Excitement buzzed through CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas this week when Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo took the stage to reveal the first trailer for “Wicked: For Good.” The Oscar-nominated stars, both dressed in striking black outfits, joined director Jon M. Chu and producer Marc Platt to present exclusive footage of the highly anticipated sequel. Early reactions describe the trailer as “dazzling” and “intriguing,” building substantial hype for the film’s release.
The sequel, which will continue the story from the first “Wicked” film, has been confirmed for a November 21, 2025 release date. This strategic timing places it almost exactly one year after the debut of the first installment. The trailer showcases the next chapter in the musical adaptation that chronicles the second act of the beloved Broadway show.
Movie fans and theater enthusiasts alike have been eagerly awaiting glimpses of this follow-up film. The trailer reveal marks an important milestone in the marketing campaign for “Wicked: For Good,” which is positioned to be one of the major theatrical releases of late 2025.
First Look at ‘Wicked: For Good’ Unveiled at CinemaCon 2025
At CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas, the highly anticipated first trailer for “Wicked: For Good” was unveiled, offering audiences a glimpse into the continuation of the beloved story. The sequel, set to release on November 21, 2025, picks up where the first film left off, delving deeper into the complex relationship between Elphaba and Glinda.
A Deeper Dive into the Land of Oz
The trailer opens with a poignant scene of Elphaba, portrayed by Cynthia Erivo, confronting Glinda, played by Ariana Grande, on the balcony of her Emerald City residence. This moment sets the tone for a narrative rich with emotional depth and moral complexities. Viewers are treated to glimpses of iconic characters, including Dorothy and her companions—the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion—making their way to meet the Wizard. These scenes promise a seamless integration of new and familiar elements from the classic tale.
Musical Highlights and New Additions
Musically, the trailer teases powerful renditions of “No Good Deed” by Erivo and “For Good” performed as a duet by Erivo and Grande. Fans can also look forward to two original songs crafted specifically for the film, adding fresh layers to the already rich tapestry of melodies that define the “Wicked” experience.
Evolution of Characters and Themes
Director Jon M. Chu emphasized the evolving journeys of the central characters. Glinda grapples with her alignment with the Wizard’s regime, leading to introspective examinations of her morality. Conversely, Elphaba embraces her powers from exile, challenging the oppressive forces of Oz. These arcs explore themes of loyalty, transformation, and the consequences of choices made in the pursuit of justice and acceptance.
Visual and Costume Design
In a notable departure from their characters’ traditional color palettes, both Erivo and Grande appeared at the CinemaCon presentation in coordinated all-black ensembles. This sartorial choice may hint at the darker, more mature themes explored in the sequel, reflecting the characters’ internal conflicts and the shifting dynamics of their relationship.
Anticipation Builds for the Sequel
The first installment of “Wicked” achieved monumental success, grossing over $680 million worldwide and earning critical acclaim for its adaptation of the Broadway musical. With the sequel, expectations are high as the narrative delves into the latter half of the original stage production, promising a cinematic experience that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant.
As the release date approaches, fans eagerly await further glimpses into the world of Oz, anticipating a film that honors its theatrical roots while offering new insights and interpretations of the cherished story.
Key Takeaways
- The first trailer for “Wicked: For Good” debuted at CinemaCon 2025 with stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo presenting the footage.
- The sequel is scheduled for theatrical release on November 21, 2025, one year after the first “Wicked” film.
- Early reactions to the trailer have been overwhelmingly positive, with viewers describing it as “dazzling” and building anticipation for the continuation of the story.
CinemaCon Reveal Highlights
Universal Pictures unveiled several exciting elements of the upcoming “Wicked: For Good” at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas. The presentation featured both footage reveals and star appearances that thrilled attendees.
First Glimpse of ‘Wicked: For Good’ Trailer
The “Wicked: For Good” trailer made its exclusive debut at CinemaCon, generating immediate buzz among industry insiders. Described by many as “dazzling” and “intriguing,” the footage offered the first official look at the second part of the Wicked saga.
The trailer highlighted the continuation of the story following the events of the first film. Universal Pictures carefully crafted the preview to showcase the film’s impressive visual effects and elaborate set designs.
Several key scenes were featured, giving audiences a taste of what’s to come without revealing major plot points. The musical numbers appeared to maintain the high production quality established in the first installment.
The trailer concluded with a dramatic sequence that left CinemaCon attendees eagerly anticipating the film’s release later this year.
