as urgent. In the middle stretch, when the film is explaining how the familiar figures of Oz came to be, we were bored, and then irritated at being bored by something so expensive.

Goldblum does the Wizard as a salesman who half believes his own pitch, and the film lightens whenever he is in it. Yeoh glides and is frightening, though the script gives Morrible one note and asks her to hold it. Bailey keeps his charm and loses his footing in the second half through no fault of his own; Bode’s Nessarose is handed the story’s hardest turn and given four minutes to make it. Colman Domingo voices the Cowardly Lion in a cameo.

The stage show has always had this problem: the interval falls after its best song, and what follows is housekeeping. Chu has made the housekeeping expensive and sometimes beautiful, but at 137 minutes he has given it room to show. See it if you saw the first film; you will want to know how it ends, and the last ten minutes pay off. Bring the person who cried last time. They will cry again, after a spell of checking the clock.

*Fi1m score 64, published 9 September 2026.*

## What the critics say

The reviews split wide, and the split is over the same question: whether the second half of the stage show, which several critics call the weaker half, survives the move to the screen. Most critics say it does, and the praise gathers almost entirely around the two leads. Cynthia Erivo is admired even in the harshest notices, and Ariana Grande’s Glinda, given more to do this time, is repeatedly picked out as the film’s gain on its predecessor. Several critics find the sequel darker and more focused than the first, and a few think it the better film.

The reservations cluster around pacing and padding: reprises, spectacle that numbs rather than moves, fewer memorable songs and a glum tone. The dissent is sharp rather than mild. The New Yorker calls it a clumsy, overlong travesty of the Oz material, Little White Lies a bloated cash grab, and Time Out a slog for anyone who is not already a fan.

## Straight answers

**Is Wicked: For Good worth watching?**

*Wicked: For Good* is worth watching if you saw the first film and want to know how it ends, and we scored it 64. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande carry it, and their closing duet moved us more than we expected. Everything between the songs is slow, over-explained and dimmer to look at than the first half.

**How long is Wicked: For Good, and what is it rated?**

*Wicked: For Good* runs 2h 17m. It is a fantasy and adventure film.

**Where can I watch Wicked: For Good in Panama?**

*Wicked: For Good* is streaming on HBO Max in Panama. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service.

**How does Wicked: For Good compare to Wicked?**

*Wicked: For Good* is the second half of the story begun in [*Wicked*](https://film.one/film/wicked), and the first film is the brighter and better paced of the two. This one has sadder songs, a plot that hurries to join up with [*The Wizard of Oz*](https://film.one/film/the-wizard-of-oz), and photography that has lost the earlier colour. See the first for the friendship; see this to find out how it ends.

**Is Wicked: For Good based on a true story or a book?**

*Wicked: For Good* is not based on a true story; it adapts the second half of the stage musical, which takes its story from Gregory Maguire's novel and its songs from Stephen Schwartz. Knowing the book is not needed, but knowing the first film is, since this one assumes you remember the friendship.

**What should I watch after Wicked: For Good?**

After *Wicked: For Good*, try [*Wicked*](https://film.one/film/wicked) (2024, Fi1m 70): The first half, brighter and better paced, and the friendship this film assumes you remember. Then [*The Wizard of Oz*](https://film.one/film/the-wizard-of-oz) (1939, Fi1m 91): The film all of this is bending itself to meet; still the tidiest telling; and [*Pan's Labyrinth*](https://film.one/film/pans-labyrinth) (2006, Fi1m 87): A fairy tale that takes its fascists seriously and its monsters more so.

