Wicked fans, the journey through Oz is far from over! While the first film of Jon M. Chu’s two-part adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical Wicked hit theaters just days ago on November 22, 2024, the anticipation for Wicked: Part Two is already soaring. The sequel is set to continue the enchanting tale on November 21, 2025, giving us just enough time to relive Part One and speculate on what’s next for Elphaba, Glinda, and the magical world of Oz.
As someone who left the theater still humming “Defying Gravity,” I’m already counting down the days until Part Two. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming sequel—plot details, cast insights, and the creative decisions that brought this epic musical to life.
Recap of Wicked: Part One
Wicked: Part One introduced us to the magical world of Oz through Elphaba and Glinda’s evolving relationship. With powerful performances by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, the film ended on a climactic note, leaving fans eager for more. For an in-depth breakdown of all the key moments, don’t miss my detailed review of Wicked: Part One
What Happens Next? (Spoiler Alert!)
If you’re new to Wicked or haven’t seen the Broadway musical, beware—spoilers lie ahead! Here’s how the story unfolds in the stage musical, which serves as the blueprint for the films.
Director Jon M. Chu has stayed true to the source material, splitting the Broadway production into two parts to give the characters’ emotional journeys the depth they deserve. Part One ends with Elphaba’s iconic performance of “Defying Gravity,” marking her transformation into the so-called Wicked Witch of the West.
In Part Two, we pick up where we left off, diving into the events that run parallel to The Wizard of Oz.
1. Glinda’s Rise as Glinda the Good
The sequel opens with Glinda now fully embracing her role as “Glinda the Good.” She has become a public figure, often appearing before the citizens of Oz to maintain order and uphold the Wizard’s narrative. In the wake of Elphaba’s rebellion, Glinda aligns herself with the Wizard and Madame Morrible, solidifying her position as a symbol of goodness in the eyes of Oz.
However, the opening scenes hint at Glinda’s internal conflict. While she outwardly supports the regime, her feelings about Elphaba and the events that unfolded at the end of Part One remain complicated. Her struggle to reconcile her public persona with her private doubts sets the stage for emotional tension throughout the story.
2. The People of Oz Turn Against Elphaba
Elphaba is now branded as the “Wicked Witch of the West,” thanks to propaganda spread by the Wizard and Morrible. The people of Oz, manipulated by lies and fear, view her as a dangerous outlaw. This public sentiment escalates, with the citizens calling for her capture and punishment.
In a parallel to the original Wizard of Oz, we see the broader effects of Elphaba’s rebellion on the citizens of Oz, showcasing how propaganda can manipulate the masses. This exploration of mob mentality and misinformation adds depth to the narrative, making it more relevant than ever.
3. Elphaba’s Visit to Nessarose
One of the most heartbreaking moments in Act Two comes when Elphaba visits her sister, Nessarose, who is now the Governor of Munchkinland. Nessarose’s desperation for love leads her to drastic measures—she strips the Munchkins of their rights in an attempt to make Boq stay with her.
In an effort to comfort her sister, Elphaba uses magic to enchant their late mother’s jeweled shoes, giving Nessarose the ability to walk. However, this act of kindness backfires when Boq rejects Nessarose yet again. In her anger and heartbreak, Nessarose accidentally causes a magical mishap that turns Boq into the Tin Man. Nessarose blames Elphaba, deepening the rift between the sisters.
4. Fiyero’s Inner Struggle
Fiyero, now the captain of the Wizard’s guard, faces his own moral dilemma. Though engaged to Glinda, his heart remains with Elphaba. He cannot bear the lies being spread about her and becomes increasingly disillusioned with the Wizard’s regime.
When Fiyero helps Elphaba escape from the Wizard’s forces, his actions put him in grave danger. His defiance of the Wizard marks a turning point in his character arc, cementing his loyalty to Elphaba and solidifying their bond.
5. The Tornado That Changes Everything
The Wizard and Morrible devise a cruel plan to draw Elphaba out of hiding—they orchestrate the tornado that brings Dorothy’s house to Oz. This tornado not only kills Nessarose but also sets the events of The Wizard of Oz in motion. Dorothy’s arrival and the death of Nessarose add to the chaos, forcing Elphaba into action.
This event is a pivotal moment in the story, as it ties the plot of Wicked directly to the classic tale of The Wizard of Oz. It also showcases Morrible’s manipulative power and willingness to use natural disasters as weapons.
6. The Confrontation Over the Ruby Slippers
Elphaba and Glinda’s paths cross again when they both learn about Dorothy and the ruby slippers—now enchanted with the magic Elphaba gave to Nessarose’s shoes. Glinda gives the slippers to Dorothy, angering Elphaba, who sees them as a precious keepsake of her late sister.
This confrontation leads to a heated argument between the two witches. Their friendship, already strained, seems beyond repair. However, this moment also serves as a catalyst for their eventual reconciliation, setting the stage for one of the musical’s most emotional scenes.
