I saw Wicked: For Good on November 23, 2025! This was easily my most anticipated movie of 2025, and I thought this was an outstanding conclusion to one of musical theater's greatest triumphs, as well as being one of the most remarkable adaptations of anything Oz related. Oz has always been my favorite world to explore based on the characters, stories, world building and themes within. Wicked can resonate with audiences of all generations based on it's central themes of friendship and acceptance. This cast really makes the story's message matter, and it allows the movie adaptation to connect with the audience on a raw emotional level.
Wicked: For Good highlights Act 2 of the musical, picking up right from where Act 1 leaves off. Elphaba is being ostracized for everything wrong in Oz, however, she's the one that's actually trying to make it a better place for all of it's citizens. Cynthia Erivo continues her superb performance as Elphaba, delving into both her vulnerability and underlying confidence. Her performance always feels authentic as Erivo put so much of her self into Elphaba, and it feels like an extension of her, which is what makes her performance so sublime. While she's been shunned by those around her, she's continuing to march to the beat of her own drum, because her cause is just and allows for a better Oz for tomorrow. Even when she accepts what society is telling her who she is, she uses that emotional pain and anguish to protect those closest to her, which is seen exceptionally well in No Good Deed, one of my favorite songs of the whole musical. Even when I was younger, I always loved the Wicked Witch of the West and wanted to see more of her story explored, and through this musical, as well as Gregory Maguire's book, we've been able to take this journey with her and realize how much of a hero she truly is at her core. Seeing Elphaba realize she has been accepted by people around her, while also experiencing what it truly means to be loved shows her growth as a character, and Erivo showing Elphaba's transformation into a more optimistic individual because of this is wonderful to see, and how everybody should feel. We all deserve to be loved and accepted, and Elphaba allows us to understand that notion, and Cynthia Erivo does a remarkable job conveying that in her performance, especially in No Place Like Home.
There's so many great scenes and moments with Elphaba in Part 2, and, while she's the main focus of the overall story, there's always that other half that completes what makes this such an incredible show. Green looks great, but it looks even better when it's paired with pink...even when they're at odds, and, man, do these two portray the ebbs and flows of friendship throughout here. Ariana Grande's performance as Glinda in Part 2 is exceptional, and might just be my favorite aspect of Part 2. I truly think Grande's Glinda is the most likable version of the character I've ever seen. She makes her much more relatable for the audience. She's the popular girl that struggles with doing the right thing for fear of being ostracized, but, at her core, she knows who and what truly matters in her life. Elphaba is her other half. She's the one that makes her a better version of herself. For Good is the perfect song for Part 2 as it really shows how both Elphaba and Glinda have changed each other, maybe not for the better (although, I'd personally say that's definitely true for both in many ways), but definitely for good. You might not really think about it, but their friendship is what allows Oz to endure. Elphaba's vision being acknowledged and implemented by Glinda creates a better Oz for all it's citizens. They might be different on the surface, but deep down both have a great heart, and know what's best for each other, and Oz as a whole. Glinda's impulsivity might lead to trouble at times, but her ability to find a way to rectify things shows her poise and grace. Maintaining who she is when we're first introduced to her, but still finding a way to show how much she's grown throughout this narrative is captured magnificently by Ariana Grande, especially in The Girl In The Bubble.
Even though this movie is primarily and appropriately female driven, there is a great male aspect of the show that is important to the development of Elphaba and Glinda, and that is Fiyero. While he was good in Part 1, I think Jonathan Bailey's performance was simply excellent here. Fiyero's loyalty and bravery to what is right is great to watch. The way he protects Elphaba at all costs, while also illuminating the idea of doing what is just to Glinda makes him a fantastic protagonist. His unequivocal love for Elphaba is conveyed throughout, and, even when it breaks Glinda, she grows to accept it, because she sees the genuine nature of their relationship, reflecting Glinda's emotional growth as a character. Fiyero also helps them become closer than ever in a way through the realization that their friendship is unlimited, and I think it's great that Fiyero brings that out of both of them. Scenes with all three together provide great dramatic moments, as well as allowing to expand on the overall storytelling aspect in Wicked.
Oz is such a wonderful world to explore through it's characters, locations, and storytelling. I like how the musical weaves together with scenes from L. Frank Baum's books and the MGM 1939 classic, and finds a way to connect it all. It always flows seamlessly, and seeing how it all comes on screen is brilliant. How did the twister come to be? How did the Scarecrow come to be? How did the Tin Man come to be? All of these questions are answered in creative ways, and I love how it fits intricately into the story in a natural way that continues the story being told, but opening up untold ones as well. It exemplifies how vast and expansive Oz is. Even with Wicked wrapped up, there are so many Oz stories begging to be written for audiences, and I can tell you a musical about Ozma, Mombi, Jack Pumpkin Head, Tick Tock, & the Nome King would certainly pique my interest.
