Wicked: For Good has officially closed the book on the intertwined story of Elphaba and Glinda. The highly anticipated musical film premiered in cinemas on Friday, November 21. It serves as the second part of the cinematic adaptation of the beloved Broadway play.
The movie picks up where the first installment left off. Elphaba, portrayed by Cynthia Erivo, is exiled from Oz after discovering the Wizard, played by Jeff Goldblum, is a fraud.
Wicked: For Good closely follows the plot of Act Two from the stage production. It also introduces new scenes and musical solos for both Erivo and Ariana Grande, who stars as Glinda. As Elphaba embraces her role as the Wicked Witch of the West, Glinda initially aligns with Madame Morrible, played by Michelle Yeoh, and the Wizard. She spreads their deceptions despite knowing the truth.
The film’s emotional climax sees Elphaba and Glinda reconcile. Glinda realizes her allegiance was misguided and pledges to help Elphaba. The two women meet, separated by a wall, and express their love before parting ways.
In a pivotal moment, Dorothy, played by Bethany Weaver, appears and splashes water on Elphaba. Glinda believes Elphaba has perished, but the witch has secretly hidden in a passageway known to Fiyero, portrayed by Jonathan Bailey.
Glinda then gives the green potion bottle, which belonged to Elphaba’s mother, to the Wizard. He subsequently discovers that he is Elphaba’s true father. The Wizard departs Oz, leaving Glinda in charge, who then orders the arrest of Madame Morrible.
Elphaba and Fiyero, now transformed into the Scarecrow, survive and leave Oz together. Glinda remains, promising to improve life for all citizens. This final scene mirrors the opening of the first film, where Glinda announces the death of the Wicked Witch of the West.
Wicked: For Good concludes with Elphaba looking back at Oz, thinking of Glinda. Simultaneously, Glinda looks forward, also remembering Elphaba. The very last shot is a flashback of the two in a field. Glinda whispers into Elphaba’s ear, a direct homage to the iconic poster of the original Broadway show.
There is no post-credits scene in Wicked: For Good. The movie’s final scene serves as its concluding statement, providing a direct nod to its theatrical origins.
While the Broadway play concludes with two acts, director Jon M. Chu has previously expressed openness to a potential third film. Wicked composer Stephen Schwartz and screenwriter Winnie Holzman have hinted at discussions for another project. Schwartz stated this project is "not Wicked part three or four."
"In fact, we are talking about something. It’s under wraps and we can’t say much," Schwartz shared in a November 2024 interview with Ryan Jay. "But there is something we are discussing."