The highly anticipated sequel, Wicked: For Good, has garnered overwhelmingly positive first reactions from critics, praising its ‘epic and heartbreakingly tender’ conclusion, ‘jaw-dropping performances’ from Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, and cementing its status as ‘sheer musical greatness’ and a strong contender for the upcoming awards season.
The Emerald City is once again abuzz! Following an early screening in NYC on Monday, October 27, the social media embargo for Wicked: For Good has lifted, unleashing a torrent of thrilling first reactions from critics. Fans of the beloved Broadway musical and last year’s cinematic hit are eagerly awaiting the sequel, which promises to deliver an emotionally charged conclusion to the iconic story of Elphaba and Glinda.
A Legacy of Oz: Revisiting Wicked: Part One’s Triumphs
Before delving into the sequel’s rave reviews, it’s important to acknowledge the groundwork laid by 2024’s Wicked, which adapted the first act of the hit 2003 Broadway musical. Part One was a global phenomenon, captivating audiences and breaking box office records. Its critical success translated into a formidable awards season presence, securing 10 Oscar nominations and winning two prestigious awards for Costume Design and Production Design.
The first film established the powerful bond between Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande), setting the stage for their diverging paths. The strong foundation built by director Jon M. Chu and writers Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox has clearly resonated, fueling high expectations for this highly anticipated second chapter.
Unanimous Praise for an ‘Epic and Heartbreakingly Tender Conclusion’
The initial wave of reactions paints a picture of a sequel that not only meets but exceeds expectations. Critics are particularly moved by the film’s emotional depth and its handling of the central friendship.
- Destiny Jackson, an awards writer for Deadline, hailed it as “an epic and heartbreakingly tender conclusion to one of the most dynamic friendships in pop culture history.” Jackson also teased “butterfly kiss sized surprises in store” for fans of the Broadway show.
- Jazz Tangcay, Senior Artisans Editor at Variety, enthusiastically declared the movie “exceeds all expectations,” praising director Jon M. Chu as “a genius in the way he brings this to a close.” Tangcay noted that the expanded stories of Elphaba and Glinda “leave you with an emotional gut punch at the end,” leading her to “sob hard.”
- Rebecca Ford, a senior awards correspondent for Vanity Fair, affirmed that Chu has “done it again!” describing the film as “gorgeous, full of heart, and sticks the landing. A beautiful finale.”
- BuzzFeed U.K.’s Ada Enechi succinctly stated that Wicked: For Good “delivers in every way possible,” calling it “truly an unmissable sequel.”
Jaw-Dropping Performances and Oscar Buzz for Erivo and Grande
The performances of lead stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are consistently highlighted as a major triumph. Critics are unified in their admiration for how both actresses elevate their roles.
- Jazz Tangcay described Erivo as “magnificent” and stated that Grande “takes this performance to the next level and is a tour de force.”
- Chris Murphy, a staff writer at Vanity Fair, wrote that “Cynthia and Ari take their performances to the next level with jaw dropping performances. The film fully sticks the landing.”
- Metro UK’s Tori Brazier observed that Grande and Erivo “continue to own, extend and BE Glinda & Elphaba,” suggesting that “we may see v rare two-time nominations for playing the same role.” If this occurs, they would join a select group of performers recognized twice for embodying the same character in Oscar history.
The Oscar buzz around Erivo and Grande is already palpable. Cynthia Erivo, a two-time Oscar nominee for “Harriet” (Best Actress and Original Song), is seen as a potential frontrunner for a Golden Globe in Lead Actress (Comedy or Musical). Ariana Grande’s portrayal of Glinda, balancing humor, heartbreak, and charisma, positions her as a legitimate contender for her first Academy Award in the Supporting Actress category.
World-Building, Costumes, and Musical Evolution
Beyond the stellar performances, the film is lauded for its technical and creative achievements. The expansion of Oz and the visual storytelling have deeply impressed critics.
- Jazz Tangcay specifically mentioned, “the world building, the costumes, and Alice Brooks’ cinematography deserve your attention.”
- Chris Murphy highlighted how the film “expands and deepens the original source material in generally exciting and innovative ways.”
- David Gordon noted that while Wicked Part One was faithful to the stage blueprint, Wicked: For Good “builds out the world to create a full and different (but the same) and extremely emotional version of act 2.”
The musical aspect, a cornerstone of Wicked, also receives strong affirmation. While the second act of the stage show is sometimes considered weaker musically without a “Defying Gravity” equivalent, Jon M. Chu and the writing team are credited with elevating the material. Songs like “For Good” and “No Good Deed” are singled out as stand-outs, delivering profound emotional moments that solidify Oscar contention for the lead actresses.
The sequel also introduces two new original songs penned by the legendary Stephen Schwartz: Elphaba’s “No Place Like Home” and Glinda’s “The Girl in the Bubble.” While new songs in beloved musical adaptations can face scrutiny, Schwartz’s involvement, coupled with the film’s overall strength, positions these tracks for potential recognition by the Academy’s music branch, with “The Girl in the Bubble” being a smart bet for a nomination.
A Strong Awards Season Contender
The overwhelming positive sentiment surrounding Wicked: For Good suggests it is poised to be a major force during the upcoming awards season. Building on the success of Wicked Part One, the sequel’s prospects look strong enough to repeat or even exceed its predecessor’s impressive showing at the Academy Awards.
With technical categories like production design, costume design, makeup, sound, and visual effects likely to secure nominations, Wicked: For Good is widely anticipated to contend for one of the coveted Best Picture slots. The “Wicked” phenomenon appears set to continue its enchanting spell on Oscar voters.
The Return to Oz: Cast and Plot Overview
Wicked: For Good sees Ariana Grande, 32, and Cynthia Erivo, 38, reprising their roles as Glinda and Elphaba, respectively. The ensemble cast also features many returning beloved actors from the first film, including Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, Jeff Goldblum as The Wizard, Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Marissa Bode as Nessarose, Bowen Yang, and Ethan Slater. Director Jon M. Chu has also hinted at “extraordinary” character reveals for iconic figures from The Wizard of Oz, such as Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Lion.
The sequel’s official synopsis outlines the divergent paths of its heroines: “Elphaba, now demonized as The Wicked Witch of the West, lives in exile, hidden within the Ozian forest while continuing her fight for the freedom of Oz’s silenced Animals and desperately trying to expose the truth she knows about The Wizard. Glinda, meanwhile, has become the glamorous symbol of Goodness for all of Oz, living at the palace in Emerald City and reveling in the perks of fame and popularity. Under the instruction of Madame Morrible, Glinda is deployed to serve as an effervescent comfort to Oz, reassuring the masses that all is well under the rule of The Wizard.”
Experience the Magic: Coming to Theaters Soon
Wicked: For Good is scheduled to enchant audiences when it opens in theaters on November 21. Prepare for an unforgettable cinematic experience that critics are already calling ‘sheer musical greatness’ and a deeply emotional journey into the heart of Oz.
