Citizens of Oz, rejoice! The trailer for "Wicked: For Good" has arrived, and it is nothing short of mesmerizing. Precisely six months after the cinematic debut of its predecessor, the long-awaited sequel's trailer descended upon us on June 4th, transporting fans once again to the enchanting realm of Oz. It stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, who brilliantly reprise their Oscar-nominated roles as the former adversaries-turned-inseparable friends, Glinda and Elphaba.
Within the preview, fans were treated to captivating snippets of the songs "No Good Deed" and "For Good," and witnessed the ramifications of Elphaba's (Cynthia) daring decision to defy the wizard. This bold move sets Prince Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey) on a heated pursuit to catch up with her. There's also a poignant reunion between Elphaba and Glinda (Ariana), where Elphaba confessionally declares, "You're the only friend I ever had," to which Glinda playfully responds, "And I've had so many friends."
On June 4th, Jon M. Chu's "Wicked" made a fleeting return to the silver screen, providing audiences with an enticing glimpse behind the curtain with the sequel's trailer. Scheduled for a theatrical release on November 21, 2025, it promises to breathe life into the second act of the beloved musical.
Prior to the trailer's unveiling, Universal Pictures whetted fans' appetites with a teaser. It featured each cast member accompanied by a piano rendition of "For Good," as Ariana and Cynthia harmoniously sang the iconic line "I have been changed," leading into the title screen of "Wicked: For Good."
Cynthia made a stunning entrance, debuting a fresh look with her hair cascading freely, complemented by Elphaba's iconic witch hat, transforming into the formidable Wicked Witch of the West. Subsequent scenes showcased Prince Fiyero, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, and Jeff Goldblum as the enigmatic Wizard. Ethan Slater, who has been romantically linked to Ariana since July 2023, followed suit, with Marissa Bode portraying Nessarose.
Ariana, who gracefully waved Glinda's magical wand into the title, has also undergone a transformation. She swapped her Shiz University uniform for a regal gown and a sparkling tiara, symbolizing her evolution in both the story and her character's attire.
On our last venture to the Emerald City, the audience bore witness to Elphaba's lifelong aspiration finally coming to fruition as she visited the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, entering his presence arm-in-arm with Glinda. However, the revelation that the harm inflicted upon the animals Elphaba had come to defend was orchestrated by the Wizard himself, propelled her to flee with the Grimmerie, Oz's mystical spellbook clutched in her hands. Glinda and Elphaba, their futures aspirations and beliefs diverging like parallel lines, bid a heart-wrenching farewell to Act One's poignant final ballad, "Defying Gravity," as the Wicked Witch soared away on her broomstick, her status as the villain of Oz now official.
Returning to the yellow brick road, "Wicked: For Good" takes us into the second act of the musical: Elphaba persists in her battle for the animals, branded as a public enemy in the process, while Glinda serves Oz as the "Good Witch." Of course, a new arrival from Kansas also enters the scene in Munchkinland. But for the film's Oscar-nominated director, "Wicked: For Good" promises to be an equally emotional odyssey for its characters, mirroring the first. "If the first movie was about choices," Jon revealed to E! News on January 5, "the second is about the consequences." He elaborated, "How challenging and complex the nuances become when two characters strive to find their paths, yet their destinations are vastly different, and how heart-wrenching and brave it can be for both as they evolve."
While we eagerly anticipate reuniting with the Wizard, "Wicked: For Good" is merely one of the thrilling films destined for theaters in 2025.
