After a full year of restless anticipation, the sequel “Wicked: For Good” was released in theaters on November 21, 2025, and it’s back stronger than ever. Following the success of the “Wicked” Broadway musical starting in 2003 and the first beloved award-winning film adaptation in 2024, part two proved to be an electrifyingly feverous experience for fans. “Wicked” is, and has been, more than a box office hit – it has moved the minds and hearts of millions of fans – and now the cherished characters of “Wicked” have been revived.
The interval between parts one and For Good was no lull; social media was booming with anticipatory fans’ posts with the simultaneous overflow of “Wicked” merchandise. There was behind the scenes footage of the main actresses Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, and both actresses breathtakingly performed “Defying Gravity” live at the 2025 Oscars. Recently, the “One Wonderful Night Wicked” special was hosted by NBC, where the cast performed songs from both parts one and two. The recent global press tour for part two included highly emotional and vulnerable cast interviews, shattering fashion statements, and a glimpse into how the story has shaped the lives of both the cast, crew, and fans. And then it happened – “Wicked: For Good” burst onto the cinema screen, taking the spot of No.1 Movie in the World just days after its release.
In part one, we were introduced to two distinct protagonists: Elphaba, who is judged for her green skin and villainized as an evil witch, and Glinda, otherwise known as the popular and charming “Glinda the Good.” The two characters meet at Shiz University located in the land of Oz, and over time they form an unlikely friendship. However, part one concludes with their friendship in shambles as the two head down different paths. Then, we’re thrown into their adulthood as the story is carried on into For Good. Suddenly, the film escalated to new and overwhelming heights, from a tug of war with the love interest, Fiyero, to crises related to the Wonderful Wizard of Oz himself. Each scene is filled to the brim with action, bewitching musical numbers, and raw and vulnerable glimpses into various heart wrenching relationships.
But what about “Wicked” connects so deeply with audiences? It ultimately lies in its incredible production, its showcasing of the power of storytelling, and the emotional outpour that is sparked by the complexity of its thematic elements and fleshed out character arcs. The film’s alluring cinematic spell is weaved in every camera angle, down to minuscule details within a costume’s fabric or a particular set piece and prop. “I think all great stories [and] movies are about relationships at their core,” says Shinae Stamos ‘27, an avid fan of both the Broadway musical and film adaptations. “Having those kinds of complicated relationships like friendships [can be] hard to talk about, and the fact that “Wicked” grapples with this battle between ambition and doing the right thing with your friends is [extremely powerful],” Stamos says. She highlights how despite the love story between Fiyero, Glinda, and Elphaba, the end of the story reveals how it’s really about the two female leads’ journey of friendship and hardship. “And I think that’s what makes ‘Wicked’ so powerful. That’s why people love [the songs] ‘Defying Gravity’ and ‘For Good,’ because those are two [iconic] songs that are really putting their friendship to the test.” The film also calls out xenophobia, racism, and animal cruelty. “It’s literally about these talking humans who are denying the rights of animals who talk, which can be interpreted in many different ways. But it ultimately says that we have to look out for the people or animals who are marginalized.”
On the topic of storytelling, Sacred Heart Prep’s Drama teacher, Mr. Jeffery Adams, says
“Storytelling has the power to change, to hold the mirror up to society, to give you opportunities to reflect, and more than anything…fosters empathy.” “Wicked” in particular allows us to step back and see the impact prejudice has in our world today. In addition, the story celebrates the undervalued significance of love in a society penetrated with twisted bias. “It’s a story of humanization [because] it gives us a closer look at each of [these iconic] characters. Glinda is not just a superficial character… Fiyero’s actually quite courageous and caring…[and] Elphaba is not the villain that she’s made out to be. She is incredibly intelligent and powerful and caring, and is a pioneer in terms of trying to make change in her community, [but] suffers from unfortunate judgments,” says Adams. From this dive into the lives of misconceived characters, Adams draws to the conclusion that, “We don’t know what every person’s going through. We don’t know what every story is as we walk across this campus even…and so to try and understand where everyone’s coming from is important.”
Grappling with the intricacy of the world of “Wicked” invites audiences to believe in the possibility of transformation and love. Elphaba and Glinda are two strong and distinct female characters who both experience the heaviness of various expectations, the windy road of love, and what it means to be yourself within the confines of a judgemental society. Audiences find themselves unpacking all of the symbolism within the story, from caged animals, to Elphaba’s witch hat and Glinda’s bubble. “Wicked” challenges our notions of what it means to truly value goodness, and the normalization of who we villainize versus who we put on a pedestal. “Wicked” calls for a change of heart and mind, and if you are willing to be present in the raw and truthful space that “Wicked” provides, you can be changed – for good.
