“Wicked: For Good” Touching Hearts

Written by Jayan Raju

Wicked: For Good is the highly-anticipated second-half to Wicked (2024). Both movies are a combined adaptation of the novel Wicked by Gregory Maguire and the Broadway musical based on that novel, Wicked, split into two films, one for each act. The film stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. The film premiered on Thanksgiving weekend, earning $150 million at the box office. Wicked has also had a cultural impact over the past two years. Whenever entering any major grocery or clothing store, you can expect to see the faces of Erivo and Grande everywhere you look. The film’s marketing budget reached $300 million for all of the new Wicked merchandise. The highly-anticipated second half received some disappointment and some wonderful excitement surrounding it.

Fans commonly talk about the second film being more intense. Josie Archer, a sophomore Public Relations major at Eastern Michigan University and Wicked enthusiast, stated, “The second half of the film was much more interesting and intense. Both halves are amazing but [Wicked:] For Good touched my heart the most.” 

As far as the casting of Erivo and Grande, many Wicked fans have celebrated both stars and their deep connection with the films. 

“I think that both Erivo and Grande were great options for this film,” Josie said. “Both understood the weight of the story and the fandom, and it has been quite common knowledge that both have been lifelong fans of this beautiful story. Both are understandably connected to this film, and it shows through their external passion throughout the media that this film isn’t just an obligation to them but a lifelong dream. You don’t get that much with Hollywood or film today.” 

Wicked: For Good, nonetheless, paid homage to the original broadway production starring Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth. The film carried out its promise of delivering a heartbreaking story of two friends being separated. Erivo and Grande had an excellent connection on-screen that showed a deep love for one another. The swooping musical numbers filled with excitement all had an underlying truth to them: because of the people we know, we have been changed for good.