### Reviews we read (22)

- **Evening Standard**, India Block (90/100, inferred): Chu has delivered another epic musical that blends grim political themes with delightful numbers, despite the second act's challenges. The critic singles out the central love story and performances of Erivo and Grande, along with Tazewell's costuming, as the beating heart of this exhilarating film. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/wicked-for-good-review-cynthia-erivo-ariana-grande-john-m-chu-b1258139.html)
- **Vulture**, Bilge Ebiri (85/100, inferred): Ebiri finds the sequel better than the first, more somber and focused, with Grande shining as Glinda; praises the intimacy in musical numbers and emotional depth, calling it a satisfying conclusion. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/article/review-wicked-for-good-is-actually-better-than-the-first.html)
- **The Guardian** (80/100, inferred): The film manages the transition from prequel to the known Oz story with tragicomic brio and keeps the rainbow dreaminess and show-tune zing. Cynthia Erivo delivers a genuinely moving, black-belt performance as Elphaba that reveals new vulnerability. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/nov/18/wicked-for-good-review-cynthia-erivo-ariana-grande-jeff-goldblum)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, David Rooney (80/100, inferred): Rooney praises the performances, especially Grande's as Glinda, noting the film's focus on character and sisterhood, and how it levels the playing field between the two leads. He highlights the emotional impact and production values but notes some doubts about splitting the story remain. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/wicked-for-good-review-cynthia-erivo-ariana-grande-musical-1236426337/)
- **The i Paper**, Francesca Steele (70/100, inferred): The sequel is grander and more ambitious but not necessarily better than the first, with stronger passion and darkness offset by pacing issues and less focus on friendship. Goldblum's Wizard is singled out as the standout for injecting levity, while Erivo and Grande's chemistry remains a highlight. [Read](https://inews.co.uk/culture/film/wicked-for-good-review-jeff-goldblum-steals-show-4049283)
- **Total Film**, Molly Edwards (65/100, inferred): The film builds to a cathartic conclusion but falls short of the first part's captivation. The review highlights the emotional payoff while noting it is not quite as engaging overall. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/musicals/wicked-for-good-review/)
- **Empire**, John Nugent (50/100, inferred): This is the weaker half of the story: sadder, more understated, with fewer memorable songs and a glum tone that makes it less enjoyable than the first film. The critic praises the talented cast and political reframing of Oz but notes frustrations with pacing, new songs, and missing energy. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/wicked-for-good/)
- **Little White Lies**, Juan Barquin (2/2/2): The critic calls the film a bloated, unimaginative mess and cash grab that pads the thin second act with fluff and poor direction, lacking both style and substance. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo's chemistry and performances are singled out as the sole bright spots. [Read](https://lwlies.com/reviews/wicked-for-good)
- **Screen Daily** (40/100, inferred): The critic says the sequel repeats the first film's strengths and flaws but ultimately numbs with endless spectacle that leaves little room for nuance or feeling. Cynthia Erivo is praised for sparkling, though the more-is-more approach is faulted. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/wicked-for-good-review-cynthia-erivo-sparkles-but-musical-sequel-fails-to-hit-the-high-notes/5210962.article)
- **Time Out**, Phil de Semlyen (30/100, inferred): The critic finds the sequel a sluggish disappointment that magnifies the stage show's weaker second half with pacing issues and thin storytelling, calling it a slog for non-fans. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande's vocal performances are praised amid the overall wheelspin. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/wicked-for-good-review-2025)
- **Financial Times**, Danny Leigh (★★★☆☆): The sequel darkens the Oz origin story with witch hunts and mass delusion while speaking to contemporary US politics. It succeeds in making its own complexity look simple through bold, impressive execution. [Read](https://www.ft.com/content/baf2dbe3-dc76-4edc-90b8-f597e7590e83)
- **Radio Times** (★★★★☆): The critic concludes that the film will satisfy the saga's devotees with Chu's enthusiastic direction and the leads' top-form performances bringing events to a rousing close. Production design and the stars' lung-busting vocals are highlighted as pleasures despite some effects gripes. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/app/wicked-for-good-review-a-conclusion-of-the-oz-saga-to-surely-satisfy-its-extensive-army-of-devotees/)
- **Sight and Sound**: The critic notes that the film strips back operatics to focus on the witches' relationship and praises its tender, deftly staged closing with the song 'For Good'. It highlights some additions like explicit political commentary but laments the loss of certain supporting charms. [Read](https://www.bfi.org.uk/sight-and-sound/reviews/wicked-good-ariana-grande-cynthia-erivo-bring-great-tenderness-this-beautifully-staged-oz-musical)
- **The New Yorker**, Justin Chang: The critic deems the film a clumsy, overlong travesty that mangles fairy-tale logic and iconic source material with poor visuals, contrived plotting, and unearned cynicism. It singles out the lack of brains or heart in the filmmaking and the disrespectful handling of Oz lore for complaint. [Read](https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-current-cinema/wicked-for-good-is-very-very-bad)
- **The New York Times**, Manohla Dargis: The critic finds the film a coherent, heartfelt wrap-up to the story that emphasizes the enduring friendship between Elphaba and Glinda amid darker political themes in Oz. It singles out the two leads' chemistry and the director's ability to manage the spectacle for praise. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/20/movies/wicked-for-good-review.html)
- **The Times**, Kevin Maher (★★★★☆): The sequel surpasses the first film in verve, ambition and emotional ache, slickly directed and regularly igniting through its drive into the Wizard of Oz mythos. Cynthia Erivo is extraordinary as Elphaba, carrying the film with haunted brilliance. [Read](https://www.thetimes.com/culture/film/article/wicked-for-good-review-give-cynthia-erivo-the-oscar-now-nhwjq3zf2)
- **Variety**, Peter Debruge: The review praises the sequel for improving on the stage show's second act, delivering spectacle and emotional depth while sharpening its critique of deception and authoritarianism. It especially highlights Ariana Grande's expanded, nuanced role as Glinda alongside strong performances from the cast. [Read](https://variety.com/2025/film/reviews/wicked-for-good-review-1236581742/)
- **HeyUGuys**, Linda Marric (5/5): Director Jon M. Chu delivers a magnificent and beautifully executed conclusion to the story. The film is praised as a stunning, deeply moving triumph with standout performances, extraordinary craft, and a powerful emotional core. [Read](https://www.heyuguys.com/wicked-for-good-review/)
- **Deadline**, Pete Hammond (90/100, inferred): The critic finds the sequel soars even higher than the first film as a splendidly realized cinematic musical adaptation. They single out the lively 'Wonderful' number as a musical highlight and praise the strong performances and production values. [Read](https://deadline.com/2025/11/wicked-for-good-review-1236620980/)
- **Collider**, Therese Lacson (8/10): The critic calls it a strong conclusion to the musical that builds on the first film's strengths while leaning into the lead performances. Erivo and Grande are singled out as magnetic standouts whose chemistry and vocals carry the film, though pacing from including all source songs and some CGI flaws are noted drawbacks. [Read](https://collider.com/wicked-for-good-review-ariana-grande-cynthia-erivo/)
- **Den of Geek**, David Crow (3/5): The critic praises the magnificent music and standout performances, particularly Ariana Grande's more dimensional Glinda, but finds the film padded with reprises, suffering from broken momentum due to the one-year gap between parts, and a muddled finale that fails to recapture the first film's spell. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/wicked-for-good-review-muddled-finale/)
- **The Wrap** (30/100, inferred): The critic calls the follow-up underwhelming and inferior to the first, hamstrung by its ties to The Wizard of Oz. They single out the film's failure to deliver a satisfying conclusion to the Elphaba-Glinda story amid obligatory plot elements. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/wicked-for-good-review-cynthia-erivo-ariana-grande/)

