‘Wicked’ Is Returning to Screens—Here’s Everything to Know About the November 2025 Second Act

Broadway fans and moviegoers alike are eagerly anticipating the return of Wicked, one of the most beloved musicals of all time, with the upcoming release of its second cinematic installment. Titled Wicked: For Good, the film is set to premiere on November 21, 2025, exactly one year after the release of the first part. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the new chapter promises to take audiences far beyond the walls of Shiz University and deeper into the heart of Oz’s most dramatic struggles.

The sequel will explore the themes that made the original stage production iconic—friendship, identity, sacrifice, and the meaning of home—while introducing new elements specifically crafted for the film adaptation. With returning stars, expanded storylines, and two brand-new songs, Wicked: For Good is shaping up to be one of the biggest cinematic events of the year.

Picking Up Where Part One Left Off

Wicked: For Good begins immediately after the conclusion of Part One. Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) has fully embraced her destiny as the Wicked Witch of the West, while Glinda (Ariana Grande) takes on her role as the Wizard’s chief propagandist. The two former best friends now find themselves on opposite sides of a revolution that threatens to reshape the future of Oz.

Unlike the lighthearted moments of Shiz in the first film, this second installment delves into darker and more complex themes. Viewers will witness the cost of power, the loneliness of standing against injustice, and the heartbreaking dissolution of a once-unbreakable friendship.

The Themes of Wicked: For Good

Director Jon M. Chu has explained that the sequel focuses heavily on the concept of home and belonging. These questions echo throughout the world of The Wizard of Oz and serve as a guiding theme for both Elphaba and Glinda’s journeys.

• Elphaba’s struggle: Fighting for a home that may never truly accept her, confronting isolation, and ultimately redefining what belonging means.

• Glinda’s awakening: Moving beyond privilege, recognizing the struggles of others, and embracing justice over appearances.

The film also explores how friendships can fracture under pressure, asking whether reconciliation is possible when two people’s paths diverge so dramatically.

A More Expansive Story Beyond Shiz

While the first movie primarily revolved around life at Shiz University, the second act of Wicked ventures across Oz, offering audiences a much broader view of the magical land. Fans can expect:

• Expanded depictions of the Emerald City and the construction of the yellow brick road.

• The rise of the Gale Force, the Wizard’s elite task force, which plays a major role in the story.

• Fresh perspectives on iconic moments from The Wizard of Oz, retold through Elphaba and Glinda’s intertwined narratives.

Chu has hinted that the sequel reunites Elphaba and Glinda sooner than the stage version, giving the audience more scenes that explore the depth and complexity of their relationship.

Two Brand-New Songs for the Film

One of the most exciting elements of Wicked: For Good is the addition of two entirely new songs, composed specifically for the film adaptation. While the stage production’s iconic numbers—such as Defying Gravity and As Long As You’re Mine—remain central, the new songs will expand on the emotional and thematic layers of the story.

These fresh compositions will focus on the theme of home, tying together the journeys of both Elphaba and Glinda in a way that complements and enhances the original score.

Returning Cast and Characters

The sequel features the full returning cast from Part One, ensuring continuity and depth in character arcs:

• Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba

• Ariana Grande as Glinda

• Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero

• Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible

• Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard

• Ethan Slater as Boq

• Marissa Bode as Nessarose

• Bowen Yang and Bronwyn James as Pfannee and Shenshen

The expanded storyline also deepens the roles of key characters. For example, Jeff Goldblum’s Wizard plays a more active role in shaping Oz’s future, while Jonathan Bailey’s Fiyero becomes more entangled in the Gale Force, raising the stakes of the love triangle between him, Elphaba, and Glinda.

Musical Highlights to Anticipate

Fans can expect familiar show-stopping numbers from the stage musical, with cinematic flourishes that take advantage of the film medium. Key songs include:

• “As Long As You’re Mine” – a more emotionally charged ballad, with Chu promising a deeper exploration of Elphaba and Fiyero’s romance.

• “No Good Deed” – showcasing Elphaba’s transformation and inner turmoil.

• “For Good” – the emotional anthem that inspired the film’s subtitle, symbolizing the bittersweet legacy of Elphaba and Glinda’s friendship.

The inclusion of the two new songs ensures that even die-hard fans of the Broadway version will experience something fresh and unexpected.

Director Jon M. Chu’s Vision

Jon M. Chu has emphasized that while Part One laid the groundwork, Part Two contains “the meat of what Wicked is all about.” His approach highlights the emotional depth of the story, ensuring that the two films together feel like one complete, unified experience.

Chu’s commitment is to honor the legacy of the Broadway production while using the cinematic medium to expand its scope. From elaborate set designs and visual effects to the intimacy of close-up performances, his goal is to create a film that captures both spectacle and soul.

How Wicked: For Good Connects to The Wizard of Oz

One of the most intriguing elements of the sequel is how it reframes the events of The Wizard of Oz. By seeing the familiar story through Elphaba’s eyes, audiences will gain a new perspective on the so-called Wicked Witch and the forces that shaped her destiny.

Glinda’s transformation also plays a pivotal role, as she transitions from a figure of privilege to someone who confronts her own complicity in the Wizard’s regime. These overlapping arcs enrich the broader Oz mythology, making Wicked: For Good not just a continuation, but a reimagining of a classic tale.

Why Fans Are Excited

For those who have cherished Wicked on stage since its debut in 2003, this two-part film adaptation has been a long-awaited dream. The first part delivered on spectacle and nostalgia, but the second act is expected to bring the emotional resonance that made the Broadway show unforgettable.

With a cast of powerhouse performers, an award-winning director, and new musical surprises, the sequel has all the makings of a cultural milestone.

Conclusion: A Story That Will Stay “For Good”

When Wicked: For Good arrives in theaters on November 21, 2025, audiences will witness the culmination of a story that has captivated millions for over two decades. From the halls of Shiz University to the battlefields of Oz, from intimate friendships to epic revolutions, this film promises to deliver both spectacle and heart.

As Jon M. Chu has said, the goal is for viewers to watch both films together and feel as though they were always meant to be one complete story. With its themes of home, belonging, and friendship, Wicked: For Good ensures that the legacy of Elphaba and Glinda will remain in the hearts of audiences—for good.