Wicked: For Good is a 2025 fantasy musical film that continues the epic saga of Elphaba and Glinda, diving deeper into the untold backstory of Oz’s most iconic witches. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the movie is the highly anticipated sequel to 2024’s box office hit Wicked, and it’s set to be released in theaters worldwide on November 21, 2025.
Based on the second act of the original Broadway musical and Gregory Maguire’s novel, Wicked: For Good picks up right where the first film left off—bringing powerful music, emotional drama, and spellbinding visuals back to the big screen. The newly released Wicked movie trailer offers fans their first glimpse of the darker, more dramatic second chapter, filled with flying monkeys, fractured friendships, and a glimpse of Dorothy herself.
The land of Oz has never looked this good—or this intense. With the release of the brand-new Wicked movie trailer for “Wicked: For Good,” fans of the Broadway classic and fantasy lovers alike have been transported back into the sparkling, shadowy world of Glinda and Elphaba. The Wicked movie has become a phenomenon that redefines fantasy cinema for a new generation.
Let’s take a deep dive into everything we know about this magical sequel, from cast details to hidden easter eggs, from plot predictions to fan theories that are already dominating TikTok and Reddit threads.
Table of Contents
Background of Wicked: From Page to Stage to Screen
Before it became one of the most highly anticipated films of 2025, Wicked began as a bestselling novel and a groundbreaking Broadway musical that redefined how we view classic fairy tales.
The story of Wicked originates from Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, a dark and imaginative reimagining of L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Instead of focusing on Dorothy’s journey, Maguire’s novel explores the life of Elphaba, the misunderstood girl who would one day become the infamous Wicked Witch of the West.
In 2003, composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz, alongside writer Winnie Holzman, transformed Maguire’s novel into a Broadway musical. The production starred Idina Menzel as Elphaba and Kristin Chenoweth as Glinda, and it became an instant sensation. Songs like “Defying Gravity,” “Popular,” and “For Good” helped the show resonate with audiences, earning multiple Tony Awards and becoming one of the longest-running Broadway musicals of all time.
What set Wicked apart was its ability to humanize villains, question traditional narratives of good and evil, and highlight themes like friendship, social injustice, and identity. The story unfolds during Elphaba and Glinda’s school years at Shiz University, exploring how their unlikely bond evolves amidst political tension, personal ambition, and magical destinies.
In 2021, Universal Pictures confirmed that the beloved stage musical would be adapted into a major motion picture—split into two parts to fully capture the depth of the original story. The first film, Wicked, was released in 2024 and starred Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda. It was a massive hit, praised for its performances, production design, and emotional weight.
Now, with Wicked: For Good arriving in 2025, the second chapter promises to explore the aftermath of Elphaba’s rebellion, Glinda’s rise in Ozian politics, and the long-awaited arrival of Dorothy Gale. As the Wicked movie trailer suggests, the sequel will be bolder, darker, and even more emotionally charged than the first.
From literary roots to theatrical triumphs and cinematic spectacle, Wicked has evolved into a cultural phenomenon that continues to captivate audiences across generations.
A Quick Recap: The Road So Far
Before diving into the trailer, let’s set the stage. The first Wicked movie, released in 2024, was a record-breaking success. Based on the Broadway smash and the novel by Gregory Maguire, it told the backstory of how Elphaba became the Wicked Witch of the West and how Glinda rose to her bubble-floating fame. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the film was split into two parts to faithfully adapt the musical’s complexity—avoiding the common Hollywood trap of compressing too much into too little.
The first movie earned over \$755 million worldwide and snagged 10 Oscar nominations, winning for Best Costume and Production Design. It was clear: audiences weren’t just interested in retelling Oz—they were living it.
Wicked: For Good Trailer Breakdown
The Wicked movie trailer for “Wicked: For Good” dropped with the force of a twister, revealing major plot arcs, beloved characters, and jaw-dropping visuals.
The Glinda-Elphaba Reunion
We open with a crack—literally. Glinda’s bedroom window shatters, symbolic of her world being broken apart. She steps onto her balcony, visibly shaken, and from the shadows emerges Elphaba. It’s the reunion fans have waited over a decade for in the stage version—and now it’s in full cinematic glory.
