Grab your broomsticks and waterproof mascara, because the first reactions to Wicked: For Good are in and it sounds like we’re heading straight back to Oz for another round of emotional devastation.
The sequel to last year’s Wicked — Jon M. Chu-directed reimagining of the iconic 2003 Broadway musical — had its first public showing in New York City this week for members of the Broadway cast and industry insiders.
According to Variety, the film “flies high”, with editor Clayton Davis saying Jon M. Chu “helms an emotionally timely piece that deepens every spell cast by the first film. No surprise, Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande are SPECTACULAR (again). You’re not ready for the “For Good” duet. A heartfelt end to Oz’s greatest friendship”.
Wicked: For Good continues the story of Elphaba and Glinda as their paths finally diverge — one becoming the so-called Wicked Witch of the West, the other ascending in sparkles as Glinda the Good. The sequel tackles the second act of the Broadway show, written by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox, with new original songs by three-time Oscar winner Stephen Schwartz.
And if early reviews are anything to go by, those songs are already cementing their spot in musical theatre history. BuzzFeed’s Ada Enechi absolutely melted over them, posting on X that “#WickedForGood delivers in every way possible. The new original songs… life changing! They will melt your heart in ways you can’t even imagine. Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande have cemented their places in history, this is truly an unmissable sequel.”
Deadline’s Destiny Jackson called the movie “an epic and heartbreakingly tender conclusion to one of the most dynamic friendships in pop culture history”, adding that “there’s a lot for fans of the Broadway show to love with butterfly kiss sized surprises in store”.
Variety’s senior artisans editor Jazz Tangcay fully threw herself into the emotional carnage, writing that “Jon M. Chu is a genius in the way he brings this to a close. Elphaba and Glinda’s stories are expanded, and leave you with an emotional gut punch at the end. Cynthia Erivo is magnificent, but get ready for Ariana Grande as she takes this performance to the next level and is a tour de force. The world building, the costumes, and Alice Brooks’ cinematography deserve your attention. I sobbed hard. Wicked: For Good is sheer musical greatness”.
Metro’s Tori Brazier had a slightly more measured take but still praised the leads, saying “Wicked: For Good is the tricky second act handled with aplomb by director Jon M. Chu. Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo continue to own, extend and BE Glinda & Elphaba. With weaker songs, the music is still mined for everything; “For Good” and “No Good Deed” are stand-outs”.
And Vanity Fair’s Chris Murphy summed it up with: “Saw Wicked: For Good last month and believe me when I say that it expands and deepens the original source material in generally exciting and innovative ways. Cynthia and Ari take their performances to the next level with jaw-dropping performances. The film fully sticks the landing.”
If the critical buzz translates into awards recognition, both Erivo and Grande could make Oscars history. As Variety pointed out, they’d become the seventh and eighth performers in history to be nominated twice for playing the same roles. Considering the first Wicked earned ten nominations and two wins, Universal Pictures might want to start dusting off a few more shelves for gold statues.
With new songs like “No Place Like Home” (performed by Erivo) and “The Girl in the Bubble” (performed by Grande) drawing praise from critics across the board, I am SAT for this sequel.
Wicked: For Good hits Australian cinemas on November 21, and honestly, after reading these reviews, it’s starting to feel less like a movie release and more like a communal therapy session.
Lead image: Wicked: For Good / X
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