Casting Revelations: Erivo and Grande
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande made a memorable appearance on stage during Universal’s presentation, reinforcing their commitment to the project. The duo discussed their continued journey with the characters of Elphaba and Glinda.
Erivo shared insights about the emotional depth of her character in this second installment. She highlighted how Elphaba’s transformation continues to develop throughout “For Good.”
Grande spoke about her character’s growth and the challenges of portraying Glinda’s complex arc in the sequel. Their chemistry was evident as they discussed working together.
Both performers expressed gratitude for fan support of the first film. They also teased that several new musical numbers would showcase their vocal talents in different ways than the first installment.
Director Jon M. Chu’s Vision
Jon M. Chu joined the cast on stage to discuss his approach to the second part of this ambitious adaptation. He explained how “For Good” completes the story while maintaining the visual style established in the first film.
The director revealed that he wanted to push boundaries even further with the sequel. Chu described working closely with the effects team to create magical sequences that would surpass audience expectations.
“This film completes our journey through Oz in ways I think will surprise and move audiences,” Chu stated during the presentation.
He also discussed the challenges of filming back-to-back productions and the advantage it gave to maintaining consistency. Chu thanked Universal Pictures for their support throughout the process.
The director emphasized that while the film honors the beloved source material, it also offers new elements that will make the cinematic experience distinct and memorable.
The Impact of ‘Wicked’ on Theaters and Box Office
The theatrical release of “Wicked” has created significant buzz in the entertainment industry, with the upcoming “Wicked: For Good” poised to continue this momentum when it hits theaters in November 2025.
Anticipating Box Office Success
The first “Wicked” film has already established itself as a major box office draw, creating high expectations for the sequel. Industry analysts predict “Wicked: For Good” could surpass its predecessor’s financial performance based on the strong reception at CinemaCon 2025.
The star power of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo continues to be a major draw for audiences. Their performances in the first film garnered critical acclaim, and the trailer footage of Erivo belting “No Good Deed” has generated substantial social media excitement.
Pre-sale ticket projections suggest theaters may experience record-breaking advance bookings when tickets become available. The November release date strategically positions the film for the holiday season, historically a lucrative period for theatrical releases.
Comparing Broadway and Theatrical Releases
The “Wicked” franchise demonstrates the successful translation of Broadway success to cinematic achievement. The original musical has run for over two decades on Broadway, creating a built-in audience for the film adaptations.
Unlike the stage production, the film version has expanded certain storylines and characters. The sequel notably features an enhanced role for Dorothy, as highlighted in the CinemaCon trailer, offering fresh material even for devoted fans of the Broadway show.
Theater owners have reported that the first “Wicked” film attracted both traditional moviegoers and theater enthusiasts who rarely visit cinemas. This crossover appeal has been particularly valuable for theaters still recovering from post-pandemic attendance challenges.
Global Theatrical Phenomenon
“Wicked” has transcended its American origins to become a worldwide theatrical event. International markets have shown tremendous enthusiasm for the musical adaptation, with dubbed and subtitled versions performing exceptionally well.
The marketing campaign for “Wicked: For Good” has emphasized the universal themes of friendship, courage, and identity that resonate across cultural boundaries. Theater chains in Asia and Europe have already begun preparing special screening events for the November release.
The film’s visual spectacle, particularly the recreation of Oz, provides compelling reasons for viewers to experience it in premium formats. IMAX and other large-format theaters reported some of their highest attendance figures for the first film, a trend expected to continue with the sequel.
The Journey of ‘Wicked’: From Stage to Screen
The beloved musical “Wicked” has traveled a long road from its Broadway debut to becoming a two-part film adaptation. This transformation required years of planning, creative vision, and the dedication of talented artists and producers.
The Evolution of a Broadway Classic
“Wicked” first captivated audiences on Broadway in 2003, quickly becoming one of the most successful musicals in theater history. Based on Gregory Maguire’s novel, the show offered a fresh perspective on the “Wizard of Oz” universe through the unlikely friendship between Elphaba and Glinda.
Producer Marc Platt acquired the rights to Maguire’s book in the late 1990s. He partnered with composer Stephen Schwartz to create the musical adaptation that would eventually run for over 7,000 performances on Broadway.
The show’s universal themes of friendship, identity, and standing up for what’s right helped it expand beyond New York. International productions opened in London, Tokyo, Melbourne, and many other cities worldwide.
Musical Adaptation and Cinematic Challenges
Transforming “Wicked” from stage to screen presented unique challenges. The production team needed to preserve the magical elements that theater audiences loved while creating an immersive cinematic experience.
