Entertainment
Wicked Sequel Disappoints Fans: Audience Verdict on For Good
Wicked: For Good, the highly anticipated conclusion to the two-part adaptation of the Broadway hit, picks up years after Elphaba defies the Wizard, embracing her “Wicked Witch” persona while fighting for silenced Animals from exile. Glinda rises as Oz’s “Good” spokesperson amid propaganda-fueled tensions, leading to fractured friendships, dramatic transformations—like Boq becoming the Tin Man—and a climactic mob confrontation that ties into The Wizard of Oz. Released November 2025, the film boasts stunning visuals and powerhouse vocals from Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) and Ariana Grande (Glinda), yet audience reviews paint a polarized picture: mostly middling scores of 4-6/10, with superfans raving and skeptics decrying it as a letdown from Part One’s magic.
Standout Strengths
Erivo and Grande dominate praise, their chemistry fueling emotional peaks like the tearful “For Good” duet and “No Good Deed,” often leaving viewers in tears. Production values shine—opulent sets, costumes, and practical effects (including 9 million tulips for Munchkinland)—making it a big-screen must. Die-hards celebrate deepened arcs, Wizard lore reveals (he’s Elphaba’s father), and faithful musical adaptation with new Schwartz songs like “No Place Like Home.”
“Wicked: For Good defies gravity and exceeds expectations set by Part One. The character arcs are expanded and deepened… I am truly changed for good.”
Harsh Criticisms
Pacing draws fire for dragging early then rushing key beats, bloating the runtime without substance. Songs feel weaker—no viral hits like “Defying Gravity”—with new additions called forgettable; emotional payoffs underwhelm compared to the stage. Plot holes, underdeveloped sides (Wizard, Morrible, Dorothy ties), and lore tweaks frustrating Oz purists, turning whimsy into somber slog.
“It’s the kind of film that promises grandeur… yet delivers something that rarely rises above mediocre… underwhelming, forgettable.”
Audience Breakdown
| Aspect | Positive Takes | Negative Takes | Score Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performances | “Erivo steals every scene”; Grande/Erivo chemistry “palpable” | Yeoh “dreadful”; supporting cast sidelined | 8-10/10 from fans |
| Music | “No Good Deed” erupts cheers; heartfelt finale | “Dull, unmemorable”; no big hits | 4-6/10 average |
| Pacing/Plot | Emotional wedding crash, mob payoff satisfying | Rushed, bloated, lore-messing | Mostly 5/10 |
| Visuals | “Dazzling, opulent”; best in theaters | Obvious CGI; smaller sets | Consistent high |
Supporters (20-30% at 8+/10) call it “thrillifying” and Oscar-worthy; detractors label it “meh” or worse, better as one film. Overall, For Good divides: beautiful but hollow for many, a poignant capstone for devotees—proving sequels rarely top smash predecessors.