The highly anticipated sequel to 2024’s Wicked: Part One is already wowing critics, with many calling it a triumphant and emotional conclusion to the saga.

Early Reactions Celebrate a Magical Finale

The first reactions to Wicked: For Good are in — and critics are spellbound. Following its early screenings on Oct. 27, 2025, social media buzzed with glowing praise for the film’s performances, visuals, and emotional impact.

The sequel to Jon M. Chu’s hit 2024 musical reunites Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo as Glinda and Elphaba, delivering what early viewers are calling a “breathtaking” and “heart-shattering” finale to one of the most beloved stories in modern pop culture.

“It’s an epic and heartbreakingly tender conclusion to one of the most dynamic friendships in pop culture history,” wrote Deadline’s Destiny Jackson on X. “Fans of the Broadway show will find butterfly-kiss-sized surprises in store.”

Critics Hail “Sheer Musical Greatness”

The reviews praise both leading performances and director Jon M. Chu’s cinematic vision. Variety’s Jazz Tangcay called the film “sheer musical greatness,” writing:

“The movie exceeds all expectations. Jon M. Chu is a genius in the way he brings this to a close. Cynthia Erivo is magnificent, but get ready for Ariana Grande — she’s a tour de force. I sobbed hard.”

Tangcay also highlighted the film’s production quality, saying the “world-building, costumes, and Alice Brooks’ cinematography deserve your full attention.”

A Triumph of Music, Emotion, and Friendship

BuzzFeed U.K.’s Ada Enechi declared that Wicked: For Good “delivers in every way possible,” especially through its new original songs.

“The new songs are life-changing. They’ll melt your heart in ways you can’t even imagine,” Enechi wrote. “Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande have cemented their places in history — this is truly an unmissable sequel.”

Vanity Fair’s Chris Murphy echoed those sentiments, saying the movie “expands and deepens the original source material in generally exciting and innovative ways.” He added that both stars “take their performances to the next level with jaw-dropping impact.”

Meanwhile, Metro U.K.’s Tori Brazier praised Chu for delivering “the tricky second act handled with aplomb,” writing:

“Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo continue to own and be Glinda and Elphaba. The acting continues to impress, the pacing is tight, and Oz has never looked better.”

Brazier even hinted that both stars could make awards history: “We may see rare two-time nominations for playing the same roles.”

The Story: Light, Darkness, and Destiny

According to Universal Pictures, Wicked: For Good follows Elphaba (Erivo), now demonized as the Wicked Witch of the West, as she hides deep in the Ozian forest while continuing her fight for truth and justice.

Meanwhile, Glinda (Grande) has become the glamorous face of Goodness in Emerald City, enjoying fame under the manipulative guidance of Madame Morrible. Their paths, though divided by ideology, remain entwined in a story of loyalty, love, and sacrifice.

The sequel also stars Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, Bowen Yang, Ethan Slater, and Marissa Bode, reprising their roles from the first film.

A Dazzling Conclusion to a Legendary Tale

Director Jon M. Chu has promised that Wicked: For Good will be “a deeply emotional and empowering finale” that celebrates friendship, identity, and courage.

“It’s the ending fans deserve,” Chu said in a recent interview. “It’s bigger, bolder, and more heartfelt than anything we’ve done before.”

Audiences can experience the magic when Wicked: For Good flies into theaters on November 21, 2025.