Is it time for “Wicked” to conquer the Oscars, for good?
Universal Pictures’ musical fantasy sequel appears poised to match or exceed its predecessor’s impressive showing at the Academy Awards, based on the first social media reactions that were shared on Monday night.
Director Jon M. Chu’s “Wicked: For Good,” written by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox, continues the story begun in 2024’s “Wicked,” which adapted the first act of the hit 2003 Broadway musical by Stephen Schwartz and Holzman. The follow-up adapts the second act, exploring the aftermath of Elphaba and Glinda’s diverging paths — one as the infamous Wicked Witch of the West, the other as the beloved Glinda the Good.
The film’s Oscar prospects look strong enough to repeat last year’s 10 nominations, cementing the two-part adaptation as a genuine awards powerhouse, based on the most passionate reactions that have trickled in.
Deadline awards writer Destiny Jackson praised the film on X, calling it “an epic and heartbreakingly tender conclusion” to Chu’s fantastical saga.
“All Good Deeds Go Rewarded in ‘Wicked: For Good,’” she wrote. “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.”
Variety’s senior artisans editor Jazz Tangcay echoed the praise. She wrote on X that “Wicked: For Good” goes above and beyond “all expectations” and gave particular praise to Chu’s directing.
“Jon M. Chu is a genius in the way he brings this to a close,” Tangcay wrote. “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 as she takes this performance to the next level and is a tour de force. And wow, the world building, the costumes, and Alice Brooks’ cinematography deserve your attention. Can not wait to see it again. I sobbed hard. ‘Wicked: For Good’ is sheer musical greatness.”
Vanity Fair staff writer Chris Murphy also shared a glowing review on X, highlighting the performances of stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
“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,” he wrote. “Cynthia and Ari take their performances to the next level with jaw-dropping performances. The film fully sticks the landing.”
Entertainment writer David Gordon wrote on X that “Wicked: For Good” was “everything you want it to be,” taking the original vision of the stage play to dazzling new heights.
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,” Gordon wrote. “It’s a thrill ride and a heartbreaker and it’s sexy and everything you want it to be.”
Vanity Fair senior awards correspondent Rebecca Ford added to the hype on X, writing, “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.”
WICKED, Cynthia Erivo (green face), director Jon M. Chu (center), Ariana Grande (right), on set, 2024. ph: Giles Keyte /© Universal Pictures /Courtesy Everett Collection
©Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection
If both Erivo and Grande are nominated again for playing Elphaba and Glinda, they would join a very short list, becoming the seventh and eighth performers in Oscars history to be recognized twice for the same role.
Erivo already made history with the first “Wicked” becoming the second Black woman to receive multiple nominations for best actress after Viola Davis. Oscar winner Davis and two-time winner costume designer Ruth E. Carter are the most Oscar-nominated Black women in history, with four noms each. Erivo is currently tied with Octavia Spencer at three nominations (Spencer has one win). Erivo’s two Oscar noms were for best actress for “Harriet” (2019) and the original song “Stand Up,” becoming the third person to be recognized for acting and music in the same year. I’d keep an eye on Erivo being a frontrunner for the Globe in the lead actress (comedy or musical) category. Whether that can be enough to topple someone like Jessie Buckley (“Hamnet”) will be a hurdle the campaign will need to overcome.
The current landscape of the supporting actress race reveals a genuine — and increasingly promising — pathway for Grande to enter the thick of the conversation for her first Academy Award. Her performance as Glinda is a fully realized piece of acting that balances humor, heartbreak and show-stopping charisma. If the season’s momentum holds, Grande could find herself not only in the mix but a legitimate contender for Oscar gold.
Self-proclaimed “Wicked” experts will often say the second act of the stage show isn’t as strong as the first half since it lacks a showstopper like “Defying Gravity.” However, Chu, along with writers Holzman and Fox, once again elevate the material, particularly in the incredibly emotional “For Good,” which features the most decisive acting moment for both women in both films (possibly the most decisive moment of their careers). Tears will flow, rivers will rise, and Oscar contenders are solidified in those moments.
The film features a mix of beloved songs from the stage musical and two new original numbers: “No Place Like Home,” sung by Erivo’s Elphaba, and “The Girl in the Bubble,” performed by Grande’s Glinda. Both tracks are penned by Schwartz, who also composes alongside John Powell. Added songs in beloved musicals like “Wicked” that are later adapted for the big screen are rarely considered “better” or even match the original material’s praise. Nonetheless, despite those presumed “flaws,” they can still be embraced by the Music Branch, especially if they are considered to be, in the best picture conversation. Those in the last 25 years have included: “Suddenly” from “Les Misérables” (2012), “Learn to be Lonely” from “The Phantom of the Opera” (2004), “I Move On” from “Chicago” (2002), “Take It All” from “Nine” (2009) and the three original numbers from “Dreamgirls” (2006) — “Listen,” “Love You I Do” and “Patience.”
While both new “Wicked” songs may face mixed reactions, this is the three-time Oscar-winning Schwartz we’re talking about. The branch reveres the legendary musician. Both songs getting nominated might be too ambitious, especially with this stacked field unfolding (i.e., “Golden” from “KPop Demon Hunters”). If one makes it, the smart bet is on “The Girl in the Bubble,” considering its placement later in the movie.
With “For Good’s” technical categories likely locked for recognition — including the previously winning production design and costume design — along with viable win-worthy makeup, sound and visual effects, you could pencil in “Wicked: For Good” for one of the 10 best picture slots.
Whether it translates into more nominations or more wins is a question for the upcoming awards season to answer. One thing that feels certain is the “Wicked” phenomenon isn’t finished casting its spell on Oscar voters.
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