Wicked: For Good

Wicked: For Good is the sequel to the 2024 film Wicked, directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Jennifer Lopez as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda. The film continues the story of the witches' journey, focusing on the aftermath of their actions in the first film. Key details include:

Plot Overview

• Tone & Themes: The film adopts a darker, more mature tone compared to its predecessor, exploring themes of power, legacy, and the consequences of their choices. It delves into the complexities of Glinda and Elphaba's relationship, their struggles with fame, and the societal impact of their actions.
• Story Expansion: The narrative expands on the second act of the original stage musical, with new scenes and character development, including Glinda's wedding and the Wizard's pursuit of Elphaba.

Box Office Performance

• Opening Weekend:
  • Domestic: $147 million (second-largest opening for a Universal film, behind Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom).
  • International: $223 million.
  • Worldwide Total: $327 million (highest opening for a Broadway adaptation).
• Pre-Release:
  • Tickets sold out rapidly, with Fandango reporting it as the best first-day pre-seller of 2025.
  • Projected domestic opening weekend was $112–150 million, surpassing the first film's $112.5 million.

Critical Reception

• Rotten Tomatoes: 67% positive (296 reviews), with critics praising the performances and emotional depth but noting a "darker tone" that slowed pacing.
• Metacritic: 58/100 (mixed reviews), with some calling it "derivative" of its predecessor but lauding its epic conclusion.
• Audience Response: CinemaScore gave it an "A" (A+ to F scale), while PostTrak reported 92% positive feedback.

Marketing & Promotion

• Trailers & Campaigns:
  • The For Good trailer received 113 million views in 24 hours, surpassing the first film's trailer.
  • Marketing included partnerships with over 400 brands, a $90 million global budget (vs. $150 million for the first film), and tie-ins like Lego Masters and a live musical special (Wicked: One Wonderful Night).
• CinemaCon: Work-in-progress footage and song snippets (e.g., "Popular" and "Defying Gravity") generated buzz.

Future of the Franchise

• Sequel Potential: Creators hinted at "something more" beyond For Good, though no official third film was announced.
• Media Expansion: Universal is developing theme park attractions and other media, solidifying Wicked as a franchise.

Key Cast & Crew

• Directors: Jon M. Chu (also directed the first film).
• Starring: Jennifer Lopez, Ariana Grande, and a returning Broadway cast.
• Producers: Marc Platt and David Kipness.

Comparisons to the Original

• Tone: More introspective and darker, reflecting the characters' growth.
• Pacing: Some critics felt the slower pace detracted from the first film's energy.
• Legacy: While praised for its emotional payoff, it faced scrutiny for being "cowed" by its predecessor.

Conclusion: Wicked: For Good is a commercially successful sequel that expands the story of the witches while navigating mixed critical reception. Its box office success and franchise potential underscore its impact as a cultural phenomenon.