7. The Emotional Reunion: “For Good”
As the Wizard’s forces close in on Elphaba, she and Glinda share one final, heartfelt moment together. In the song “For Good,” the two witches acknowledge the profound impact they’ve had on each other’s lives. Despite their differences and the circumstances that tore them apart, they express gratitude for their friendship.
This duet is a cornerstone of the musical, showcasing the depth of their relationship and leaving audiences in tears. It’s a moment of closure for both characters, allowing them to part ways on bittersweet terms.
8. The Tragic Ending
Elphaba is seemingly defeated when Dorothy throws a bucket of water on her, causing her to “melt.” Glinda is left to pick up the pieces, taking charge of Oz by banishing the Wizard and arresting Morrible. However, the audience learns that Elphaba’s death was a ruse—she fakes her demise to escape with Fiyero, who has been transformed into the Scarecrow.
This ending offers a glimmer of hope amid the tragedy, showing that Elphaba and Fiyero have found a way to be together, even if it means leaving everything behind.
9. Glinda’s New Role
With Elphaba gone, Glinda steps into a leadership role in Oz. She banishes the Wizard after discovering that he is Elphaba’s father and takes steps to ensure that the corruption of Morrible and the Wizard’s regime will not continue.
This marks a significant evolution in Glinda’s character. Once a naive and self-centered young woman, she becomes a wise and compassionate leader, honoring Elphaba’s legacy by striving for justice and fairness in Oz.
These key moments form the backbone of Wicked: Part Two, promising a darker, more emotionally complex narrative that delves into the consequences of the characters’ choices. By staying true to the stage musical while adding cinematic depth, the sequel is poised to be an unforgettable conclusion to this epic story.
The Cast: Familiar Faces Return
One of the best things about Wicked: Part Two is that the original cast from Part One is returning, ensuring continuity in performances and storytelling.
- Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba: Her powerhouse vocals and emotional depth in Part One have set the stage for a transformative performance in Part Two.
- Ariana Grande as Glinda: Grande’s comedic timing and vocal prowess brought fresh energy to Glinda, and fans can’t wait to see how she navigates Glinda’s growing responsibilities.
- Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero: The Bridgerton star shone as the charming Fiyero, whose inner conflict will take center stage in the sequel.
- Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible: Yeoh’s portrayal of the manipulative Morrible promises even more sinister moments in Part Two.
- Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard: With his enigmatic charm, Goldblum’s Wizard will likely face more scrutiny as his true motives come to light.
Behind the Scenes: Crafting a Two-Part Epic
Director Jon M. Chu has shared fascinating insights into the making of Wicked. The decision to split the musical into two films wasn’t made lightly.
“We knew we didn’t want to pull the movie away from the show so far that it wasn’t the show that I loved,” Chu explained. Splitting the story allowed for greater emotional depth, especially for pivotal moments like Elphaba’s transformation in “Defying Gravity.”
Fun Facts from Production
- Shooting Both Films Together: The cast and crew filmed Parts One and Two back-to-back over 160 days, pausing only briefly due to industry strikes.
- New Songs by Stephen Schwartz: Fans can look forward to original music crafted specifically for the films, adding fresh layers to the iconic story.
- Broadway Cameos: Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, the original Elphaba and Glinda, made surprise appearances in Part One. Could more Broadway legends make appearances in Part Two?
Themes to Watch For
Wicked has always been about more than just magical spells and flying monkeys. It’s a story of friendship, identity, and standing up for what you believe in.
As the plot takes a darker turn in Part Two, themes of political manipulation, sacrifice, and the price of power will come to the forefront. Watching Elphaba and Glinda navigate these challenges is sure to be an emotional rollercoaster.
Why Wicked: Part Two Is Worth the Wait
- Unforgettable Music: From the poignant “For Good” to Schwartz’s new compositions, the soundtrack alone is worth the anticipation.
- Stunning Visuals: If the Emerald City dazzled you in Part One, expect even more jaw-dropping cinematography in the sequel.
- A Story That Resonates: At its core, Wicked is about relationships—between friends, family, and society. These universal themes make it a story for everyone.
Mark Your Calendars!
Wicked: Part Two is shaping up to be a cinematic masterpiece that concludes this two-part journey through Oz in spectacular fashion. With its star-studded cast, breathtaking visuals, and emotionally charged narrative, it’s bound to be one of the most memorable films of 2025.
So, grab your broomsticks, mark your calendars for November 21, 2025, and get ready to defy gravity once more!
Mohit Singhania is a passionate film enthusiast and the creator of CinematicJunction.com, a platform dedicated to exploring the world of movies and web series.
With a commitment to delivering original, high-quality content, Mohit combines his love for storytelling with sharp insights into the entertainment industry. When he’s not writing, you can find him binge-watching the latest series or diving deep into the art of filmmaking.
Stay tuned to Cinematic Junction for your daily dose of cinematic trends, reviews, and more!
