Sequels to iconic musicals rarely have an easy road, and Wicked for Good is a testament to just how difficult it is to recreate magic once it’s already been bottled and sold to the world. As the follow-up to the internationally adored Wicked, this second chapter arrives under enormous pressure—and from the opening number, it becomes evident that this film is very much the younger sibling, straining to step out from the enormous shadow cast by the original.
A Story That Meanders More Than It Leaps
Picking up after the events of the first film, Wicked for Good attempts to continue the tale with a sense of grandeur, but the story never quite finds its energy. Instead of escalating tension or unveiling new layers of Oz, the plot moves along at an almost leisurely pace, resulting in a narrative that feels thinner and more stretched than it should.
To say the story isn’t particularly gripping is an understatement. There are moments that hint at depth—moral questions, shifting loyalties, and political intrigue—but they arrive too late or too lightly to spark genuine emotional investment. Even major character turns, which should be seismic, land without much weight.
Acting: A Mixed Bag of Heart, Hype, and Holding Back
What Wicked for Good does have is an undeniably talented cast, though even they seem to struggle with material that offers fewer emotional peaks than the first film.
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo once again bring strong vocal performances, though the songs rarely rise to meet their abilities. Their chemistry remains intact—tender, conflicted, layered—but their characters don’t experience the same depth of growth this time around. Much of their work feels like beautifully performed maintenance of earlier arcs rather than new evolution.
Supporting cast members fare similarly. Michelle Yeoh brings gravitas to every frame she appears in, though her storyline plateaus early. Jonathan Bailey provides warmth and charm but is underserved by writing that leaves his motivations hazy and his emotional beats muted.
And then there’s Jeff Goldblum, whose signature offbeat charisma is put to intriguing use. Without giving anything away, his character’s arc includes one of the film’s only truly effective “gotcha” moments—a twist that recontextualizes several earlier scenes. It’s a much-needed jolt of narrative energy, and Goldblum plays it with a sly awareness that suggests he knew all along he was holding the film’s biggest secret.
Songs That Glide Instead of Soar
A central disappointment is the music. The original Wicked delivered timeless chart-toppers—songs that lodged themselves into pop culture for decades. Wicked for Good, however, never manages to land even a single number with real staying power.
The soundtrack is… fine. Pleasant, even. But the melodies are softer, the lyrics feel safer, and none of the arrangements reach the emotional crescendos that defined the franchise. You’ll enjoy them in the moment, but you won’t be rushing to add them to playlists or humming them on the way home.
Character Twists, Turns, and Fates (Without Spoilers)
While the plot is slow, the film does make an effort to weave in a few late-stage character surprises. Some relationships mend, others fracture, and hidden motives surface. These twists, though not groundbreaking, give the final act a sense of movement it desperately needs.
As expected in a fairy-tale-infused universe like Oz, the villains do get their dues—satisfyingly so—though the journeys that take them there feel more procedural than thrilling.
The finale ties up loose ends, and while it won’t shock anyone familiar with the tone of the franchise, it does provide closure. The standout reveal, as noted, belongs to Goldblum’s character, providing the film with one of its few genuine “lean forward in your seat” moments.
Final Verdict
Wicked for Good is ultimately a film for the fans. It’s visually rich, competently acted, and offers just enough closure to justify its existence. But it lacks the spark—the irresistible melodies, the emotional punch, the biting wit—that made Wicked a cultural phenomenon.
If you adored the original, you’ll likely appreciate the chance to finish the story. Just temper expectations. This sequel doesn’t soar; it drifts, gliding on nostalgia and production value rather than narrative momentum.
A decent companion piece, but far from essential viewing.