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Wicked: For Good’ Opens Strong as Reviews Weigh Second-Act Changes

Early momentum shows record preview sales with high audience scores despite cautious reviews.

Overview

  • Universal’s conclusion to the two-part Wicked adaptation opened in theaters on November 21, 2025, led by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
  • Deadline reported $30.8 million in Thursday previews, the biggest early premiere take for any 2025 release.
  • Rotten Tomatoes reflects a generally positive critical reception at about 69% alongside exceptionally high audience approval near 97%.
  • Coverage highlights added songs, an expanded focus on the central duo, and a reworked latter half that some critics see as corrective and others view as less effective.
  • Composer Stephen Schwartz said he and writer Winnie Holzman are exploring an Oz “adjunct” project, indicating franchise ideas that stop short of a direct sequel.