Wicked: For Good has received overwhelmingly positive first reactions from critics who attended early screenings, with many proclaiming the sequel surpasses its acclaimed predecessor. Following the massive success of 2024’s Wicked, which earned $744 million worldwide and ten Oscar nominations, Jon M. Chu’s concluding chapter continues the epic friendship between Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) with what critics are calling an “epic and heartbreakingly tender” finale. Early buzz suggests both lead actresses are strong Oscar contenders, with Grande receiving particular praise for elevating her performance to new heights.
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Critics Hail Sequel as “Epic and Heartbreakingly Tender”
Following an early screening in New York City on October 27, 2025, critics took to social media to share their first reactions to Wicked: For Good. Deadline’s Destiny Jackson described it as “an epic and heartbreakingly tender conclusion to one of the most dynamic friendships in pop culture history,” adding that “there’s a lot for fans of the Broadway show to love with butterfly kiss sized surprises in store.” Variety’s Jazz Tangcay wrote that the film “exceeds all expectations,” praising director Jon M. Chu as “a genius in the way he brings this to a close.”
Multiple critics noted that the sequel expands upon the original while delivering profound emotional payoffs. David Gordon from Insider commented: “If Wicked part one was true to the original stage version, Wicked: For Good expands the universe to create a complete and distinct… and profoundly emotional take on act 2. It’s a thrill ride and a heartbreaker and it’s sexy and everything you want it to be.” The consensus suggests the film successfully balances spectacular musical numbers with genuine emotional depth, creating what many are calling a “masterpiece.”
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Shine in Career-Defining Performances
While both lead actresses received unanimous praise, Ariana Grande’s performance as Glinda is generating particularly intense Oscar buzz. Variety’s Jazz Tangcay wrote: “Cynthia Erivo is magnificent, but get ready for Ariana Grande as she takes this performance to the next level and is a tour de force.” Multiple critics predicted Grande will receive her first Oscar nomination, with some boldly declaring “Ariana Grande is going to win that Oscar.” Kobi Kassal humorously warned viewers to “prepare yourselves” for Grande’s emotionally devastating performance.
Cynthia Erivo continues to receive acclaim for deepening her portrayal of Elphaba, with critics noting she “intensifies her performance” and showcases a character “fed up with the Emerald City’s nonsense.” Tangcay praised Erivo as “magnificent,” while Clayton Davis emphasized that both actresses are “spectacular (again)” and warned audiences: “You’re NOT ready for the ‘For Good’ duet,” referring to the emotional climactic song between the two characters that serves as “a heartfelt end to Oz’s greatest friendship.”
Jon M. Chu’s Direction and Technical Excellence
Director Jon M. Chu received widespread praise for crafting a sequel that expands the narrative scope while maintaining emotional intimacy. Critics highlighted the film’s world-building, costume design, and Alice Brooks’ cinematography as deserving special attention. BuzzFeed’s Ada Enechi noted: “The new original songs… life changing! They will melt your heart in ways you can’t even imagine.” Metro’s Tori Brazier acknowledged that while the second act of the stage musical contains “weaker songs,” the film team “is still mined for everything; ‘For Good’ & ‘No Good Deed’ are stand-outs.”
The film reportedly includes several surprises for Broadway fans while remaining accessible to general audiences. Critics praised Chu’s ability to portray Elphaba and Glinda’s friendship as “both vulnerable and powerful,” with the director successfully delivering a “satisfying and emotionally rich finale” that honors the stage musical while offering cinematic expansion. Jonathan Bailey’s performance as Fiyero also received mentions, with critics calling him “the heartthrob of a lifetime” whose character transformation “reflects the impact of love.”
Oscar Prospects and Box Office Expectations
Industry analysts believe Wicked: For Good could become a “genuine awards powerhouse,” potentially matching or exceeding the first film’s ten Oscar nominations. Variety specifically highlighted the sequel’s strong position in the Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress (Erivo), and Best Supporting Actress (Grande) categories. The overwhelmingly positive reactions suggest the Academy may embrace both films as a unified achievement, similar to how The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King swept the Oscars after completing its trilogy.
Box office projections remain optimistic following these reactions. The first Wicked earned $744.07 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing film adaptation of a Broadway musical. With critics proclaiming the sequel superior and Oscar momentum building, analysts expect For Good could surpass its predecessor commercially. The film’s November 21, 2025 release date positions it perfectly for awards season while capitalizing on Thanksgiving holiday traffic.
What Makes This Sequel Special
Unlike many franchise sequels that simply escalate spectacle, Wicked: For Good appears to succeed by deepening character relationships and emotional stakes. Critics emphasized the film’s exploration of how Elphaba and Glinda’s divergent paths—one becoming the Wicked Witch of the West, the other the beloved Glinda the Good—test their friendship while forcing both characters to confront the consequences of their choices. The narrative examines themes of moral complexity, political corruption, and the price of standing up for one’s beliefs.
Chris Murphy, who saw the film early, noted it “enriches and expands upon the original material in exciting and innovative ways,” with performances that are “jaw-dropping” and a conclusion that “successfully delivers a satisfying ending.” The film reportedly balances fan service for Broadway devotees with accessibility for general audiences, creating an experience that works both as a standalone film and as the conclusion to a two-part epic. This delicate balance between theatrical fidelity and cinematic innovation appears to be the sequel’s greatest achievement.
Release Date and Final Thoughts
Wicked: For Good arrives in theaters nationwide on November 21, 2025. Based on the Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman Broadway musical, the film continues adapting Gregory Maguire’s novel reimagining of The Wizard of Oz from the perspective of the witches. The screenplay is written by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox, with Jon M. Chu directing and Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, and Marissa Bode returning to their roles.
The unanimous praise from early reactions suggests Wicked: For Good has achieved what few sequels accomplish: surpassing its predecessor while providing a deeply satisfying conclusion. For fans of the Broadway musical, admirers of the first film, and anyone seeking emotionally resonant cinematic spectacle, this sequel promises to deliver “sheer musical greatness” when it arrives this November. As one critic succinctly summarized: “Wicked: For Good is truly unmissable.”
