As the countdown to November 21, 2025, ticks closer—now just 100 days away—the anticipation for Wicked: For Good, the second part of Jon M. Chu’s cinematic adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, is reaching fever pitch. Following the dazzling success of Wicked (2024), which grossed over $1.2 billion worldwide and earned 10 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, the sequel promises to deliver an emotional, action-packed finale to the untold story of Oz’s witches. With a powerhouse cast, a plot steeped in betrayal and redemption, and unexpected twists that tie into The Wizard of Oz, Wicked: For Good is poised to be a cultural juggernaut. Here’s everything you need to know about the film, from its stellar ensemble to its intricate narrative and game-changing plot twists.

A Star-Studded Cast Returns

Wicked: For Good brings back the core cast from the first film, ensuring continuity in the emotional arcs that captivated audiences. Leading the charge are Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Thropp, the misunderstood green-skinned sorceress branded the Wicked Witch of the West, and Ariana Grande as Glinda Upland, the glamorous and popular figure now known as Glinda the Good. Both actresses earned Oscar nominations for their performances in Wicked (Best Actress for Erivo, Best Supporting Actress for Grande), with critics praising Erivo’s raw intensity and Grande’s effervescent charm. Their live-recorded vocals, a hallmark of the production, add authenticity to the musical numbers.

Jonathan Bailey reprises his role as Fiyero Tigelaar, the charismatic Winkie prince torn between his love for Elphaba and his engagement to Glinda. Jeff Goldblum returns as the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, revealed as a manipulative charlatan, while Michelle Yeoh delivers a chilling performance as Madame Morrible, the scheming Dean of Sorcery at Shiz University. Marissa Bode plays Nessarose Thropp, Elphaba’s paraplegic half-sister and the Governor of Munchkinland, and Ethan Slater portrays Boq Woodsman, a Munchkin with an unrequited love for Glinda. Bowen Yang and Bronwyn James round out the ensemble as Glinda’s friends Pfannee and ShenShen, now her assistants.

A notable addition is Kerry Ellis, a former Broadway and West End Elphaba, who will appear in a mysterious cameo, paying homage to the musical’s stage legacy. Director Jon M. Chu has also confirmed a more prominent role for Dorothy Gale, the Kansas girl immortalized by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz (1939). While no casting for Dorothy has been officially announced, speculation is rife that Alisha Weir, spotted at Wicked premieres, could take on the role. The inclusion of Dorothy, along with glimpses of the Tin Man, Scarecrow, and Lion, promises to deepen the film’s connection to the classic tale.

Plot: A Tale of Consequences and Transformation

Wicked: For Good picks up five years after the events of the first film, which ended with Elphaba’s defiant anthem “Defying Gravity.” The story, adapting the second act of the 2003 Broadway musical by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman, explores the consequences of Elphaba and Glinda’s choices as they embrace their new identities. Elphaba, now a fugitive labeled the Wicked Witch of the West, hides in the Ozian forest, continuing her fight for the rights of Oz’s silenced Animals and seeking to expose the Wizard’s deceit. Glinda, basking in fame as Glinda the Good, serves as a spokeswoman for the Wizard’s regime in the Emerald City, but her estrangement from Elphaba haunts her.

The official synopsis from Universal Pictures highlights the fractured friendship at the story’s core: Glinda, under Madame Morrible’s guidance, reassures Oz’s citizens of the Wizard’s benevolence while preparing for a grand wedding to Fiyero. Meanwhile, Elphaba faces relentless pursuit by the Wizard’s forces, including his flying monkeys. The arrival of Dorothy Gale from Kansas sets off a chain of events that threatens Nessarose’s safety and transforms Boq and Fiyero. As an angry mob rises against Elphaba, the two witches must reunite one final time, their friendship serving as “the fulcrum of their futures.” The narrative promises a blend of emotional depth and high-stakes drama, with themes of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption.

Director Jon M. Chu has emphasized that if the first film was about choices, Wicked: For Good is about consequences. “Choices are difficult to make, but when you do make those choices, sometimes the result isn’t what you expect,” Chu told Entertainment Weekly. The sequel delves into darker, more mature territory, with Elphaba grappling with her vilification and Glinda confronting her complicity in the Wizard’s regime. Yet, Chu promises moments of lightness, ensuring a balance of spectacle and heart.