Director Jon M. Chu chose to split the story into two films: “Wicked” and “Wicked: For Good.” This decision allowed the complex narrative and Stephen Schwartz’s beloved score to receive proper attention without cuts to important material.
The filmmakers used advanced visual effects to bring Oz to life. They balanced these technical elements with the emotional core of the story that made the musical so powerful.
Casting was crucial to the adaptation’s success. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande were selected to portray Elphaba and Glinda, bringing their considerable vocal talents to these demanding roles.
Cultural Significance and The ‘Wicked’ Universe
The “Wicked: For Good” trailer reveals how deeply the Oz mythology has embedded itself in our collective imagination while expanding its reach to new generations. The sequel continues to challenge our perceptions of good and evil through compelling characters.
Themes of Sisterhood and Choices
The trailer highlights the enduring friendship between Elphaba and Glinda, showing how their bond evolves after the events of the first film. Their relationship remains the emotional core of the story, demonstrating how different perspectives can lead to understanding rather than division.
In “Wicked: For Good,” Cynthia Erivo’s powerful rendition of “No Good Deed” suggests Elphaba’s continuing struggle with how her actions are perceived. This reflects the franchise’s central theme that intentions and outcomes don’t always align.
The story explores how choices have ripple effects throughout Oz. When characters like the Tin Man, Scarecrow, and Cowardly Lion appear, we see how Elphaba’s decisions have transformed lives in unexpected ways.
Expanding the Mythos of Oz
The CinemaCon footage introduces Dorothy to the “Wicked” universe, bridging the gap between the original “Wizard of Oz” story and this modern reinterpretation. This creates a more complete narrative of Oz’s complex history.
The Emerald City appears transformed in the sequel, reflecting the political shifts following the Wizard’s departure. These visual changes help audiences understand how power structures in Oz have evolved.
The Land of Oz itself becomes more fully realized in “Wicked: For Good.” New regions and characters expand our understanding of this fantasy world beyond the Yellow Brick Road and the famous emerald metropolis.
The trailer suggests that the film will explore the aftermath of labeling someone as “The Wicked Witch of the West,” examining how stories and legends shape our understanding of history and truth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fans are buzzing with questions about “Wicked: For Good” after its trailer debut at CinemaCon 2025. The sequel completes the adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical with returning stars and an anticipated November release.
When is the official release date for the ‘Wicked: For Good’ movie?
“Wicked: For Good” is scheduled to hit theaters on November 21, 2025. This release date comes approximately one year after the first part premiered.
The strategic holiday season timing aims to capitalize on family gatherings and the busy movie-going period. Universal Pictures confirmed this date during their CinemaCon presentation.
Who are the lead actors in the ‘Wicked: For Good’ film?
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo continue their starring roles as Glinda and Elphaba, respectively. Their performances in the first film received critical acclaim for their chemistry and vocal talents.
The pair recently teased that the sequel will feature “less waterworks” than the first installment, suggesting a potential tonal shift. Supporting cast members from the first film are also expected to return.
What are the initial fan reactions to the ‘Wicked: For Good’ trailer shown at CinemaCon 2025?
Early reactions to the exclusive trailer have been overwhelmingly positive. Industry insiders who viewed the footage at CinemaCon described it as “dazzling” and “intriguing.”
Social media buzz indicates high anticipation among fans of both the original Broadway show and newcomers to the franchise. The trailer’s visual effects and musical sequences received particular praise from those in attendance.
Which directors and producers are behind the ‘Wicked: For Good’ movie adaptation?
The film continues under the direction of Jon M. Chu, who also directed the first installment. His vision for bringing the musical to life has been praised for its faithfulness to the source material.
The production team includes veteran Broadway producers and Universal Pictures executives. Marc Platt, who produced the original Broadway show, remains involved as a key producer.
Have there been any announced changes or differences between the ‘Wicked: For Good’ movie and the original Broadway musical?
While staying true to the source material, some adaptations have been made for the film medium. The exact nature of these changes has been kept relatively secret to preserve surprises for audiences.
There are rumors of expanded musical numbers and deeper character development than was possible on stage. The two-part film format has allowed for more comprehensive storytelling than the stage version.
What are the expected locations where ‘Wicked: For Good’ will be filmed or has been filmed?
Principal photography for “Wicked: For Good” has already been completed. The film was shot primarily at Elstree Studios in the United Kingdom, where massive sets were constructed.
Additional filming took place at various locations around England to capture the diverse landscapes of Oz. Some scenes were also reportedly filmed back-to-back with the first movie to maintain continuity and efficiency.
