Wicked sequel earns rave first reactions from critics

Wicked: For Good, the sequel to 2024’s blockbuster musical, received overwhelmingly positive first reactions after the social media embargo lifted on Monday, October 27, with critics praising it as an “epic and heartbreakingly tender conclusion” to the story of Elphaba and Glindapeople.
Director Jon M. Chu and stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are receiving widespread acclaim, with critics particularly highlighting Grande’s performance as potentially Oscar-winning and noting that both actresses could make history as the seventh and eighth performers to be nominated twice for the same rolegamesradar.
Critics lauded the film for expanding and deepening the source material in “exciting and innovative ways,” with standout musical numbers including “For Good” and “No Good Deed,” while praising the world-building, costumes, and cinematographypeople.
The sequel follows the first Wicked film, which grossed over $700 million globally and earned 10 Oscar nominations, winning two, while becoming the highest-earning musical movie adaptation of all timethe-independent.
Wicked: For Good opens in theaters on November 21, 2025, adapting Act Two of the Broadway musical and continuing the story of how Elphaba becomes the Wicked Witch of the West while Glinda transforms into Glinda the Goodpeople.

Wicked For Good Earns Rave First Reactions Ahead of November Release

Critics and industry insiders are singing the praises of “Wicked: For Good” following initial screenings that lifted their social media embargo on Monday evening. The highly anticipated sequel to 2024’s blockbuster musical has generated overwhelmingly positive first reactions, with many calling it a “heartbreakingly tender conclusion” that could position it as a major Oscar contender.people

“Get ready because #WickedForGood exceeds all expectations,” wrote Variety’s Jazz Tangcay on X. “Jon M. Chu is a genius in the way he brings this to a close. Elphaba and Glinda’s stories are expanded, and leave you with an emotional gut punch at the end”. Tangcay particularly praised Ariana Grande’s performance, stating she “takes this performance to the next level and is a tour de force”.broadwayworld

Strong Oscar Buzz for Grande and Erivo

The sequel’s Oscar prospects appear promising, with critics specifically highlighting the performances of returning stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Deadline’s Destiny Jackson described the film as “an epic and heartbreakingly tender conclusion to one of the most dynamic friendships in pop culture history”.people

Several critics are predicting Oscar wins for Grande, with one reviewer boldly stating “Ariana Grande is gonna win that Oscar”. If both actresses receive nominations again for their portrayals of Elphaba and Glinda, they would become the seventh and eighth performers in Oscar history to be nominated twice for the same role.the-independent

Building on Massive Success

The sequel arrives with enormous expectations following the unprecedented success of the first “Wicked” film. The original adaptation grossed $756 million worldwide and earned 10 Oscar nominations, winning two awards for Best Costume Design and Best Production Design. It became the highest-grossing musical film adaptation of all time, surpassing “Mamma Mia!” and setting multiple box office records.nbc

“Wicked: For Good” continues the story from where the first film left off, adapting the second act of the beloved Broadway musical. The film explores the aftermath of Elphaba and Glinda’s diverging paths as one becomes the Wicked Witch of the West and the other transforms into Glinda the Good.variety

The sequel is set to release in theaters on November 21, 2025, exactly one year after the first installment debuted. With such enthusiastic early reactions praising both the emotional storytelling and standout performances, “Wicked: For Good” appears poised to cast another spell on both audiences and Oscar voters when it soars into theaters next month.people