Plot Twists and Ties to The Wizard of Oz

Wicked: For Good is packed with plot twists that reframe the familiar Wizard of Oz narrative, many of which align with the Broadway musical’s second act while introducing new elements for the screen. Here are some of the most significant twists, drawn from the musical and amplified by Chu’s vision:

The Transformation of Boq and Fiyero: Elphaba’s attempt to help her sister Nessarose backfires, leading to a spell that transforms Boq into the Tin Man. Similarly, Fiyero’s efforts to protect Elphaba result in his transformation into the Scarecrow. These revelations tie directly to The Wizard of Oz, explaining the origins of Dorothy’s companions in a heartbreaking way. The film is expected to expand on these moments, showing the emotional toll on both characters.

Nessarose’s Tragic Fate: As Governor of Munchkinland, Nessarose becomes increasingly authoritarian, stripping Munchkins of their rights to keep Boq by her side. Elphaba enchants Nessarose’s jeweled shoes to allow her to walk, but a spell gone wrong exacerbates tensions. Madame Morrible’s scheme to lure Elphaba culminates in a tornado that brings Dorothy to Oz, leading to Nessarose’s death under the fallen house, cementing her as the Wicked Witch of the East.

Dorothy’s Arrival and Elphaba’s “Demise”: Dorothy’s role, while minor in the stage musical, is expanded in the film. Her arrival disrupts the lives of Elphaba and Glinda, with a key scene involving her throwing a bucket of water on Elphaba, seemingly melting her. However, the film is likely to reveal that Elphaba survives through a trapdoor, with Fiyero (now the Scarecrow) helping her escape to start a new life. This twist subverts the Wizard of Oz narrative, showing Elphaba as a misunderstood hero.

Glinda’s Redemption and the Wizard’s Downfall: Glinda’s arc culminates in her realization of the Wizard’s corruption. After learning that Elphaba is the Wizard’s daughter, she banishes him from Oz and has Madame Morrible arrested for her role in Nessarose’s death. This power shift marks Glinda’s transformation from a complicit figurehead to a true leader, setting the stage for her role as Glinda the Good in The Wizard of Oz.

New Songs and Expanded Scenes: The film introduces two original songs by Stephen Schwartz, one for Elphaba and one for Glinda, designed to deepen their emotional journeys. Erivo described her song as “speaking to the heart of who Elphaba is,” while Grande’s showcases a new side of Glinda. Additionally, Chu has promised more insight into Elphaba’s life in exile, including scenes at her “rebel base” not seen in the stage musical, adding fresh context to her transformation into the Wicked Witch.

Production and Musical Highlights

Directed by Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights), Wicked: For Good was filmed back-to-back with the first film, with principal photography wrapping in January 2024 after a pause due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. The production boasts large-scale sets, including a real Yellow Brick Road and nine million tulips planted for Munchkinland, inspired by films like Hook and Pleasantville. The soundtrack, featuring classics like “No Good Deed,” “As Long as You’re Mine,” and the titular “For Good,” is enhanced by a 125-piece orchestra and live vocals, with John Powell composing the incidental score.

The trailer, released on June 4, 2025, offers glimpses of these musical moments, with Elphaba declaring, “There’s no going back,” and Glinda calling out to her friend from a balcony. The poster, unveiled at CinemaCon 2025, features Elphaba and Glinda on opposite cliffs, reaching for each other across a Yellow Brick Road, with the tagline “You will be changed” echoing the emotional duet “For Good.”

Why It’s a Must-Watch

With its November 21, 2025, release fast approaching, Wicked: For Good is shaping up to be a cinematic event. The film’s blend of spectacle, emotional depth, and ties to The Wizard of Oz make it a must-see for fans of the musical and newcomers alike. Its exploration of friendship, sacrifice, and the cost of power resonates in a divided world, while the performances of Erivo and Grande promise to leave audiences spellbound. As the 100-day countdown continues, the magic of Oz is ready to soar once more, changing viewers “for good.”