Oz at War
Elphaba is now an official enemy of the state. Glinda, meanwhile, is being manipulated by the Wizard and Madame Morrible. The trailer hints at an underground rebellion and a splintering of alliances across Oz. “No Good Deed” and “For Good” are featured in the score—both emotionally rich songs that promise deep character development.
Dorothy Makes Her Entrance
In the stage musical, Dorothy Gale is a shadowy off-stage presence. But in “Wicked: For Good,” we see her walking the Yellow Brick Road, flanked by the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion. Her role has been expanded—but her casting remains a mystery. Fan theories abound.
According to The Guardian, Chu explained that Dorothy’s arc was handled delicately: “We tread lightly, but try to make more sense of how it impacts our girls.”
This change doesn’t shift the narrative’s center, however. The heart of Wicked remains Elphaba and Glinda’s friendship, complicated by politics, fame, betrayal, and forgiveness.
Musical Moments to Expect
While the first film featured beloved hits like “Defying Gravity” and “Popular,” this sequel is no slouch. Composer Stephen Schwartz returns with two brand-new songs written specifically for this movie—one each for Grande and Erivo.
Highlights from the trailer include:
- “For Good” as a duet between Glinda and Elphaba.
- “No Good Deed” with Erivo’s haunting vocals.
- A mysterious new melody heard when Elphaba is casting spells in the forest.
Chu told Vanity Fair: “Cynthia on ‘No Good Deed’ is just ridiculous. And ‘As Long as You’re Mine’—it’s just gorgeous.”
Wedding Bells and Political Games
One jaw-dropping trailer moment? Glinda in a wedding gown. This scene deviates from the musical canon, where she refers to Fiyero as her fiancé—but never marries him. Is this a dream sequence, or is Chu expanding on Glinda’s transformation?
Jonathan Bailey returns as Fiyero, and the emotional tension between him, Glinda, and Elphaba is set to explode.
🧙♂️ Jeff Goldblum’s Wizard is seen shouting: “Get me the broom of the Wicked Witch of the West!”
Cast & Characters: Who’s Who in Oz?
Returning Stars:
- Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba: Fierce, commanding, and heartbreakingly human.
- Ariana Grande as Glinda: Poised yet vulnerable.
- Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero: The heartthrob caught in the moral crossfire.
- Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible: Political mastermind.
- Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard: Charismatic but menacing.
Each actor is stepping into deeper, more complex arcs than in the first film. As Chu told Vanity Fair, “This is where childhood dreams collide with adult selves.”
Production Facts & Behind-the-Scenes
“Wicked: For Good” was filmed back-to-back with the first film at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire, from December 2022 to January 2024. The shoot was paused mid-way due to the Hollywood actor’s strike, but resumed to finish the highly anticipated sequel.
Fun Fact: Some scenes in “Wicked: For Good” were shot before the first movie’s scenes. Grande and Erivo used detailed timelines to stay in sync with their characters’ emotional arcs.
🎥 Want a peek behind the scenes? Check out this Vanity Fair exclusive with interviews from the cast and director.
Why the Wicked Movie Matters Now
Fantasy films have always reflected the times—and the Wicked movie is no exception. The conflict between truth and propaganda, loyalty and freedom, is painfully relevant. As Elphaba writes “Our wizard lies” in the sky, it hits home in a world wrestling with misinformation and control.
This isn’t just a sequel. It’s a reflection of how far we’ve come—and how far we still need to go.
Unpacking What’s Next in the Wicked Cinematic Universe
With the Wicked movie trailer igniting global anticipation, fans are diving headfirst into theories, predictions, and emotional speculation. Let’s explore what this next chapter means not just for Glinda and Elphaba, but for pop culture itself.
Top Fan Theories: What Wicked: For Good Might Reveal
1. Elphaba’s Secret Ally
One viral theory suggests Elphaba may have a covert ally in the Wizard’s court—possibly Madame Morrible’s assistant or an anonymous student from Shiz University. In the Wicked movie trailer, there’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it shot of a figure leaving a note on Glinda’s bed. Could this be a new character entirely?
2. Glinda’s Rebellion Arc
Though she’s initially manipulated by the Wizard, fans speculate that Glinda may secretly be aiding Elphaba. A cryptic line from the trailer—“You’re the only friend I’ve ever had”—delivered by Elphaba, has ignited debate. Will Glinda ultimately betray Oz for Elphaba’s sake?
