Overview
- The second film in Jon M. Chu’s two-part adaptation debuts nationwide today, with Thursday previews and a simultaneous soundtrack release from Republic Records.
- Rotten Tomatoes shows a notable split at launch, with a 74% critic score versus a 97% Verified Audience score reported in coverage.
- Stephen Schwartz added two new original songs, No Place Like Home and The Girl in the Bubble, which are awards-eligible and featured on the new soundtrack.
- The movie adapts Act Two of the stage musical and intersects with The Wizard of Oz lore, keeping Dorothy’s face offscreen; newcomer Bethany Weaver appears in silhouette.
- Critics widely commend Erivo and especially Grande—who is drawing awards buzz—even as reviews cite pacing and Act Two narrative challenges.