Universal Pictures pulled back the emerald curtain Wednesday, Sept. 24, revealing a new trailer for Wicked: For Good. The sequel to last year’s smash hit stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, picking up the story where Wicked: Part One left off.
The film, directed by Jon M. Chu, lands in theaters Nov. 21.
A Fractured Friendship
The trailer opens with a tense exchange between the two witches. “I’m a public figure now, people expect me to…” Glinda begins, only to be cut off by Elphaba’s sly retort: “Fly?”
“Be encouraging!” Glinda snaps back, wand in hand. Their once-girlish friendship now simmers with rivalry, culminating in a moment where Glinda slams her wand against Elphaba’s broom on the yellow brick road.
The tone is darker than Part One, but not without flashes of humor, including Glinda’s bubbly exclamation, “I’m obsess-u-lated!”
Familiar Songs, New Twists
Fans of the Broadway original will recognize musical highlights tucked into the footage. Glinda belts her celebratory “Thank Goodness,” while Elphaba unleashes the powerful “No Good Deed.”
Romance also takes center stage. Jonathan Bailey’s Fiyero shares a soaring embrace with Elphaba during “As Long as You’re Mine.” Yet his apparent wedding to Glinda faces chaos as animals stampede through the ceremony, leaving Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh) to accuse Elphaba of sabotage.
A World Beyond the Witches
The preview teases more of Oz’s iconic residents. The Cowardly Lion, Tin Man, and Scarecrow all make appearances, hinting at their future alongside Dorothy. Meanwhile, a pivotal shot shows Elphaba’s sister Nessarose (Marissa Bode) levitating as her sparkling shoes glow ruby red.
The Wizard, played by Jeff Goldblum, returns in scenes that nod to his manipulation of both Glinda and Elphaba. In one lighter moment, the witches reprise their Ozdust Ballroom choreography, echoing a happier chapter of their school days.
What’s at Stake
According to the official synopsis, Wicked: For Good follows Elphaba as she continues fighting for the freedom of Oz’s silenced Animals, while Glinda enjoys her rise as the beloved figurehead of Goodness in Emerald City.
The two will be forced to confront one another, and themselves, if there’s any hope of changing Oz’s future.
With friendships strained, love tested, and ruby slippers shimmering at last, Wicked: For Good is shaping up to be more than a magical spectacle. It’s a battle for the heart of Oz.
