‘Wicked: For Good’ – Does the Magic Endure? Early Buzz is Here!

Thescreescore – The first wave of reactions to Wicked: For Good is sweeping across the internet, leaving a trail of excitement and anticipation in its wake. The original Wicked captivated audiences worldwide, raking in $756 million and earning high praise from critics and viewers alike. Now, the sequel faces the daunting task of living up to its predecessor’s success.

Wicked: For Good adapts the second half of the beloved Broadway musical, promising an emotionally charged conclusion to the journeys of Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), Glinda (Ariana Grande-Butera), Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey), the Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum), Nessarose (Marissa Bode), and Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh). Early viewers are already sharing their thoughts on social media, and the initial impressions are overwhelmingly positive.

Jazz Tangcay of Variety declared that For Good "exceeds all expectations," calling it "sheer musical greatness." She lauded director Jon M. Chu as a "genius" for his handling of the story’s conclusion and praised the world-building, costume design, and cinematography of Alice Brooks.

Another viewer, @MrDavidGordon, described For Good as "everything you want it to be," highlighting its "extremely emotional" and "thrill ride" approach. They also characterized it as a "heartbreaker" and "sexy," suggesting a film that balances spectacle with genuine emotional depth.

@kkassal shared the unique experience of watching For Good with members of the original Broadway cast, calling it "something I will never forget." They also urged audiences to "bring your tissues," hinting at a powerful performance from Grande-Butera that could be worthy of Academy Award recognition.

@DestinyDreadful proclaimed that the movie solidifies Elphaba and Glinda as "one of the most dynamic friendships in pop culture history." They described it as "an epic and heartbreakingly tender conclusion," promising that Broadway fans will find much to love in this adaptation.

@christress emphasized that Erivo and Grande-Butera "take their performances to the next level with jaw-dropping performances," while also praising the film for how it "expands and deepens the original source material in generally exciting and innovative ways."

These early reactions suggest that For Good not only meets the high bar set by Wicked but may even surpass it. The sequel appears to have successfully navigated the challenge of immense expectations, delivering a deeply satisfying experience for viewers.

Beyond its potential critical and financial success, the positive buzz surrounding For Good bodes well for Erivo and Grande-Butera’s chances at the Academy Awards. Both received nominations for Wicked, but neither took home a win. This time, either Erivo or Grande-Butera could very well walk away with an Oscar. In addition to their already-praised acting, they will be performing iconic songs like "For Good" and "No Good Deed," as well as brand-new tracks such as Elphaba’s "No Place Like Home" and Glinda’s "The Girl in the Bubble."

With multiple reactions highlighting how Wicked: For Good faithfully enhances the Broadway musical, these new songs appear to be part of a series of changes that viewers can expect. These changes seem to have resonated positively with audiences so far, positioning the sequel for another box office triumph that connects with both critics and general viewers.

Wicked: For Good is scheduled to arrive in theaters on November 21, 2025.