Overview
- The second chapter of Jon M. Chu’s two-part adaptation premiered in theaters Nov. 21, starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda alongside Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum and Michelle Yeoh.
- The film completes the screen version of the Broadway musical’s Act Two, converging with The Wizard of Oz timeline to close out the saga without revealing major plot points.
- Critics widely highlight Erivo and Grande as the emotional and vocal core, with multiple outlets calling Grande a scene stealer and noting burgeoning awards chatter.
- Reviews also cite lavish production design and scale, even as some argue the sequel’s plotting, pacing and Oz integration feel uneven or effects-heavy.
- The soundtrack released alongside the film features two new Stephen Schwartz songs, including “The Girl in the Bubble,” and early audience response metrics report very strong scores.