In this article
Dylan Cole
8/30/2025*8 min read
Introduction
Wicked: For Good is set for release by Universal Pictures in the United States on November 21, 2025, following the phenomenal success of its predecessor. After the first Wicked film became a global phenomenon, earning over $756 million worldwide and breaking multiple box office records, fans are eagerly anticipating the conclusion of this magical journey.
The sequel, originally titled "Wicked Part Two," received its official name change in December 2024, taking inspiration from one of the musical's most beloved songs. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Wicked: For Good, from its star-studded cast to exclusive trailer details.
Release Date and Distribution
Theatrical Release
Wicked: For Good is scheduled to be released theatrically, including engagements in RealD 3D, IMAX, Dolby Cinema, 4DX, ScreenX and D-Box on November 21, 2025, by Universal Pictures. The release date was strategically moved up from its original November 26, 2025 slot to avoid competition with major blockbusters like Zootopia 2 and Avatar: Fire and Ash.
Streaming Availability
As part of a long-term deal with Amazon Prime Video for Universal's live-action films, the film will first stream on Peacock for the first four months of the pay-TV window, before moving to Prime Video for the next 10, and returning to Peacock for the remaining four.
Cast and Characters
Returning Main Cast
The entire principal cast from the first film returns for Wicked: For Good:
Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Thropp (The Wicked Witch of the West)
Ariana Grande as Glinda Upland (Glinda the Good)
Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero Tigelaar
Jeff Goldblum as The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible
Ethan Slater as Boq
Marissa Bode as Nessarose Thropp
Peter Dinklage as Doctor Dillamond
New Characters and Casting
Dorothy Gale
The identity of the actress playing Dorothy in Wicked: For Good remains officially unconfirmed. However, speculation has swirled online, with some pointing to Matilda actress Alisha Weir as a possible contender. The 15-year-old generated a lot of conversation when she attended the UK premiere of the first film sporting a pair of silver shoes, and was also pictured embracing cast members Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande at another screening.
When asked about the rumors, Weir told RTÉ News: "When I saw it, I was like, 'this is absolutely crazy', and it went so crazy on social media, and everybody was asking me. I mean, that would be wonderful".
Character Transformations
Assuming the movie follows the story of the musical, then Boq (Ethan Slater) will become the Tin Man and Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey) will become the Scarecrow by the end of the second movie.
Plot Synopsis and Storyline
Official Synopsis
According to Universal's official synopsis: "Elphaba, now demonized as The Wicked Witch of the West, lives in exile, hidden within the Ozian forest while continuing her fight for the freedom of Oz's silenced Animals and desperately trying to expose the truth she knows about The Wizard".
"As an angry mob rises against the Wicked Witch, Glinda and Elphaba will need to come together one final time. With their singular friendship now the fulcrum of their futures, they will need to truly see each other, with honesty and empathy, if they are to change themselves, and all of Oz, for good".
Story Expansion
Director Jon M. Chu has suggested that Wicked: For Good would show more of what Elphaba is up to than the stage production did. "I think anyone who knows the second act of the show wants a bit more of what Elphaba has been through," he said.
Trailers and Marketing
Official Trailer Release
Following the trailer's debut at CinemaCon, the trailer was released to the public on June 4, 2025 through a Regal Cinemas-hosted fan event involving a theatrical re-release of Wicked, before debuting online afterwards.
Record-Breaking Views
On June 9, 2025, Universal reported that the trailer had been viewed 113 million times in its first 24 hours online, surpassing the 75 million views made in the same time-frame by the trailer for the first film.
Promotional Events
A musical television special, The Wicked Event Special, featuring the cast and special guests performing songs from both Wicked and Wicked: For Good live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, is scheduled to air on NBC on November 6, 2025 to promote the film.
Music and Soundtrack
Original Songs from the Musical
The second act of Wicked includes these beloved songs that will appear in the film:
'No One Mourns the Wicked' (Reprise)
'Thank Goodness'
'The Wicked Witch of the East'
'Wonderful'
'I'm Not That Girl' (Reprise)
'As Long As You're Mine'
'No Good Deed'
'March of the Witch Hunters'
'For Good' - The emotional duet that inspired the film's title
'Finale'
New Original Songs
Stephen Schwartz confirmed in December 2023 that the movie will feature two new songs. "The new songs were written because of the demand of the story, not, 'Oh, let's write a new song and stick it in just because…'" he told The Messenger. "The storytelling required it, and therefore they were created – the intention was that they were organic and not imposed on the movie".
