‘Wicked: For Good’ Is Very Popular
The sequel to “Wicked,” produced by Universal Pictures, opened to an estimated $150 million in North American theatres and $226 million globally, setting a new benchmark for Broadway-musical-to-film adaptations. With an “A” grade from CinemaScore audiences and glowing praise for its leads, the film concludes the epic journey of Elphaba and Glinda in spectacular style.
The sequel “Wicked: For Good,” released by Universal Pictures, soared into theatres and delivered a landmark opening: an estimated $150 million from North American venues and a global tally of $226 million in its first days. That performance marks the biggest opening ever for a Broadway-musical adaptation and the second-largest opening of 2025. Audience reaction too has been overwhelmingly positive – the film earned an “A” grade from CinemaScore exit polls.
Directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, the film arrives just one year after the first instalment. The original film made over $758.7 million worldwide and received 10 Oscar nominations, winning two (for costume design and production design).
In “Wicked: For Good,” the story picks up where the first film left off: the Wizard and Madame Morrible attempt to turn all of Oz against the newly branded Wicked Witch of the West (Erivo), while Glinda (Grande) embraces her public persona as the Good Witch, and the two must reckon with the shifting bonds of friendship and identity down the Yellow Brick Road. Billed as the must-see conclusion to Elphaba and Glinda’s epic journey, the film combines large-scale spectacle with emotional stakes.
"A sensational conclusion." Mashable
The film’s messaging centers on friendship, identity and self-acceptance – Elphaba’s struggle with public vilification becomes an allegory for being different and standing firm, while Glinda’s trajectory reflects the tension between public image and personal truth. The setting of Oz becomes a canvas for exploring how communities shape, define and sometimes demonize those they misunderstand.
Critical response has been strong in many corners. NPR noted that “Erivo and Grande are such captivating performers perfectly-suited to these roles.” A review in New York Magazine said the film “brings the ‘Wicked’ cycle to a surprisingly satisfying conclusion.” Deadline remarked “it’s just what we need,” and Fandango declared it “bigger, braver, unforgettable.”
As Jim Orr, head of domestic distribution for Universal, put it: “The results are just fantastic… Some films can deliver a false positive when tickets go on sale early but these results speak for themselves.”
“Wicked: For Good” is playing in theaters now and will be available for licensing from swank soon.