The new movie Wicked for Good was released on November 21, 2025. This is a sequel to the previously released movie Wicked, which aired last November. Actress Cynthia Erivo played Elphaba, who forms an unlikely friendship with her opposite, Glinda, played by actress Ariana Grande. Elphaba is an outcast with unusual green skin and magical talents, while Glinda is the most popular and is loved by all. They attend the University of Shiz, where Elphaba finds her talents to be profound and is invited to see the Wizard of Oz, but she invites Glinda to come with her. After uncovering the horrifying secret, Elphaba and Glinda find themselves in two very different situations. Each on their own, they must save Oz. The story identifies the complex question of morality and the true meaning of standing up for what you believe in.
The actors in this movie were not only incredibly talented and dedicated, but they also embodied the true roles of these characters, putting on a heartwrenching performance for the viewer. Both actresses Erivo and Grande put in serious effort to learning the role of their assigned characters. In an interview with the Today Show, Grande said, “Preparations started long before my audition. I had to retrain my voice to sing more aparatically, which was a whole month every single day training with my vocal coach.” Speaking of the soundtrack, the music was fantastic. The thought and artistic talents behind each chord, verse, and pitch made this a musical masterpiece.
In comparison to the first movie released, Wicked For Good held an all-new importance on the character development and messages portrayed to the audience. The first movie focuses on storytelling and plot building so that the second movie can leave the viewer with a strong message, hopefully making an impact on their hearts. With no spoiler, the song “I Have Been Changed for Good” ends on this verse: “Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better? I do believe I have been changed for the better, and because I knew you, because I knew you, because I knew you, I have been changed, for good.” This is one of the most emotional periods of the movie as Elphaba and Glinda address the effects their unlikely friendship has had on eachother and direct the movie to a new path. The viewer can now find themselves connecting and grieving a lost or changed relationship, whether that be a friendship, romantic relationship, or family relationship.
Overall, the movie Wicked For Good will have an outstanding impact on viewers, and I believe it will be labeled as one of the classics for years to come. The importance of the messages portrayed will stay relevant throughout time.
Link to Today Show Interview with Ariana Grande https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wd0iOdC3p4Q