Musical Production
John Powell had composed the incidental underscore for the film, reprising his duties from the previous film. Jeff Atmajian updated William David Brohn's original orchestrations for the songs and enlarged the orchestra from the stage version's original 23 musicians to 125 for the film.
Production Details
Filming Information
Principal photography on both films began in December 2022 in England, was interrupted in July 2023 by the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, and resumed and concluded in January 2024.
Director and Creative Team
Jon M. Chu, who directed Wicked, also directed Wicked: For Good. He directed both films at the same time, in fact, as they were filmed concurrently. The screenplay is written by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox.
Box Office Success of Wicked (2024)
Record-Breaking Performance
The success of the first Wicked film has set extremely high expectations for the sequel:
It grossed $756.3 million worldwide on a $150 million budget, becoming the highest-grossing Oz film, the highest-grossing musical film adaptation and the fifth-highest-grossing film of 2024
Wicked is now the highest-grossing film adaptation of a Broadway musical worldwide after surpassing $634 million in global ticket sales over the Christmas holiday weekend
With just over a month in theaters, the 2024 musical film is now the third highest-grossing movie ever released by Universal Pictures in terms of domestic box office
Awards Recognition
The film received ten nominations at the 97th Academy Awards (including Best Picture) and won Best Costume Design and Best Production Design.
What to Expect from Wicked: For Good
Dorothy's Expanded Role
In the original Wicked Broadway musical, Dorothy's role is minimal. She is represented as a silhouette during the pivotal moment when she throws water on Elphaba, causing the Wicked Witch of the West's supposed demise. Her face is never shown, preserving the narrative focus on Elphaba and Glinda. In Wicked For Good, this dynamic is set to change.
Connection to The Wizard of Oz
The second act leads into Dorothy's adventure, albeit from the perspective of Elphaba, now unjustly feared by the citizens of Oz, who look to Glinda the Good for protection and comfort.
Character Development
"The first tells how Elphaba becomes the Wicked Witch of the West, and the second tells how her best friend, Glinda, becomes authentically good," producer Marc Platt teases in the production notes.
Future of the Wicked Franchise
Potential Expansion
In November 2024, Schwartz and Holzman stated they are talking about the possibility of "something" more associated with Wicked, but that it would not be titled Wicked Part Three or Four.
International Title Variations
Its original title, Wicked Part Two, was retained for certain international dubs, including those in Brazilian Portuguese and Italian.
Technical Specifications
Format Options
The film will be available in multiple premium formats:
RealD 3D
IMAX
Dolby Cinema with Dolby Vision® and Atmos® audio
4DX
ScreenX
D-Box
Sound and Visual Quality
The film promises "breathtaking 4K Ultra HD with Dolby Vision® and Atmos® audio, delivering the ultimate viewing experience with stunning visuals and immersive sound".
Marketing and Merchandise
Promotional Strategy
Universal has planned an extensive marketing campaign building on the success of the first film, which had 450 promotional partners, with a media value of $350 million, the most ever for a Hollywood theatrical film.
Special Events
An episode of season 5 of Lego Masters with challenges themed to the film, aired on Fox on June 9, 2025.
Critical Expectations
Awards Potential
Given the first film's success at major award ceremonies, Wicked: For Good is expected to be a strong contender during the 2026 awards season, particularly in categories like:
Best Picture
Best Actress (Cynthia Erivo)
Best Supporting Actress (Ariana Grande)
Technical categories (Costume Design, Production Design, Sound)
Conclusion
Wicked: For Good represents the highly anticipated conclusion to one of the most successful musical adaptations in cinema history. With its November 21, 2025 release date approaching, fans can expect a visually spectacular, emotionally resonant finale that honors both the beloved Broadway musical and expands the story for a new generation of audiences.
The film promises to deliver the same magical combination of stellar performances, stunning visuals, and memorable music that made the first installment a global phenomenon. With the entire cast returning and new characters joining the story, Wicked: For Good is positioned to be one of the biggest blockbuster events of 2025.
Stay Updated: Keep checking official Wicked social media channels and the Universal Pictures website for the latest news, additional trailers, and exclusive content leading up to the November 21, 2025 release.