by Reese Cassidy ’28 on December 11, 2025
A&E - Film & TV
When the first Wicked movie arrived in theaters in November 2024, it did something unusual for a musical adaptation. It told only the first half of the iconic Broadway musical, which left viewers waiting nearly a full year for the second act. The second movie, Wicked: For Good, was released this November and continued where the musical would pick up right after intermission. Now that both parts are finally out, audiences are asking whether the wait was necessary or disrupted the experience.
Splitting a musical into two feature films is rare, but the reasoning behind the decision was simple. The creators believe that condensing the entire plot of Wicked into one standard movie would reduce the impact of its complex story. The first movie focuses on building Oz, developing unlikely friendships, and the beginning of some heated rivalries. The second movie carries more of the weight of consequences, politics, and moral dilemmas.
The first Wicked film contains a lot of discovery. Elphaba arrives at Shiz University, builds friendships, and begins to understand her own power. The tone is bright, emotional, and occasionally playful. Although conflict is present through the prejudice Elphaba faces, the film’s focus is on identity and belonging. The movie ends at a dramatic turning point that sends the characters down the paths they will follow in the sequel.
Wicked: For Good is heavier and more mature. It deals with corruption, propaganda, love, betrayal, and the harsh consequences of being different. Visually and narratively, the second movie carries more weight. The stakes are higher and the emotional payoff arrives only because of the groundwork laid in the first film. Seeing the films back to back or even remembering the arc from last year’s movie makes it clear that neither half would feel complete without the other. The second film benefits from the extra space. Major character decisions land more powerfully because viewers have already spent time connecting with the characters.
Waiting a year between releases was a gamble. From one perspective, the delay created anticipation. Fans spent months rewatching the first film, listening to the soundtrack, analyzing costumes and plot clues, and sharing theories online. Social media and streaming activity kept interest alive, and the November holiday release for both parts helped maintain visibility. This kind of slow build can turn a sequel into an event, rather than just another movie. For a story with a loyal following, this style of release can strengthen excitement rather than weaken it. On the other hand, the gap risked losing casual viewers. People who enjoyed the first film but were not die-hard fans might have moved on. A year is a long time to maintain an emotional connection, especially when the first film ended on a major cliffhanger. Some moviegoers may have forgotten details or lost interest entirely. Yet the response to the second film shows that many audiences were still invested. Box office results indicate a strong turnout, especially on opening weekend. The second movie appears to have benefited from an audience that was waiting rather than one that lost momentum.
The biggest artistic benefit of the split is pacing. Wicked has a dense plot, a large cast, and a world full of politics, magic, and emotional stakes. With two movies, the filmmakers did not have to rush through character development. Elphaba and Glinda receive more space to grow. Their friendship, rivalry, and eventual transformation have time to feel earned. In a single film, these arcs might have collapsed into just a few scenes. In two films, they breathe. The result is a deeper emotional impact when the story reaches its darker, more dramatic conclusion.
In the end, the decision to release Wicked and Wicked: For Good a year apart was a strategic choice that combined storytelling logic and commercial strategy. The two halves differ in tone, pacing, and emotional weight, but they feel like parts of one intentional journey.
The wait between them could have weakened interest. Instead, it created anticipation and allowed both films to become moments on the calendar rather than a single weekend event. The story feels richer because of the space. The final resolution lands with more force because audiences were invited to sit with the unfinished story for a year.
Not every franchise could pull this off, but Wicked has the benefit of a strong fan base, recognizable music, and a narrative that rewards patience. For most viewers, the wait was worth it. The two films together form a complete experience that honors the scale of the stage musical while adding cinematic depth. The magical world of Oz may have taken two Novembers to unfold on screen, but the experiment proved that sometimes storytelling needs room and time to reach its fullest potential.