“Wicked: For Good” was released on Nov. 21, with many anticipating the new movie after the success of the first part, “Wicked,” which launched a year before. The “Wicked” franchise connects with the “Wizard of Oz” narrative, providing a backstory for the main characters through the “Wicked” films. Starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, the movie picks up where Part One left off, exploring Elphaba’s and Glinda’s diverging paths and the consequences of their choices. Throughout the new movie, their relationship is tested by the Wizard’s manipulation and Fiyero’s involvement.
“Wicked” is about friendship, possibility and Elphaba’s past, while “Wicked: For Good” focuses more on conflict, loss and the consequences the characters face and how they resolve them.
“Overall, the second movie had a more serious and emotional tone. It focused on Elphaba and Glinda, who found their final paths and grew and changed while saying goodbye to one another,” science teacher Ms. Bianco said.
Leading up to the release of “Wicked: For Good,” fans made many predictions and theories. One notable prediction involved the conflict between the Fiyero-Glinda-Elphaba love triangle. Some fans speculated that Glinda and Fiyero would not end up together, and that Elphaba might find her own closure.
“My predictions for the second part would be Glinda gets engaged to Fiyero, but Elphaba is still in love with him, causing Glinda and Elphaba to become enemies,” eighth grader Eva Lipari said.
TikTok’s response to the movie drew mixed opinions and multiple trends. One trending TikTok sound came from actress Michelle Yeoh, who plays Madam Morrible. In one of her interviews, she made a jingle, stating, “Madam Morrible, M, M, flip it around, Wicked Witch.” The phrase has gone viral on TikTok and is used as a transition to switch from a calmer to a wilder persona. With the sound’s success, it has brought more attention to and engagement with the “Wicked” musical.
“Wicked: For Good” builds on the first film, carrying similar excitement while introducing new storylines and characters. The movie continues themes of friendship and fighting for animal rights, prompting widespread discussion both online and in theaters. By balancing entertainment with character development, “Wicked: For Good” leaves viewers reflecting on what it means to choose between good and evil.
