Universal Pictures has made a “wicked” new comeback that has left Hollywood in utter awe: on Nov. 21, the second part to the record-breaking film adaptation of the original Broadway musical, “Wicked”, was released in theaters. Titled “Wicked: For Good”, this continuation was much-awaited among fans after a full year since the first part’s release back in 2024.
From stage to screen, “Wicked” certainly enchanted its viewers with its impressive use of color, vocal-heavy discography, and not to mention, the beautiful invocation of emotion that touched the hearts of many.
“Wicked,” adapted from the 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire of the same name, follows the Wicked Witch of the West in a remarkable origin story featuring familiar characters like the Good Witch and the Wizard of Oz.
The main protagonists, Glinda and Elphaba, have an exceptionally special friendship that is a major aspect of the plot which brought forth a rollercoaster of bittersweetness, melancholy, and compassion as the story progressed.
For this reason, “Wicked” has grown to be a very popular franchise, especially among teenagers. “I honestly started crying during the Ozdust ballroom scene because it was so good, and seeing Glinda and Elphaba finally reach a point where they come to an understanding was really amazing,” said STEM senior Cece Mazimba when asked about her thoughts on the 2024 adaptation.
The recent release of “Wicked: For Good” led fans to line up at theaters with the excitement of witnessing the grand finale of the musical. According to Variety, it saw a remarkable box office accomplishment, having made $223 million worldwide during just its opening weekend.
This is not a surprise, however, as “Wicked: For Good” actually proved to be even more “popular” than the first act of the musical, breaking the previous opening weekend box office record by $59 million. It is quite clear that “Wicked: For Good” is making cinema history.
As the newly established second act approached, the iconic color palette of the franchise — what fans are now calling “Elphaba green” and “Glinda pink” — dominated grocery stores and shopping malls (and now movie theaters) alike. The “Wicked” marketing team collaborated with brands like Owala, Gap, Le Creuset, R.E.M. Beauty, Pottery Barn, Febreze, PetSmart, and so many more.
These product lines straight from the wonderful world of Oz are currently dominating shoe stores to kitchen tools — a certainly magical experience that all “Wicked” fans are lining up to purchase and flaunt. “The franchise shines most in its promotion and visual branding,” says SAS junior and avid “Wicked” fan Jayla Ajugwo. “[The franchise] understands its aesthetic better than most modern musicals.”
Since its pre-Thanksgiving release, “Wicked: For Good” has earned tons of praise, and not just from fellow Ozians. STEM junior Mane Frangulyan, who claims to have been only converted into a fan after watching the new second act this November, greatly appreciated the smoothness of the story and its ability to connect everything together: “It kept the emotional tone of the original story whilst adding new characters and expanded the world of Wicked in a meaningful sense.”
Other aspects of the film were also memorable. To Ajugwo, one of those was the spectacular soundtrack. “The music feels even more mature and dramatic this time, with bigger emotional swings. The orchestration supports the character arcs perfectly, and the new arrangements make familiar themes feel fresh,” she said when asked about her favorite elements.
“It’s the part that stays with you the longest.” It is certain that many can agree with Ajugwo, as the powerful and bewitching moments of “No Good Deed” to the heart-wrenching duets of “As Long As Your Mine” and “For Good” had viewers wickedly impressed leaving the theater.
The number one thing that most seem to agree with, however, is the impression that actresses Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba Thropp) and Ariana Grande (Galinda “Glinda” Upland) left on everyone. SAS sophomore Sophia Cariga, who wasn’t familiar with Erivo before “Wicked,” praised, like many, the actress’ outstanding performance with Grande in both the first and second installments: “The vocal and acting strength of both actresses gave so much life to the film.” HGM junior Luna Kup was also significantly impressed as a classically trained singer herself, believing that “the repertoire for both Glinda and Elphaba are really difficult to pull off since it is such an emotional rollercoaster with a really big range requirement for both.”
Other reasons for loving the actors came from a more personal connection with them. Mazimba, who has been interested and involved in the performing arts industry since she was very young, was wholeheartedly uplifted by Erivo’s talent. “She really has inspired so many with her performance as Elphaba, reaching into many young girls hearts — mine included — especially the Black community and I think at this time that’s really important to have in the arts community.” This different perspective that Mazimba has taken certainly has the potential to influence more appreciation for those behind the making — especially Erivo — of “Wicked” and “Wicked: For Good.”
Whether through theaters, social media, or brand collaborations, the “Wicked” franchise is continuing to top the global cinema market. Its streak in the box office is not over either, and it has remained the topic of much idle discussion among fans and non-fans alike. This Ozian era will surely be in the history books.
