First 'Wicked: For Good' Reviews Praise Part 2 as 'Epic' Movie: Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo Expected to Get Oscar Noms
It sounds like the second Wicked movie is going to be just as good, if not better, than the first film.
The first Wicked: For Good public screening just took place in New York City for members of the Broadway cast and crew and now the first reviews are coming in. There were some critics in attendance at the screening and some other industry insiders have already had a sneak peek at the movie.
Variety‘s Clayton Davis says that the movie “flies high. Jon M. Chu helms an emotionally timely piece that deepens every spell cast by the first film. No surprise, Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande are SPECTACULAR (again).”
#WickedForGood flies high. Jon M. Chu helms an emotionally timely piece that deepens every spell cast by the first film. No surprise, Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande are SPECTACULAR (again). You're NOT ready for the “For Good” duet. A heartfelt end to Oz’s greatest friendship. pic.twitter.com/GaukWGJdzz
— Clayton Davis (@ByClaytonDavis) October 28, 2025
Based on all of these reviews, it seems like Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande will both be getting Oscar nominations again… and maybe even a win?!
Head inside to read all of the reviews…
Wicked: For Good will be hitting theaters everywhere on November 21 and tickets are already on sale. Watch the trailer now and find out who isn’t returning for the second movie!
Read all of the tweets below.
If Wicked part one was faithful to the blueprint of the stage, Wicked: For Good builds out the world to create a full and different (but the same) and extremely emotional version of act 2.
It’s a thrill ride and a heartbreaker and it’s sexy and everything you want it to be.
— David Gordon (@MrDavidGordon) October 28, 2025
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. pic.twitter.com/fjn33WML2C
— Rebecca Ford (@Beccamford) October 28, 2025
Saw wicked for good 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 jaw dropping performances. The film fully sticks the landing
— Chris Murphy (@christress) October 28, 2025
Get ready because #WickedForGood exceeds all expectations. 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… pic.twitter.com/rozw66JyEo
— Jazz Tangcay (@jazzt) October 28, 2025
Watching @wickedmovie with the original Broadway company is something I will never forget. Bring your tissues and watch out cause Ariana Grande is gonna win??! that Oscar. Wicked For Good hits theaters Nov 21 #wicked pic.twitter.com/QzYMtEgfM5
— Kobi Kassal (@kkassal) October 28, 2025
Some other @wickedmovie thoughts: @jonmchu did a fantastic job at both expanding and reeling in the Universe that pays homage to the stage musical and let’s it soar on it own. Cynthia’s No Good Deed was everything and Ariana Grande stole the film with a breathtaking portrayal pic.twitter.com/4UcmFsEv5h
— Kobi Kassal (@kkassal) October 28, 2025
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. pic.twitter.com/lTVqbZfawH
— Destiny Jackson (@DestinyDreadful) October 28, 2025
With some reservations that I carried over from the Act 2 Stage Show to Wicked: For Good, I’m happy to report that… SOMEHOW I’VE FALLEN UNDER Jon M. Chu’s spell. He managed to make Elphaba and Glinda’s friendship more vulnerable and powerful.
— Destiny Jackson (@DestinyDreadful) October 28, 2025
Ariana Grande’s soaring turn as the girl in the bubble is an emotionally complex tightrope that she balances effortlessly as she tries oscillating between the Good Witch’s need for perfection and the struggle for Glinda’s agency.#WickedForGood pic.twitter.com/BVKgADHRRm
— Destiny Jackson (@DestinyDreadful) October 28, 2025
Jonathan Bailey continues as the heartthrob of a lifetime in Wicked: For Good. His performance as the playboy w/ a dislike for all things nerd-ifying is *a real no brainer*. He digs deep to show just how much encountering the witch of his heart’s desire can change a man for good. pic.twitter.com/UaP8EHTtIB
— Destiny Jackson (@DestinyDreadful) October 28, 2025
Awards Journalist, Destiny Jackson, praises Cynthia Erivo’s performance in ‘WICKED: For Good’
“Cynthia Erivo continues to imbue her gravity defying powers from Wicked Pt 1 and channel them into a new intensity of care, passion and frustration bringing to life an Elphaba that… pic.twitter.com/Smu8J0Wx54
— Wicked Updates ???? (@wicked_updates) October 28, 2025