Spectacle Unveiled: “Wicked: For Good” Trailer Drops, Offering First Look at New Musical Numbers and Returning Stars

The highly anticipated second installment of Universal Pictures’ adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical “Wicked,” titled “Wicked: For Good,” has released its first official trailer, delighting fans with fresh glimpses of the magical Land of Oz and teasing new musical numbers. Directed by Jon M. Chu, this cinematic continuation promises to delve deeper into the complex relationship between Elphaba and Glinda, with an official release date set for November 21, 2025.

A Glimpse into “Wicked: For Good”

The newly released trailer offers a captivating look at the world of Oz, showcasing Elphaba, portrayed by Cynthia Erivo, and Glinda, brought to life by Ariana Grande, amidst rising conflict. The footage highlights dramatic moments, including Elphaba in flight on her broomstick and a tense confrontation between the two former friends. This second film adapts the second act of the original Broadway musical, exploring Elphaba’s transformation into the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda’s rise as Glinda the Good. The trailer also features snippets of iconic songs from the musical’s second act, such as “No Good Deed” and the titular “For Good,” along with hints of brand-new songs penned by original composer Stephen Schwartz, which are essential to the movie’s narrative development. The film’s soundtrack will also include expanded versions and new arrangements of existing music.

Returning Cast and New Introductions

Reprising their roles from the first film are Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard, Ethan Slater as Boq, and Marissa Bode as Nessarose. The ensemble cast also includes Peter Dinklage as Dr. Dillamond, Keala Settle, Bowen Yang, Bronwyn James, Aaron Teoh, and Colin Michael Carmichael, bringing a wealth of talent from both stage and screen. Notably, Marissa Bode makes her film debut as Nessarose, marking a significant inclusion as the first wheelchair-using actor to portray the character in the “Wicked” franchise.

From Broadway to the Big Screen

“Wicked” has a rich history, originating as a 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire that reimagined L. Frank Baum’s “The Wizard of Oz.” It was adapted into a triumphant Broadway musical in 2003 by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman, earning multiple Tony Awards and becoming a cultural phenomenon. The stage production’s enduring popularity, including long-running shows in the West End and across the globe, paved the way for this ambitious film adaptation. Universal Pictures, which was integral to the stage musical’s history, announced the film adaptation in 2012. Jon M. Chu was brought on as director after a lengthy development period, with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande cast in the lead roles in 2021. The decision to split the story into two parts was made to allow for deeper character development and to avoid omitting crucial plot points.

Fan Reception and Anticipation

The release of the trailer has generated considerable excitement and emotional reactions from fans across social media, with many praising the sneak peeks of the musical numbers and the performances of the lead actors. The first “Wicked” film, released in November 2024, achieved significant box office success, grossing over $756 million worldwide and receiving critical acclaim, including two Oscar wins for Costume Design and Production Design. This strong reception has set high expectations for “Wicked: For Good,” which is poised to continue the franchise’s success and captivate audiences with its compelling narrative and enchanting musical score. The film’s production, including the vocal recordings done live on set, reflects a commitment to capturing the magic of the stage musical for the cinematic experience.