Although mainstream and multimedia screenings of the film have yet to take place, many critics have had the chance to see the Universal Pictures film. Villain: for good last week, and the social media embargo is now lifted.
Early reactions to Jon M. Chu’s highly anticipated musical sequel are overwhelmingly positive, with most articles below praising the sequel as a worthy conclusion to the story, and some hailing it as an even better film than its celebrated predecessor.
Part 1 was a big hit with fans and critics and grossed an impressive $744.07 million worldwide. It may not look like Also That’s a lot considering some blockbusters still gross a billion, but it was enough to make the film the highest-grossing film adaptation of a Broadway musical.
Based on the reactions below, there’s every chance the sequel will be just as (if not more) successful, and Variety thinks Villain: for good has a chance to become a “true awards powerhouse.”
All good deeds are rewarded in Wicked: For Good. It’s an epic and heartbreakingly tender conclusion to one of the most dynamic friendships in pop culture history. There’s plenty for fans of the Broadway show to love with some butterfly kiss-sized surprises in store. pic.twitter.com/lTVqbZfawH
– Destiny Jackson (@DestinyDreadful) October 28, 2025
Get ready because #BadForGood exceeds all expectations. Jon M. Chu is genius in the way he ends this story. Elphaba and Glinda’s stories are expanded upon and leave you with an emotional gut punch at the end. Cynthia Erivo is gorgeous, but get ready for Ariana Grande… pic.twitter.com/rozw66JyEo
– Jazz Tangcay (@jazzt) October 28, 2025
I spoke with Jon M. Chu at the SCAD Film Festival yesterday in front of a very enthusiastic crowd! Now I can finally share that I have seen Wicked: For Good and it has done it again! It’s beautiful, full of heart, and it sticks on the landing. A beautiful finale. pic.twitter.com/fjn33WML2C
-Rebecca Ford (@Beccamford) October 28, 2025
If the first part of Wicked was faithful to the stage plan, Wicked: For Good builds the world to create a complete and different (but the same) and extremely emotional version of Act 2.
It’s thrilling and heartbreaking and sexy and everything you want.
– David Gordon (@MrDavidGordon) October 28, 2025
I saw Wicked in earnest 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 breathtaking performances. The film completely sticks the landing
– Chris Murphy (@christress) October 28, 2025
Last year’s global cinematic cultural sensation, which became the most successful Broadway film adaptation of all time, now reaches its epic, electrifying and emotional conclusion in Wicked: For Good.
Directed once again by award-winning director Jon M. Chu and featuring the spectacular returning cast, led by Oscar-nominated superstars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, the final chapter in the untold story of the Witches of Oz begins with Elphaba and Glinda separated and living with the consequences of their choices. Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), now demonized as the Wicked Witch of the West, lives in exile, hiding in the Ozian Forest while continuing her fight for the freedom of Oz’s silenced animals and desperately trying to expose the truth she knows about the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum). Glinda, meanwhile, has become the glamorous symbol of goodness for all of Oz, living at the palace in Emerald City and reveling in the benefits of fame and popularity.
Under the instruction of Madame Morrible (Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh), Glinda is deployed to serve as effervescent comfort to Oz, reassuring the masses that all is well under the Wizard’s reign. As Glinda’s fame grows and she prepares to marry Prince Fiyero (Olivier Award winner and Emmy and SAG nominee Jonathan Bailey) in a spectacular wedding in Ozian, she is haunted by her separation from Elphaba. She attempts to broker a conciliation between Elphaba and The Wizard, but these efforts fail, driving Elphaba and Glinda even further apart. The aftershocks will forever transform Boq (Tony nominee Ethan Slater) and Fiyero, and threaten the safety of Elphaba’s sister, Nessarose (Marissa Bode), when a girl from Kansas crashes into their lives.
As an angry mob rises against the wicked witch, Glinda and Elphaba will have to reunite one last time. Their singular friendship now being the pivot of their future, they will need to truly see each other, with honesty and empathy, if they want to change themselves and all of Oz for good.
