Wicked: For Good (2025) follows on from the events of its predecessor, Wicked (2024). Glinda the Good Witch of the East (Ariana Grande) and Elphaba the Wicked Witch of the West (Cynthia Erivo) are further set apart in their friendship. But this is not helped by the meddling duo of the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) and Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh). Hiding in the Ozian Forest, Elphaba is villainised by the rest of the land. Meanwhile, Glinda lives comfortably in the regal palaces of Emerald City.
Highly admired by the people, Glinda truly revels in the magic. From her swirly ballgown to her sparkly crown. She also utilises a pink floating bubble as her mode of transport – gifted to her by Madame Morrible. But along with Madame Morrible, the Wizard is determined to paint a bad name for Elphaba. Together they spread lies across the land such as, Elphaba wrongfully freeing enslaved animals. This is all in order to give Elphaba a bad name. In hopes to banish her from the Land of Oz forever.
“Everyone deserves the chance to fly.”
Elphaba.
Elphaba’s Costume
Two Sides of Magic
Originally titled Wicked: Part Two, Jon M. Chu returns to direct this highly anticipated sequel. You can read our review of Wicked (2024) first here. We’re accustomed to seeing Ariana Grande surrounded in pink and purple and Cynthia Erivo surrounded in black and green. But despite their differences their good hearts join in unison. Alongside the characters, we too learn that the two witches are not too different afterall. It’s really those around them that are fiercely pitting them against one another. We see glimpses of their childhood friendship filmed in flashbacks.
The pacing reaches a little too stretched at times. With some scenes running their due course. Even though we are watching a musical there does seem an overwhelming account of musical numbers. Perhaps the story is also a little complicated for a younger audience to follow.
Casting Spells
Some scenes sparked reminiscence of other popular musicals. A musical number in the woods with Elphaba and Prince Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey) screamed the “Right Here, Right Now” number which Gabriella and Troy perform in his treehouse in High School Musical 3 (2008).
Similarly, Michelle Yeoh’s Madame Morrible gave a rather witchy act with hints of Bette Midler’s magical performance as Winifred Sanderson in Hocus Pocus (1993). There’s a moment where Madame Morrible casts a spell to change the weather and it certainly gives nods to Winnie’s spells out of the window of the Sanderson’s sisters’ cottage.
“It’s good to see me, isn’t it?”
Glinda.
Glinda’s Costume
A Whimsical Story
The conjoined story of Glinda and Elphaba is one that slowly trudges along. There’s plenty of style, for sure. But is there enough substance behind the story? It’s all glitter, sparkles, and bold colours but are the visuals masking the lack of plot and slow build-up of momentum. It began at a slow pace and then gathered into a rushed ending. The third act was the most exciting part, but it ran like a checklist on what had to be included. It was onto the next scene as quick as possible to connect each small plot point. Obviously, each point should have been spread across the three acts not just rushed into the last half of the film.
The lack of Dorothy’s presence in the story reminds us of the film’s point of perspective. We still see a glimpse of The Wizard of Oz (1939) and the story with characters including the Tin Man, Scarecrow, and the Cowardly Lion returning. But Glinda and Elphaba’s life-long friendship is what lies at the heart of the story. Returning to their magical childhood memories together showcased their growing bond and how it all went wrong along the way.
Pop-culture Phenomenon
Green or pink? Which side are you on? From last year’s release of Wicked (2024) to this year’s sequel, Wicked: For Good (2025) stores have since been filled with two colours – pink and green. The pastel shades pit us against each other. Often the marketing forces us to ask ourselves ‘which side are you on?’
As Glinda says as quick as a “clock tick” the Wicked phenomenon has taken over our culture. From themed hair accessories and movie dolls to clothing and homeware. Which makes us all feel like a student of Shiz University and a part of the Land of Oz. Even if you aren’t a fan of Wicked, you just can’t escape the sheer amount of advertising and marketing pushed into our everyday lives. It’s definitely been “popular.”
“Because I knew you, I have been changed for good.”
Glinda & Elphaba.
Oscar-Worthy Costumes
Glinda’s main dress for this film – a pink and purple layered tulle ballgown reminds me heavily of Odette’s dress in Barbie of Swan Lake (2003). We visited BFI’s latest exhibition – the Wicked For Good Exhibit in London. Both Glinda and Elphaba’s costumes were on display along with Glinda’s magical pink bubble wand. Costume designer, Paul Tazewell took home the Oscar for Best Costume Design last year for Wicked (2024).
Glinda’s & Elphaba’s Costumes
But arguably the costumes for this sequel are even more extravagant and we hope Paul Tazewell is nominated for an Oscar again. Michelle Yeoh’s Madame Morrible and Jeff Goldblum’s Wizard were both suited in long, sweeping, and mesmerizing emerald green costumes. The constant outfit changes for both Glinda and Elphaba showcase the spellbinding designs and magically extensive wardrobe that Paul Tazewell created for its two leading stars.
Conclusion
Although, Wicked: For Good (2025) was not all ‘good’ it was certainly better than it’s first half – Wicked (2024). The costume design was at the forefront of the production. Paul Tazewell dazzled once again, truly bringing each character and their intentions to life. However, the question is – did Wicked need a part two?
However, the story could have been made much more succinct, fulfilled, and sustained its real magic if it had been told within just one film. A family-friendly musical-adventure brings not only Hollywood stars and big names in the film industry to the big screen, but it clearly pulls in the audience too – ones of all ages. One thing the Wicked franchise has proven is that the magic of cinema is still alive.
Rating: 3 Stars.
You can read our review of part one in Wicked (2024) here.
