Director Jon M. Chu delivers an absolutely magnificent finale with Wicked: For Good, a beautifully executed follow-up to the much loved musical. Working with writers Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox, Chu has crafted a conclusion that feels both sweeping and intimate.
Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), now branded the Wicked Witch of the West, has gone into hiding in the remote wilderness, continuing her mission to free Oz’s silenced Animals and expose the truth behind the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum). Meanwhile, Glinda (Ariana Grande) has ascended to become Oz’s glamorous icon of Goodness and beauty, living in comfort at the Emerald City palace. Following Madame Morrible’s (Michelle Yeoh) guidance, she takes on the role of a radiant public figure, reassuring citizens that all is still well under the Wizard’s rule.
As Glinda’s fame rises and she prepares for a grand Ozian wedding to Prince Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey), she remains haunted by the loss of her friendship with Elphaba. Her attempt to broker peace between her former friend and the Wizard backfires disastrously, causing rippling consequences for Boq (Ethan Slater), Fiyero, and Elphaba’s sister Nessarose (Marissa Bode). With tensions escalating and a furious crowd closing in on the Wicked Witch, Elphaba and Glinda realise they must face each other one last time. Although broken and tested, their their bond becomes the key to their future and to the fate of Oz itself.
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande take their acclaimed performances to astonishing new heights. Erivo remains magnetic, channeling Elphaba’s righteous fury and profound vulnerability. Meanwhile Grande delivers a beautifully disarming turn that that blends sparkling humour with genuine heartbreak.
The supporting cast also shines with impressive depth and commitment. Jonathan Bailey brings unexpected dramatic weight and charm to Fiyero, charting a journey that feels genuinely earned. Ethan Slater offers a touching, quietly affecting performance as Boq, giving his arc real emotional resonance. Michelle Yeoh is commanding as Madame Morrible, while Jeff Goldblum delivers another hilarious turn as the clueless wizard. i
The world of Oz is expanded with breathtaking artistry. Alice Brooks’ cinematography, exquisite costume design, and meticulous world-building combine to create a lush and immersive fantasy landscape. Beyond the visual splendour, the emotional impact is immense, particularly in the climactic moments. The iconic “For Good” becomes a devastatingly powerful showcase for both Erivo and Grande, delivering some of their finest acting across the entire duology.
Stephen Schwartz introduces two new songs, “No Place Like Home” and “The Girl in the Bubble”, two songs that manage to enrich the two young protagonists’ emotional journey, proving Schwartz’s continued mastery in musical storytelling.
Wicked: For Good stands as a stunning, deeply moving conclusion, one that honours the original material while expanding it with boldness and grace. It’s a soaring musical triumph filled with standout performances, extraordinary craft, and an emotional core that is sure to delight fans young and old.
