The sequel, titled “Wicked: For Good,” features Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande reprising their roles as Elphaba and Glinda. This film delves into the origin story of the Wicked Witch of the West and is adapted from a popular stage musical, which itself is based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 book. Released on Friday, it has received mixed reviews, with John Nugent from Empire rating it three stars and describing it as “not quite Wicked: For Great.” The sequel also examines the backstories of Dorothy’s companions in Oz, including the Cowardly Lion, Scarecrow, and Tin Man. Jeff Goldblum returns as the Wizard, and the cast includes Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible and Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero.
The i paper’s Francesca Steele noted that while the sequel does not quite match the excellence of the first part, it remains an entertaining showcase of musical theatre’s potential on screen, featuring outstanding performances and a genuine affection for its world-building.
Many critics expressed disappointment with “Wicked: For Good,” with Clarisse Loughrey of the Independent giving it a two-star review, characterizing it as an “aimless slog” lacking in magic. Loughrey noted that while the lighting issues from the previous production are resolved, the visual elements remain underwhelming, indicating there is “so little to look at.”
In a critical one-star review, Robbie Collin of the Telegraph expressed dissatisfaction with the production, stating that it fails to deliver a substantial story over two hours. He noted that the stage adaptation covers the same plot in approximately half the time, indicating that the additional content feels excessive and tiring.
He criticized the central pair’s friendship, claiming it seems insincere and noting that moments intended to be intense often come off as light and sentimental. In contrast, Kevin Maher from the Times praised the film, giving it four stars and stating that the creators of this musical sequel have outdone last year’s successful film in terms of energy, ambition, and emotional depth.
Jon M Chu, renowned for directing films such as Crazy Rich Asians, In The Heights, and Now You See Me 2, is the director of both mentioned movies. Additionally, he is scheduled to direct a new film adaptation of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, expected to be released in 2027.
Critics have pointed out Ariana Grande’s performance in “Wicked: For Good,” forecasting a potential Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Peter Debruge from Variety noted that Grande displays “fragility” in her “nuanced” performance, highlighting the transition from her previous, simpler role in the first part to a more complex character evolution as Glinda in the sequel.
Grande’s performance in the sequel has garnered praise for her emotional range, highlighting her moments of introspection, anxiety, and loyalty to her character, Elphaba. David Rooney from the Hollywood Reporter commended her for these depths. His co-star, Erivo, was celebrated as a powerhouse by Rooney as well as Peter Bradshaw from the Guardian, who awarded a four-star review for the sequel. Bradshaw noted that the sequel maintains the vibrant dreaminess and Broadway spirit of its predecessor.
The stage musical was adapted into a two-part film series, with both films shot simultaneously. The first part premiered last November and achieved over £750m in global box office revenue. It garnered two Academy Awards and two BAFTA awards for its costume and production design, in addition to winning a prize for cinematic and box office achievement at the Golden Globes. However, a challenge for the sequel lies in the fact that many of Wicked’s most famous songs, such as “Popular” and “The Wizard and I,” were featured in the initial film.
In the critique of the musical “Wicked: For Good,” it is noted that the second act does not feature a song as impactful as “Defying Gravity,” indicating a drop in musical strength compared to the Broadway and West End versions. Reviewer Nugent observed a tonal shift in the sequel, describing it as “less peppy, more glum.” Furthermore, while Goldblum’s performance stands out for its unique comedic style, the overall mood of the characters has become more somber, resulting in a less enjoyable experience for the audience compared to the original film.