## Details

- **Director:** Jon M. Chu
- **Director:** Jon M. Chu
- **Screenplay:** Winnie Holzman, Dana Fox
- **Novel:** Gregory Maguire
- **Cinematography:** Alice Brooks
- **Editor:** Myron Kerstein
- **Music:** John Powell, Stephen Schwartz
- **Production design:** Nathan Crowley
- **Costume design:** Paul Tazewell
- **Producer:** Marc Platt, David Stone
- **Cast:** Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba; Ariana Grande as Glinda; Jeff Goldblum as The Wonderful Wizard of Oz; Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible; Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero / The Scarecrow; Ethan Slater as Boq / The Tin Man; Marissa Bode as Nessarose; Colman Domingo as The Cowardly Lion (voice)
- **Runtime:** 2h 17m
- **First release (Brazil):** 4 November 2025
- **Genres:** Fantasy, Adventure, Romance
- **Budget:** $150 million
- **Box office:** $541 million
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2Xubj7lazE

## Where to watch in Panama

- HBO Max: streaming

*Checked 2026-09-10.*

Also available in: AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EC, ES, FI, FR, GB, HK, HR, HU, ID, IE, IN, IT, JP, LT, MX, MY, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PH, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, SI, SK, TH, TR, UA, US. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## If you liked this

- *Wicked* (2024), Fi1m 70: The first half, brighter and better paced, and the friendship this film assumes you remember. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/wicked.md)
- *The Wizard of Oz* (1939), Fi1m 91: The film all of this is bending itself to meet; still the tidiest telling. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-wizard-of-oz.md)
- *Return to Oz* (1985): Oz as a properly frightening place, with a girl who has to fend for herself.
- *Pan's Labyrinth* (2006), Fi1m 87: A fairy tale that takes its fascists seriously and its monsters more so. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/pans-labyrinth.md)
- *Into the Woods* (2014), Fi1m 65: Another stage musical whose second act turns dark, filmed with more discipline. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/into-the-woods.md)

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/wicked-for-good