"Wicked: For Good," the second chapter of the Wicked saga, arrived in theaters on November 19, 2025, exactly one year after the release of the first film on November 20, 2024. Witnessing this second act unfold in the theater on its opening day, following the successful prelude of Part 1, delivered an overwhelming sense of emotion and closure. The Wicked series has evolved beyond a simple blockbuster event; it has established a special ritual for audiences to visit the theater on release day amidst high expectations. The fact that I was able to watch both installments on their respective opening days stands as a testament to the film’s compelling charm and the powerful immersion of its narrative.
Given the specific genre characteristics of a musical film, Wicked inevitably faces elements that may divide audience opinion. However, the sight of a crowded theater on opening day proves that this work has successfully formed a broad consensus that transcends mere niche fandom. The first part of Wicked was a significant box office hit in South Korea, recording 2.28 million viewers, which laid a solid foundation for the sequel. For audiences who had already watched Part 1 and followed its narrative arc, waiting for Part 2, Wicked: For Good, was a natural progression. This anticipation served as a powerful driving force that led many, myself included, to head straight to the cinema on opening day.
The first part of Wicked, produced with a massive budget of $145 million, achieved a staggering global box office revenue of $750 million. Regardless of this phenomenal success, the production team had made the bold decision early on to plan and produce Part 1 and Part 2 (For Good) simultaneously. This was an inevitable and courageous choice designed to faithfully capture the vast narrative of the original novel and musical. Based on the famous musical adapted from the novel, this film completes the story, with Part 1 covering the contents of Act 1, and Wicked: For Good now presenting the conclusion corresponding to Act 2.
Interestingly, despite being a major Hollywood blockbuster, Wicked: For Good had the honor of being released first in South Korea among global markets. In the case of Hollywood films, release dates are often determined by the day of the week and cultural characteristics of each country, and Korea frequently secures a relatively early release slot. This reflects the importance of the domestic film market, and thanks to this, Korean audiences often enjoy the benefit of encountering the latest Hollywood films sooner than almost any other nation. Wicked: For Good was no exception, allowing local fans to access the work quickly thanks to this advantageous positioning.
The core of the movie lies in the dramatic contrast and friendship between the two witches. Elphaba, played by Cynthia Erivo, is branded a 'Wicked Witch' by the world simply because of her green skin. In contrast, Glinda, played by Ariana Grande, is reborn as the 'Good Witch' loved by all. The Wizard, played by Jeff Goldblum, plays a decisive role in the fateful divergence of these two friends. Elphaba’s genuine attempt to expose the shocking secret hidden behind the Wizard’s facade paradoxically drives her into a corner, forcing the label of the 'Wicked Witch' upon her.
Just as the ending of the film was foreshadowed in the opening sequence of Part 1, the introduction from the first movie reappears at the end of this second installment, completing the narrative loop. Although the audience watches the film already knowing the conclusion due to this unique structure, following the story reveals that the dichotomy of Good and Evil is far from ambiguous or simple. In particular, the relationship between Elphaba and Glinda, who appear to be in a competitive rivalry on the surface, approaches the audience as a complex and deep friendship that transcends simple moral definitions.
Their relationship begins not as arch-enemies, but as intimate friends. Glinda, who has lived a life loved by everyone, harbors a fatal insecurity behind her bright exterior: she cannot perform magic. In a world dominated by magic, the fact that she is a witch lacking magical ability casts a deep shadow over her. She is a multi-dimensional character who constantly strives to meet the gaze and expectations of others but holds anxiety deep within her heart.
On the other hand, Elphaba, who carries the scarlet letter of being 'different from others' from birth due to her skin color, naturally attracts attention and wariness from those around her. Although she instills fear in people because of her appearance, she is actually born with powerful magical abilities. Her extraordinary talent ironically instills even greater terror in those who are already wary of her. Despite these conflicting backgrounds and abilities, the two share a deep friendship, but eventually, they choose different paths and part ways amidst the misunderstandings and conflicts created by the era and their environment.
Elphaba follows a strong conviction that the truth must be revealed amidst the absurdities of the world. Conversely, Glinda acts on the joy and responsibility of pleasing the public and meeting people's expectations. Rather than being driven by jealousy or resentment over their differing choices, their actions are based on mutual understanding and sincerity. Their heart for their friendship continues until the very end of the movie, finally completing a true happy ending hidden behind the stories of the 'Good Witch' and the 'Wicked Witch.'
The background of Wicked is the world of Oz, which we know well from "The Wizard of Oz." This connection is clearly established as the familiar setting appears at the end of the film. True to its identity as a musical film, numerous musical numbers flow throughout, raising curiosity about how this cinematic direction differs from the actual stage musical. However, with a running time of 137 minutes, it is relatively long, and some audiences may feel that the unique splendor of a musical film feels somewhat subdued or "calm" in this adaptation. If you watch the movie with this in mind, you will be able to enjoy the touching narrative and friendship of the two witches more deeply.
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