Could Wicked: For Good be a major Oscar contender? Here's what the early reactions predict

Directed by Jon M. Chu, Wicked: For Good is an upcoming musical fantasy movie that serves as the sequel to the hit movie, Wicked. Featuring Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, and others, Wicked: For Good continues to expand upon the lives of Elphaba (Erivo) and Glinda (Grande), who become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good, respectively.

Based upon the 2003 stage musical by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman, Wicked: For Good is written by Holzman and Dana Fox, and adapts the second act of the play, after Wicked adapted the first part.

The original movie was a hit among viewers and critics, and excitement over Wicked: For Good has once again reached the zenith. While the movie will release on November 21, 2025, early reactions by various critics have already begun to come in, and they are highly positive.

Details about the early reactions regarding Wicked: For Good

Still from the movie (Image via Universal Pictures)

The original movie, Wicked, shone bright at the Oscars with 10 nominations, which were a testament to the fact that the movie was well-loved by viewers and critics alike. And now, it seems that its sequel, Wicked: For Good, is out to repeat history.

According to Variety, highly favorable reviews for the movie have started pouring in from critics on X after Monday night. Vanity Fair senior awards correspondent Rebecca Ford wrote on X,

“I spoke w/Jon M. Chu at the SCAD Film Festival just yesterday in front of a very enthusiastic crowd! Now I can finally share that I’ve seen ‘Wicked: For Good’ and he’s done it again! It’s gorgeous, full of heart, and sticks the landing. A beautiful finale.”

Deadline awards writer Destiny Jackson also stated positive things on X and remarked,

“All good deeds go 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 a lot for fans of the Broadway show to love with butterfly kiss-sized surprises in store.”

Further, Variety’s senior arts editor Jazz Tangcay also praised Wicked: For Good and wrote,

“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. And wow, the world building, the costumes, and Alice Brooks’ cinematography deserve your attention. Can not wait to see it again. I sobbed hard. ‘Wicked: For Good’ is sheer musical greatness.”

The editor-in-chief of Theatrely, Kobi Kassal, also posted a glowing review on X and remarked,

“Jon M. Chu did a fantastic job at both expanding and reeling in the universe that pays homage to the stage musical and lets it soar on its own. Cynthia’s No Good Deed was everything and Ariana Grande stole the film with a breathtaking portrayal.”

Director Jon M. Chu talks about the challenges related to Wicked: For Good

At the Q&A at the Savannah Film Festival, director Jon M. Chu shared his thoughts about directing the two-part movie. He notes,

"They say at some point you have to turn away from the audience and face the orchestra and conduct, and that's what we agreed to do. So I had already shut off the outside world because whether you doubted Ariana, you doubted two movies, or you doubted this or you doubted that, we ignored it all and said when they find out, they're going to thank us."

However, he notes that directing the musical was a challenge as the movie is based upon a play, which is based upon Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel, which is itself based upon the famous L. Frank Baum’s novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, and the 1939 hit movie. Therefore, fans were already attached to the characters.

Chu talks about directing Wicked: For Good and remarks,

"It was an interesting movie too, because people had certain feelings about Act 2..."

However, the director notes that he decided to focus on the consequences that the characters have to face in the second movie, after their actions in the first.

Chu ultimately notes,

"I think the end of this movie is about the possibilities of the unknown. It's about embracing how beautiful that can be. It's not a separation, it is the beginning of the new chapter...I never thought I could do a movie at this scale of scope and have the whole world waiting to see the next one."