3. A Tragic Twist with Dorothy
Some fans believe the filmmakers may alter Dorothy’s classic fate—either sparing Elphaba or revealing her to be more morally complex. The Wicked movie trailer shows Dorothy in a moment of hesitation before facing the Wicked Witch. Will she become a villain in the witches’ story?
Grande & Erivo: A Tale of Two Witches
Few casting choices in recent memory have stirred such buzz as Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. From their viral red carpet moments to their emotional interviews, the duo have redefined Glinda and Elphaba for a new generation.
Ariana Grande’s Glinda: Not Just a “Popular” Girl
Grande’s Glinda is charming and sweet, but with layers of pain and responsibility. In Wicked: For Good, she must choose between loyalty and justice—highlighting a more nuanced, human Glinda than we’ve seen before. Her scenes in the Wicked movie trailer, particularly in a wedding gown, hint at inner conflict and major decisions.
Vanity Fair notes, “Grande’s Glinda is poised, but vulnerable, balancing public duty and private doubt.”
Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba: Spellbinding Power
Erivo brings gravitas, heartbreak, and strength to Elphaba. Whether soaring through the skies or quietly reading Glinda’s note, her performance is expected to be a powerhouse. “No Good Deed,” as heard in the trailer, is already drawing comparisons to her Tony-winning stage work.
As director Jon M. Chu put it: “This is Cynthia’s role to own. And she owns it.”
Oscar Buzz & Awards Predictions
Could Wicked: For Good go all the way this awards season? All signs point to yes. Its predecessor earned 10 Oscar nominations, winning two. With deeper emotional stakes and new original songs by Stephen Schwartz, the sequel may surpass even that.
Early Predictions:
- Best Picture (serious contender)
- Best Actress (Erivo likely, Grande possible)
- Best Song (new compositions from Schwartz)
- Best Costume Design
- Best Production Design
- Best Visual Effects
For awards insight, check this Variety forecast on Wicked’s Oscar potential
Musical Legacy & Adaptation Choices
The original Wicked musical debuted on Broadway in 2003, with Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth setting the gold standard. But where the stage show hints, the Wicked movie elaborates.
Notable Differences:
- Dorothy’s Expanded Role: More than a shadow.
- New Music: Custom songs for each witch.
- Timeline Complexity: Jumps in time challenge the viewer (and the cast).
- Glinda’s Wedding: A non-canon twist.
Director Chu told Vanity Fair: “We couldn’t fit the musical’s heart into one film. The decision to split it wasn’t just creative—it was respectful.”
Wicked’s Cultural Impact in 2025
Image Prompt 6: A mural of Elphaba and Glinda in a modern-day city, with hashtags like #WickedMovie, #ForGood, and #DefyGravity painted across the wall.
The Wicked movie and Wicked movie trailer have done more than captivate fans—they’ve sparked conversations about representation, friendship, and power.
💬 Trending on Social Media:
- TikTok recreations of “For Good” duets
- Twitter threads dissecting every frame of the trailer
- Instagram reels comparing Broadway and movie performances
Broadway-to-Hollywood Evolution
With its success, Wicked may usher in a new era of faithful, artistic musical adaptations—ones that respect source material while innovating for modern audiences. Could this open doors for adaptations of Next to Normal, Hadestown, or Six?
What’s Next for Oz?
“Wicked: For Good” is being billed as the end of this cinematic story—but fans are already asking: what about spinoffs?
Possible Future Projects:
- A Prequel Series about Shiz University
- Dorothy’s Perspective in an Oz retelling
- Animated Anthologies exploring Oz’s many creatures and regions
And let’s not forget: Gregory Maguire’s Oz novels go far beyond Wicked—with multiple books still untouched by film.
Final Thoughts
From its groundbreaking female leads to its stunning visuals and emotional depth, the Wicked movie franchise stands at the crossroads of art, entertainment, and commentary. The Wicked movie trailer doesn’t just tease a sequel—it promises a conclusion that could redefine how we view friendship, power, and good vs evil.
If the first film taught us to defy gravity, the sequel asks: what happens when you fall? Or, more importantly, what happens when you rise again—this time for good?
