Following Wicked's success last year, Wicked: For Good has become one of the most highly-anticipated films of the year, and it seems that it could be worth the wait. With just over a month to go until its release, an early first reaction is calling the movie "marvellous" and "one of the year's outstanding movies".
The musical-fantasy film will continue the story of Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) after the events of the previous movie, with the now known as Wicked Witch of the West maintaining her tough stance on championing animal rights.
Boasting a stacked supporting cast including Jonathan Bailey and Jeff Goldblum, the sequel is expected to be one of the biggest of 2025 at the box office, and the first reaction indicates that it could be a major player during awards season too.
"Whatever spell [director Jon M] Chu used, it worked because Wicked: For Good works for good on so many levels," wrote Deadline in a piece where the filmmaker was interviewed. "It's gloriously, deliciously good.
"Some might even argue that it's a tighter, more thrilling, more exciting film than Wicked. Yes, it's romantic, yes, it's a musical and yes it's a thriller. Boy, does it thrill. Wicked: For Good is certainly far superior to the second act of the stage show."
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"It's truly one of the year's outstanding movies. It's a marvellous piece of cinematic art. And, by George, it's just what we need. The joys are, to steal a line from a song, unlimited," the outlet concluded.
In addition to Elphaba and Glinda's storyline, the upcoming film will also introduce the iconic Dorothy Gale to the narrative as she enters the magical land of Oz, though casting details for the character are yet to be announced.
"I think that's such a wonderful thing to do," said Erivo of the decision to keep the actor's identity a secret. "Because then everyone gets to keep the Dorothy that they know."
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"I love the little bit of shadiness that Glinda has towards Dorothy," added Grande. "There's a lot going on, and she doesn't really have time to deal with this. She could have told her to take the Emerald City train!"
"But she didn't. That's a little shady, Glinda! So I leaned all the way into Glinda sort of having an eye roll for Dorothy whenever she has to deal with her," added the actor, who received an Academy Award for her performance in the first film.
Wicked: For Good is released in cinemas on 21 November.
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Reporter, Digital Spy George is a freelance writer who specialises in Movies and TV. After graduating with a degree in Film Studies and Journalism from De Montfort University, in which he analysed the early works of Richard Linklater for his dissertation, he wrote for several websites for GRV Media. His film tastes vary from blockbusters like Mission: Impossible and John Wick to international directors such as Paolo Sorrentino and Hirokazu Kore-eda, and has attended both the London and Berlin film festivals.
