Wicked: For Good review – Ariana Grande shines in tender, triumphant sequel

Wicked: For Good – Better pacing and impact than part one, with satisfying emotional payoffs

★★★★☆

Outshining a hit original (part one) movie is an area most sequels fail at. Thankfully, Wicked: For Good is deserving of that rare accolade.

It does not ignore nor rush through everything laid out in 2024’s Wicked. Instead, this sequel builds on its predecessor’s groundwork.

And in doing so, Wicked: For Good resonates as a richer movie. The emotional payoffs for the different plot points and character arcs also feel rewarding to watch.

While the first film often felt like a slow burn, Part Two erupts. The plot moves with purpose, the stakes rise sharply, and the long-awaited climax lands with a satisfying punch.

Relationships, rivalries, origins. Moments that were seeded earlier take shape in ways that feel clearer, heavier, and more meaningful.

For long-time fans of The Wizard of Oz, this chapter is especially satisfying. It illuminates the creation of iconic Oz characters and landmarks, while teasing how the world tilts to the story we already know.

Glinda: A Wicked battle of public faces and private truths

From the start, Wicked: For Good feels darker, more morally ambiguous. Madame Morrible advises Glinda to “let them assume … the wand really sells it”.

And this echoes throughout Glinda’s arc, which is the emotional core of the sequel.

She’s still the bright, polished symbol, but now you can sense the tension beneath the smiles. That tension, between performance and authenticity, is central.

While Cynthia Erivo was the shining star as Elphaba in Wicked (2024), Ariana Grande steals the show as Glinda in this sequel.

She is stellar in portraying the inner turmoil of an image-conscious golden girl who must choose between loyalty to a friend and popularity.

Erivo delivers yet another powerhouse performance. However, it is not enough to distract viewers from Elphaba and Fiyero’s abrupt relationship arc.

Some might see shades of the traditional damsel-in-distress trope, which can feel outdated for such a strong, independent heroine.

Fans who prefer Elphaba’s autonomy may find this element less satisfying, even if it remains faithful to the book.

And what of Elphaba and Glinda? Grande and Erivo’s onscreen chemistry is electric, at once warm, complicated, and deeply felt.

Two new songs, penned by Wicked musical’s lyricist

One of the biggest thrills of Wicked: For Good is the introduction of two new original songs, both written by Stephen Schwartz.

The same Stephen Schwartz who wrote the music and lyrics for the Wicked musical, which inspired this movie franchise.

Cynthia Erivo (as Elphaba) performs one of these new numbers, “No Place Like Home”. The song sees Elphaba reflect on exile and belonging. “Why do I love this place that’s never loved me?” she wonders.

Ariana Grande’s Glinda also gets a solo with “The Girl in the Bubble”. The title is deeply metaphorical.

Glinda is literally in a gilded bubble of fame, expectation, and artifice. Her lyrics question whether she’s ready for that bubble to pop.

Jon M. Chu, the director, said these songs are thematically central emotional anchor points, and not just “add-ons”.

Both songs are sung at the climax of emotional turmoil, whether it be wrestling to convince others to take her side (Elphaba) or tussling with self-conflict of who she wants to be (Glinda).

Exceeds expectations for newcomers, rewarding for fans

For viewers new to the Wicked story, the film is likely to surpass expectations. The plot twists serve as origins for beloved The Wizard of Oz characters.

And these origins give viewers clarity to ‘connect the dots’ to the larger lore.

Based on pre-screening hopes and post-screening reactions, fans seem largely satisfied as well. Many were looking for the closure and context that the musical promised.

And the sequel delivers precisely that. Unlike many part two movies, Wicked: For Good doesn’t just retread old ground.

Instead, it deepens the lead characters in unexpected ways, especially Glinda, whose sparkle masks pain, and Elphaba, whose power has always come with a price.

Movie: Wicked: For Good
RATING: 4 out of 5 Stars
Cast: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Marissa Bode, Bronwyn James, Keala Settle, Peter Dinklage.
Director: John M. Chu
Genre: Musical, Fantasy
Runtime: 2h 17mins
Release Date: 20 Nov 2025
Rating: PG

Also read: Ariana Grande brings Glinda glamour, Cynthia Erivo goes bold at S’pore Wicked: For Good premiere

This article was written by Prudence Lim and Cheryl Lim.

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Featured image by Universal Pictures on YouTube.