Wicked: For Good Soars to an Emotional, Spellbinding Conclusion

After years of speculation, fan theories, and sold-out stage performances, the world finally gets the epic conclusion to Wicked’s cinematic saga. Wicked: For Good arrives as the defining conclusion to Jon M. Chu’s two-part adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical. 

Wicked: Part One set the stage with dazzling world-building and a soaring “Defying Gravity” finale; this sequel steps into far weightier territory. Wicked: For Good will not be the sunshine-and-rainbows comedy of the first. Instead, the sequel is confronting the political unrest of Oz, the fractures of friendship, and the myths that shape heroes and villains. For Good positions itself not just as a continuation, but as the emotional core of the entire saga. 

Wicked: For Good picks up one year after the events of Wicked: Part 1. Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) is on the run, honing her powers, and figuring out a plan to expose the Wizard.  Glinda (Ariana Grande) is confronted with the cost of power and the weight of perception. As the political tension in Oz escalates, the story explores themes of forgiveness, loyalty, and the true meaning of “For Good,” promising a resolution that is as heartfelt as it is visually spectacular.

That said, the question isn’t simply whether Wicked: For Good sticks the landing; it’s whether it captures the heart of a story fans have held close for two decades. 

WICKED: FOR GOOD – THE PERFORMANCES DON’T LET UP

Cynthia Erivo is an absolute powerhouse, continuing to give a commanding performance. Her deep, rich tone of her voice adds such power and gravitas to every song and moment throughout the film. Every flicker of turmoil, hope, love, and friendship feels entirely real, making her journey deeply compelling. The option changes in “No Good Deed” were shocking and flawless, amping up the emotional journey of her character. 

Ariana Grande gives a stellar and emotional performance as Glinda in Wicked: For Good. Her trademark pink, bubbly charm gradually gives way to the weight of personal and “professional” choices, revealing a deeper, more nuanced side of the character. Grande does an impeccable job of scaling back Glinda’s signature effervescence for a richer, emotionally charged take.

The Sexiest Man Alive, Jonathan Bailey, continues to prove that his on-screen chemistry is no fluke. Fiyero’s “Dancing Through Life” mask has all but vanished, revealing the depth beneath his carefree facade. When he comes face-to-face with Elphaba, the love and admiration pouring from him are undeniable. That said, the decision to play it safe with the PG rating during the iconic love song, “As Long As You’re Mine,” unfortunately does Bailey and Fiyero a disservice. What should be his moment to fully shine ends up feeling restrained and muted. On stage, the number radiates passion and intensity, and this cinematic version can’t quite capture that same fiery energy.

However, Ethan Slater really steals the film. His visceral rage as Boq is palatable and shockingly effective. The addition of scenes in Munchkinland truly adds the layers for the character of Nessarose’s infatuation that has him legally trapped as her servant. After his transformation and his haunting solo during “March of the Witch Hunters”, it becomes clear what it truly means to be heartless. This is quite possibly the best version of the role I’ve seen so far. 

NEW MUSICAL NUMBERS

It may come as a surprise, but there are quite a few lyrical changes and additions throughout the story. Some work and others do not, but in the end, there aren’t enough to bother me. There are also two new songs added to the film, an Elphaba solo, “No Place Like Home,” and Glinda’s new solo, “Girl in the Bubble”. “No Place Like Home” is a powerful rally song. It’s timely and personal, reminding those to remember that no matter what, your home is worth fighting for. 

While “The Girl in the Bubble” is undeniably cute, it ultimately feels redundant. The lyrics don’t advance the story; instead, the song reiterates what the audience already knows: Glinda is ready to break free from the constraints of her public persona. It’s also the first moment Ariana Grande leans into her signature pop voice rather than the Glinda-specific tone she’s maintained throughout filming, which makes the performance feel a bit out of character.

THE WORLD OF OZ

Director John M. Chu continues to expand the world of Oz in Wicked: For Good, though I found myself wishing we could explore these new locations with the same sense of wonder as in the first film. Many of the settings here feel more like soundstage and CGI creations, lacking some of the practical magic that made the predecessor so immersive.

The pacing also can feel uneven at times, with the additional scenes stretching a 45-minute act into a two-hour film. That said, the story never drags, and I was fully engaged from start to finish. The film doesn’t just retell a story; it asks viewers to feel the cost of choices, the weight of friendship, and the bittersweet nature of growing up all through the lens of magic, music, and spectacle.

In the end, Wicked: For Good solidifies the story’s legacy, delivering a cinematic experience that feels like a modern classic. It captures my favorite act of the musical in a way that is both faithful, expansive, and breathtaking. Whether you’ve sung along from the opening night on Broadway or are just discovering the magic on screen, Wicked: For Good is a finale that feels both earned and unforgettable. All that’s left to say is thank you for the magic, the music, and the unforgettable journey through Oz.