The magic of Oz returns to theaters with Wicked: For Good, the second installment of the 2024 box office hit Wicked. Fans of the Broadway musical and the first film adaptation can rejoice as Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande reprise their iconic roles as Elphaba and Glinda, respectively. The sequel will premiere in theaters on November 21, 2025, continuing the epic story of friendship, identity, and the fate of Oz.

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Why Wicked Was Split Into Two Films

Director Jon M. Chu revealed that the story of Wicked was too rich to fit into a single film without losing critical elements. In April 2022, he explained on X that splitting the adaptation into two parts allowed the filmmakers to preserve the musical’s songs, character arcs, and dramatic depth.

Screenwriter Winnie Holzman, composer Stephen Schwartz, and producer Marc Platt all agreed that breaking the film into two acts was essential. “Nobody wanted to cut any songs — in fact, we wanted to add songs,” Holzman told ScreenRant in November 2024.

The first movie ends with the iconic number “Defying Gravity,” mirroring the Broadway production’s Act 1 finale. Schwartz emphasized that attempting to continue past this climactic moment without a break would have been “hugely anti-climactic,” solidifying the decision to create a sequel.

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What Wicked: For Good Is About

Wicked: For Good explores the second act of the original musical, focusing on the evolving friendship between Elphaba, now the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the Good Witch of the North. The sequel delves into how their choices reshape the world of Oz and their own identities.

The official logline states:

“Following Elphaba and Glinda’s friendship being put to the test as they embrace their new respective identities, the consequences of their actions will change all of Oz forever.”

While the first film primarily detailed Elphaba’s rise, the second film emphasizes Glinda’s journey toward becoming authentically good, offering fans a deeper perspective on both characters.

Despite rumors, director Chu confirmed that Dorothy will not appear in the film. “This is still Elphaba and Glinda’s journey, and she is a pawn in the middle of all of it,” he told PEOPLE in October 2025.

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Returning Cast Members

Fans can expect to see the original cast reprise their roles:

• Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba
• Ariana Grande as Glinda
• Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater, Jeff Goldblum, and Marissa Bode in supporting roles

Additionally, Colman Domingo will voice the Cowardly Lion, adding an exciting new dimension to the sequel.

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Filming and Production Updates

Principal photography for both Wicked films wrapped in January 2024. Erivo shared a heartfelt post on Instagram, celebrating the completion of filming while highlighting the effort and artistry that went into bringing Elphaba to life:

“THIS moment, this film, these people, this cast, this crew, this director, my Glinda, were the Grandest gift I could ever have asked for… I hope when you meet her, you’ll love her as much and as fiercely as I do.”

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Trailer and What Fans Can Expect

The first full trailer, released on June 4, 2025, offers a thrilling glimpse into the second act. Scenes include Glinda preparing for her wedding to Fiyero, the Wizard manipulating events behind the scenes, flying monkeys, and Elphaba evading mobs as the musical’s emotional highlights, including “For Good,” underscore the drama.

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Release Date and Where to Watch

Wicked: For Good will officially premiere in theaters on November 21, 2025. The first part of the adaptation is currently available to stream on Peacock, giving fans the opportunity to revisit the story before the sequel hits the big screen.

With Elphaba and Glinda’s journey at the forefront, this second act promises to be as magical, dramatic, and musically enchanting as the first, offering fans the complete cinematic experience of this beloved Broadway musical.