Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Wicked: For Good Concludes Elphaba's Journey with Surprises

11/25/2025

43 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Elphaba and Glinda Conclude

Wicked: For Good was released on November 21, 2025 and concludes the story of Elphaba and Glinda with new songs and flashbacks.
Director Jon M. Chu kept the final shot, a close-up of Glinda whispering to Elphaba, from Universal executives to avoid marketing misuse.
The film honors L. Frank Baum's original book by showing Dorothy's silver shoes and includes Easter eggs referencing the Broadway musical and The Wizard of Oz.

Summary

Wicked Debuts Strong

Universal's "Wicked: For Good" opened in 2025 with $147 million domestic and $223 million worldwide, the second-highest domestic debut of 2025.
The film benefited from marketing partnerships with more than 400 brands, generating $330 million in media value.
Audiences gave it an A on CinemaScore despite mixed critical reviews.
The rise follows a trend of two-part adaptations, with Universal's marketing keeping the franchise relevant over two years.

History

Historical Context

"Wicked," a Broadway musical that premiered on October 30, 2003, reinterprets L. Frank Baum's "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" through the lens of friendship and societal judgment. Grossing over $1.5 billion, it became a cultural phenomenon, leading to the two-part film adaptation, with "Wicked: For Good" set for release on November 21, 2025, reflecting the ongoing popularity of revisiting classic narratives.

1 of 3

Elphaba and Glinda Conclude

Wicked: For Good was released on November 21, 2025 and concludes the story of Elphaba and Glinda with new songs and flashbacks.
Director Jon M. Chu kept the final shot, a close-up of Glinda whispering to Elphaba, from Universal executives to avoid marketing misuse.
The film honors L. Frank Baum's original book by showing Dorothy's silver shoes and includes Easter eggs referencing the Broadway musical and The Wizard of Oz.

1 / 3