As someone who has always loved musicals to movie adaptations and theater in general, seeing the first “Wicked” was so emotional and riveting.
Adapted from the 2003 musical “Wicked,” which itself is based on the 1995 novel “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West” by Gregory Maguire, the story is also inspired by L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.”
The movie adaptations, starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Thrope and Ariana Grande as Galinda Upland, began with “Wicked,” which came out on Nov. 22, 2024, and made approximately $147 million at the North American box office. Its sequel, “Wicked: For Good,” released on Nov. 21, 2025, has already surpassed it, making approximately $150 million.
Luckily enough, I was able to see the movie early on Nov. 19, and thank Oz I did!
The first film was so astounding that I was left wondering how it could get more wonderful, but the second film, “Wicked: For Good,” did not disappoint whatsoever.
As Galinda said, I was completely “obsessulated” with this film.
This film truly embodied the epitome of love in a female friendship and how people we meet can have long-lasting effects and cause deeply impactful changes throughout our character and lives in general.
There are many underlying themes throughout both films that are expanded and elevated in “Wicked: For Good.”
The movie starts with Elphaba still on the run as she continues her goal of trying to expose the Wizard so people can see all the wrong things he has done and continues to do in the Land of Oz.
Meanwhile, Glinda has become the new public figure of good in Oz. She is trying to raise the people’s spirits as they look to her for encouragement during the “trying times” they are facing.
On the outside, Glinda lives a seemingly perfect life as her status rises and she becomes engaged to Fiyero, the man she loves. Who would not be happy?
Fiyero only agrees to marry her because he knows it will make her happy, even though she is not the woman he truly lost his heart to.
Though happy to an extent, Glinda is also struggling; she misses her best friend, must pretend to fear her and faces new pressures under Madame Morrible.
In the film, Elphaba delivers possibly one of the most important messages in the film, “We can’t let good just be a word. It has to mean something.” Then Elphaba and Glinda exchange their “I love you’s” and goodbyes as they part.
The song “For Good,” performed by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, captures the heart of the film beautifully, showing viewers that deep and true loving relationships outlast any hardships and tragedy, even death.
To say this film will change viewers for good is an understatement. Maybe I am biased, as I have now seen the film three times in the theater but I can truly say I have been changed for good.
My future relationships and friendships will be deeply affected by the loving and complex relationships explored and beautifully executed in this film.
