A Magical Return to Oz at CinemaCon

Las Vegas turned into a magical land this week as Universal Pictures unveiled the much-anticipated trailer for “Wicked: For Good” at CinemaCon 2025. The annual convention, which hosts theater owners and movie insiders from across the globe, was buzzing with excitement as Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande — joined by director Jon M. Chu — returned to the stage to introduce the sequel to the blockbuster hit “Wicked.”

This stunning follow-up continues the backstory of Elphaba and Glinda, offering a deeper dive into the events before, during, and after Dorothy’s unexpected arrival in the land of Oz. Though the trailer has not yet been released to the public, those lucky enough to be in the room described it as both dazzling and emotionally charged, setting social media abuzz.

From soaring vocals to flying monkeys, and even a glimpse of Dorothy, this trailer promises that “Wicked: For Good” will take audiences on a powerful and emotional ride. But it is not just the visuals that captivated audiences — the sisterhood, drama, and tension between the characters were on full display.

Powerhouse Performances: Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande Steal the Spotlight

Returning to their roles as Elphaba and Glinda, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande bring a fresh emotional depth to the characters that fans have long adored on stage. While neither sang live at the event, audiences were treated to recorded clips of their performances — and what a performance it was. Erivo’s soul-stirring version of “No Good Deed” had the crowd cheering, while Grande’s sweet yet commanding vocals in “For Good” perfectly captured Glinda’s evolving persona.

The chemistry between the two leads is unmistakable. Their friendship, tension, and ultimate rivalry unfold with authenticity, drawing the viewer deeper into the fantasy world of Oz. According to those in attendance, Erivo delivered one of the most emotionally impactful moments of the trailer when she looked Glinda in the eye and said, “You’re the only friend I’ve ever had.” To which Grande’s Glinda replied, “And I’ve had so many friends. But you’re the only one that mattered.”

These poignant lines echo the powerful themes of sisterhood and sacrifice — themes that continue to make “Wicked” one of the most enduring Broadway tales ever adapted to film.

A Visual Feast: From Grimmerie Spells to Flying Monkeys

Director Jon M. Chu, known for his vibrant visual style in “Crazy Rich Asians” and “In the Heights,” returns with an even more enchanted and high-budget version of Oz in “Wicked: For Good.” The trailer revealed breathtaking glimpses into this universe — including scenes of Elphaba mastering the powerful Grimmerie spellbook, Glinda adjusting her golden crown, and the rise of dark forces in the Emerald City.

Standout scenes included an opulent wedding between Glinda and Fiyero, filled with dazzling costumes and rich set design, and the menacing flight of terrifying winged monkeys against the backdrop of a stormy Oz sky. These moments balance magic with intensity, setting a more mature and emotionally layered tone than its predecessor.

The most iconic scene, however, was the dramatic arrival of Dorothy and her companions — the Tin Man, Scarecrow, and Cowardly Lion — at the gates of the Emerald City. Though they remain secondary characters in this narrative, their brief appearance bridges “Wicked” with the world of “The Wizard of Oz,” creating a thrilling sense of continuity.

Behind the Scenes: The Cast and Crew Speak to the Fans

CinemaCon attendees were not just dazzled by the footage — they also got a heartfelt thank-you from the film’s stars and creators. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, both dressed in stunning black outfits symbolizing the contrasting natures of their characters, expressed their gratitude to theater owners and fans for the overwhelming support.

“It’s been quite a year since we joined you here last time,” Grande told the crowd, her voice full of emotion. “We cannot thank you enough for all of your support.” Erivo followed with, “And we get to do it all again,” signaling that this cinematic journey is far from over.

Producer Marc Platt added that the massive success of the first film has actually reinvigorated the live Broadway show. “Wicked is having its best year ever on stage,” he noted, pointing out that the musical — now in its 22nd year — continues to draw in new audiences thanks to the film’s reach.

Universal’s Jim Orr also shared his sentiments, describing the film’s reception as “overwhelming.” He said, “I’ve literally never had more people reach out with their emotional reactions to a film.” With such strong backing and a loyal fanbase, “Wicked: For Good” is poised for another box office triumph.

Story Deep Dive: A Tale of Friendship, Power, and Choices

“Wicked: For Good” explores the complexity of Elphaba and Glinda’s relationship as they wrestle with power, loyalty, and the cost of standing up for what they believe in. Unlike the first part, which focused on their time at Shiz University and the formation of their unlikely friendship, the sequel dives into the consequences of their choices — both personal and political.

With Elphaba now fully embracing her powers and declared a state enemy by the Wizard, and Glinda rising in public favor under the influence of Madame Morrible, the rift between the two grows wider. Yet, despite the opposing paths, their connection remains strong — an emotional anchor in a world swirling with chaos.

The film skillfully weaves in major elements from “The Wizard of Oz” while staying true to the original “Wicked” storyline, making it both nostalgic and refreshingly new. It asks big questions: Can two friends survive opposing destinies? Is doing the right thing worth being branded as wrong? And most importantly, how far would you go to protect someone you love?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is “Wicked: For Good” a direct sequel to the first Wicked movie?
Yes, “Wicked: For Good” is the continuation of the first part and picks up after Elphaba and Glinda’s time at Shiz University. It covers the events before and after Dorothy arrives in Oz.

Q2: Will Dorothy have a major role in the film?
Dorothy appears briefly in the trailer alongside her iconic companions, but the story remains focused on Elphaba and Glinda.

Q3: Who are the lead actors in the movie?
Cynthia Erivo stars as Elphaba and Ariana Grande plays Glinda. Both reprise their roles from the first film and deliver powerful performances in the trailer.

Q4: Will the songs from the musical be in the movie?
Yes, signature songs like “No Good Deed” and “For Good” are featured, showcasing the vocal talents of the lead actresses.

Q5: When will the trailer be released to the public?
There is no confirmed date yet, but fans are eagerly awaiting its public release following the CinemaCon debut.

Q6: What is the main theme of “Wicked: For Good”?
The film explores themes of friendship, sacrifice, political power, and the blurred lines between good and wicked.

What We Know So Far: Release Date and Expectations

“Wicked: For Good” is the second part of the two-film adaptation of the Broadway phenomenon. While no official release date was confirmed at CinemaCon, the buzz suggests a holiday release later this year or early 2026. The first film grossed $744 million globally, becoming the highest-grossing Broadway adaptation of all time — a figure that sets high expectations for its sequel.

As fans await the public release of the trailer, anticipation continues to build across social media platforms. Hashtags like #WickedForGood, #GlindaAndElphaba, and #NoGoodDeed have already begun trending, further demonstrating the global appeal of the franchise.

With a powerhouse cast, a beloved story, and dazzling visuals, “Wicked: For Good” is shaping up to be more than just a sequel — it is a cultural moment. For both longtime fans of the musical and newcomers to the story, this promises to be a movie that blends emotion, fantasy, and timeless music in a way few others can.