Summary
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Critics praise Ariana Grande’s emotionally rich performance and the sequel’s deeper character exploration.
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Wicked For Good offers a more intimate, somber tone than the first film, according to multiple reviewers.
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While most reviews are positive, some critics found the film overly theatrical and less immersive.
Wicked For Good is finally soaring into theaters, and the early reviews paint a picture of a sequel that leans deeper into emotion, character growth, and intimate storytelling. While the first Wicked dazzled with spectacle, this continuation shifts the tone, focusing on the fractured friendship between Elphaba and Glinda. Critics are weighing in, and the reactions reveal a mix of admiration, surprise, and a few reservations.
Who Stands Out in the Wicked For Good Cast?
Wicked For Good places its emotional weight squarely on its two leads—Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba and Ariana Grande’s Glinda—and critics are overwhelmingly aligned on one thing: the performances anchor the movie.
The Hollywood Reporter’s David Rooney called Grande’s portrayal “the standout of the movie,” praising her quiet, introspective moments and her “flood” of feeling in key musical sequences. Critics note that the second film gives Glinda a more complex emotional arc than the Broadway show, partly thanks to Stephen Schwartz’s new song, The Girl in the Bubble, which offers deeper insight into Glinda’s inner conflict.
Erivo’s performance continues to draw admiration for its strength and emotional clarity, especially as Elphaba fully steps into the role the world has thrust upon her: the feared “Wicked Witch of the West.”
To break down the cast at a glance:
Main Cast of Wicked For Good
| Actor | Character | Critical Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Cynthia Erivo | Elphaba | Powerful vocals, emotional depth, strong presence |
| Ariana Grande | Glinda | Breakout emotional performance, nuanced portrayal, Oscar buzz |
| Jeff Goldblum | The Wizard | “Insidiously wacky,” memorable screen presence |
| Supporting Ensemble | Various | Adds momentum and spectacle, strong vocal ensemble work |
The chemistry between Erivo and Grande continues to be the heart of the story. Multiple critics even highlighted audiences audibly crying during the climactic For Good duet, noting how the harmonies “soar” in ways that left moviegoers sniffing through the final act.
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How Does Wicked For Good Expand the Story Compared to the First Film?
The second half of Jon M. Chu’s two-part adaptation takes a notable tonal shift. Where the first film embraced fairy-tale structure and visual grandeur, Wicked: For Good strips away the illusions—literally and thematically.
At the New York premiere, Chu explained his approach: the first movie is the fairy tale, and the second is what happens when that fairy tale shatters. That means digging deeper into choices, consequences, and the emotional fallout of the characters’ diverging paths.
A More Human, Somber Tone
Vulture’s Bilge Ebiri noted that this installment feels less like a musical relying on big, show-stopping spectacle and more like an intimate, character-driven drama. He compared it to classic Hollywood musicals that prioritize vulnerability over grandeur. His take is that Wicked: For Good is “more somber, more focused, more human” than its predecessor.
BBC’s Caryn James also found the sequel more captivating, especially for viewers who enjoy the franchise’s emotional melodrama and signature musical style.
The new songs reinforce that shift. They dig into moral dilemmas, privilege, internalized fear, and loyalty—emotional arenas that weren’t explored as fully in the first film.
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Do Critics Think Wicked For Good Is Better Than Wicked (2024)?
This is where opinions diverge.
Positive Reactions Suggest It’s a Stronger, More Mature Sequel
Several critics—and pockets of early audiences—believe the second film surpasses the first. They praise:
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A more intricate exploration of Glinda and Elphaba’s inner worlds
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A tighter emotional throughline
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Less spectacle-driven storytelling
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More nuanced musical numbers
The emotional punch of the finale, particularly the For Good duet, has been mentioned repeatedly as the film’s strongest element.
But Not Everyone Is Convinced
The Associated Press took a sharply different stance, describing Wicked: For Good as more “production” than “movie.” Their critic felt the film lacked cinematic immersion, comparing the experience to watching a stage performance from a distance rather than being pulled into a living, breathing world.
They acknowledged the talent—particularly Erivo’s—but felt that the film’s orchestration and staging at times overwhelmed character beats rather than enhancing them.
This conflict between admiration and detachment is the clearest dividing line among critics.
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What New Elements Does Wicked For Good Bring to the Screen?
One of the biggest talking points is the addition of two new songs—music created specifically for the film.
Jon M. Chu explained that the second movie demanded deeper emotional exploration, and music became the ideal delivery system. These new numbers act as windows into internal conflict:
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Glinda’s struggle with privilege and responsibility
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Elphaba’s fear, loneliness, and moral decisions
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The mounting political pressure within Oz
These songs aren’t flashy; they’re introspective. That’s part of why critics say the sequel feels more grounded.
Goldblum’s Wizard, Flying Monkeys, and Darker Elements
USA Today’s Brian Truitt highlighted the sequel’s expanded world-building:
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The return of the iconic flying monkeys
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A “wacky” Jeff Goldblum turning up the charm and menace
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A PG-rated romantic subplot
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A touch of body horror
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Beloved props (like those “very in-demand shoes”) that fans will instantly recognize
Even with an “overcomplicated ending,” he still described the film as a satisfying closer.
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Is Wicked For Good Worth Watching in Theaters?
Based on the reviews, most critics believe it’s worth the theatrical experience—especially if you’re invested in Glinda and Elphaba’s relationship or love emotionally driven musicals.
Rooney emphasized the emotional resonance of the final act, noting how audience members around him were openly sobbing. Several critics also highlighted how the sound design, harmonies, and staging feel more powerful on the big screen.
However, if you were someone who already found Wicked (2024) overwhelming or overly theatrical, the AP review suggests you might not find relief here.
Still, the general consensus:
This movie delivers a heartfelt, emotionally rich conclusion with performances you’ll want to experience in a theater.
Wicked For Good lands in theaters Friday.
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