The magic of Oz is far from over. Universal Pictures has unveiled the first trailer for Wicked: For Good, the highly anticipated sequel to 2024’s Wicked, reigniting fan excitement for the next chapter in the untold story of Elphaba and Glinda. The follow-up sees powerhouse performances from Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as the two iconic witches whose destinies collide once more—this time on opposing sides of a brewing war.
Directed by Jon M. Chu, who also helmed the first installment, Wicked: For Good continues the cinematic retelling of the beloved Broadway musical, originally based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel. The novel itself is a reimagining of L. Frank Baum’s 1900 classic, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, but from the perspective of the so-called Wicked Witch of the West. The new film is scheduled for theatrical release on November 21, 2025, just over a year after the first film became a global box office sensation.
A Tale of Two Witches: From Friendship to Fracture
The trailer opens with a haunting montage of a hunted Elphaba (Erivo), now in hiding for defying the Wizard’s authoritarian rule. Her once-glamorous counterpart, Glinda (Grande), struggles to maintain order and optimism in a crumbling kingdom. Their complex friendship, tested by political divide, lies at the emotional core of the sequel.
Fans are already buzzing about a brief but powerful glimpse of a new character—Dorothy Gale—hinting at the fateful showdown to come. While the actress portraying Dorothy has yet to be revealed, her symbolic presence confirms the film’s arc will edge closer to the events of The Wizard of Oz.
Also Read: The Disappearance of Pheobe Bishop: A Community’s Quest for Answers
The Making of Two Films, Not One
Director Chu previously revealed that the original plan was to adapt Wicked into a single film, but that vision proved too limiting. “It became clear that squeezing everything into one movie would do a disservice to the story and its characters,” he said. “Every time we tried to cut a song or trim a subplot, we felt like we were losing something vital. Splitting it into two films gave us room to honour the material.”
Chu’s decision appears to have paid off. The first film grossed over $755 million globally against a budget of $150 million, making it the highest-grossing musical film adaptation of all time. It earned 10 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, and won two—cementing its status as a modern classic.
Star-Studded Cast Returns
The sequel reunites most of the original cast, including Jonathan Bailey as the dashing and conflicted Fiyero, Michelle Yeoh as the chillingly pragmatic Madame Morrible, and Jeff Goldblum in his gravity-defying turn as the Wizard of Oz. While Erivo and Grande continue to carry the emotional weight of the film, their performances are complemented by dazzling visuals and Stephen Schwartz’s unforgettable score.
well, I’m already crying, so I fear this is going to absolutely wreck me https://t.co/iyJlDRiCYb
— claire rowden (@clx1re) June 5, 2025
Cynthia Erivo, fresh off her Oscar nod for the first film, promises even more vulnerability and power in Elphaba’s arc. “This chapter is darker, more intense,” she shared in a behind-the-scenes interview. “Elphaba is reckoning with betrayal, loss, and the cost of resistance.”
Ariana Grande, who surprised many with her dramatic turn as Glinda, spoke about the evolution of her character. “Glinda wants to do good, but she’s trapped in a system that rewards compliance over courage. That conflict is at the heart of who she is now.”
What’s Next in Oz?
Wicked: For Good is expected to follow the narrative arc of the second act of the Broadway show, which delves into Elphaba’s time as a fugitive, the rise of Dorothy, and the eventual unraveling of Oz’s political illusion. With themes of redemption, sacrifice, and moral ambiguity, the sequel promises to deepen the story’s emotional resonance.
While the identity of Dorothy remains a mystery, industry insiders suggest the casting will be revealed in the lead-up to the film’s release, potentially during this year’s San Diego Comic-Con or at the Venice Film Festival in September.
Final Countdown to November
As the November release date approaches, Wicked: For Good is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated films of 2025. From its emotionally charged performances to high production values and a sweeping score, the sequel aims not just to repeat the success of its predecessor—but to surpass it.
With Glinda and Elphaba now pitted against each other, the question lingers: will they find their way back to friendship, or is this truly the end of their enchanted journey?
One thing’s certain: audiences around the world are ready to return to Oz.
