With the success ofWicked, the upcomingWicked: For Goodhas one big challenge after the first film’s best scenes. Since its release on August 13, 2025,Wickedhas continued to defy gravity, continuously breaking box office records along the way.Wickedalso scored well with critics, most likely securing some nominations for the upcoming Academy Awards.Wickedis a hit on all accounts, which bodes well forWicked: For Good.
Much to the annoyance of some who didn’t pay attention to the marketing,Wickedactually ended up being just the first part of a two-part film, withWicked Part 2set to be released on June 05, 2025, once again taking advantage of that pre-Thanksgiving slot. The sequel will obviously cover the second half of the story, picking up right afterWicked’s emotional ending, setting the stage for a grand finale. Still,Wicked Part 2has one major challenge to overcome when it comes out.
Wicked Part 1’s Two Best Scenes Are The Most Predictable
You Probably Already Knew They’d Be The Best Parts Of The Movie
Going intoWicked,two of the most anticipated moments also predictably ended up being the best; the musical numbers, “Popular” and “Defying Gravity.“The two songs were megahits for the Broadway show, consistently being thought of as the most popular songs by far. The first half ofWickedneeded to nail both of these scenes, and it did with flying colors, making the song sequences some of the best moments.
Cynthia Erivo blew everyone away with her performance of the song, endingWickedon the film’s highest note going into the sequel.
“Popular” is a classic Glinda song, and Ariana Grande does it justice, showing off her immense talents as both an actor and a singer. Her decision to seemingly selflessly reinvent Elphaba is truly one of the best scenes in the entire film. Of course, “Defying Gravity” is what can be considered the quintessentialWickedsong, seeing Elphaba embrace who she is. Cynthia Erivo blew everyone away with her performance of the song, endingWickedon the film’s highest note going into the sequel.
Wicked Part 2’s Lack Of A Big Song Number Is Its Biggest Issue
There’s No “Popular” Or “Defying Gravity” Left
Given thatWickedis one of the most popular Broadway musicals of all time, one of its biggest draws is obviously the stellar musical numbers throughout. The biggest problem, though, is that most of the best songs in the show are in the first half, which is the same for the first film.“Popular” and “Defying Gravity” are unlikely to be matched by anything coming inWicked: For Good, which already feels like the sequel’s biggest challenge.
10 Best Wicked Scenes That Highlight Glinda & Elphaba’s Powerful Friendship
Wicked’s Elphaba and Glinda teach audiences many important lessons about the power of friendship, standing by each other in moments of crisis.
Wicked: For Goodsimply does not have such huge musical numbers to count on, which could lead to the final part in the duology feeling a little lacking in energy compared to what came before. There are more twists in the story, and arguably even more emotional moments, but the songs are the easiest part of the marketing, and unless we see a swerve to reprise “Defying Gravity” (which isn’t out of the question), I can’t see any of the new songs that comes close. Massive songs are arguably the biggest draw in musicals, which meansWicked: For Goodhas its work cut out for it heading into its release.
Wicked
Cast
Wicked adapts the Broadway musical into a two-part film, following the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, born with green skin, and Glinda, a popular aristocrat, in the Land of Oz. As they navigate their contrasting paths, they evolve into Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
