Wicked: For Good lands in Irish cinemas on 21 November and picks up directly after the events of last year's Wicked. If you need a refresher before heading back to Oz, here are ten helpful things to keep in mind.
1. The first film ended on a turning point
Wicked (2024) closed with a major shift in Oz's political order and a dramatic change in how Elphaba and Glinda see each other. Their friendship survived, but the world around them didn't look the same.
This sequel begins exactly where that left off, so it's worth remembering how unsettled everything was when the credits rolled.
Watch: The trailer for Wicked: For Good
2. Elphaba's story is not what Oz believes
Part One revealed that the "Wicked Witch" narrative was shaped by the Wizard's regime. Elphaba's choices were driven by loyalty, justice and fear for the animals of Oz.
Going into Part Two, it helps to keep in mind that she is still fighting for the same cause, even if she becomes the target of Oz's propaganda.
3. Glinda has stepped into a public role
Glinda's arc in the first film moved her from carefree student to the face of stability in the Emerald City. For Good continues that trajectory.
She has become Glinda the Good, a symbol the public can rally around, even if she privately questions how Oz is being run.
Watch: The story behind Wicked: For Good
4. The sequel adapts Act Two of the stage musical
Director Jon M Chu has confirmed that the two films mirror the structure of the Broadway show. Part One covered Act one.
For Good takes on Act Two, where the stakes are higher, the tone deepens and long-standing tensions come to a head.
5. Expect some of the musical's biggest songs
The title For Good references the musical's signature duet, which appears in this chapter.
Universal has also confirmed that other major numbers from Act Two return including No Good Deed, Thank Goodness / I Couldn't Be Happier and As Long As You Are Mine.
The sequel also introduces two brand new songs specifically written for the film adaptation - No Place Like Home and The Girl In The Bubble.
Watch: Wicked: For Good an epic conclusion
6.Fiyero's role expands
Jonathan Bailey returns as Fiyero and, as in the stage production, Act Two gives him a more substantial emotional arc.
His story becomes more closely tied to Elphaba's journey, which adds weight to the choices both characters make.
7. The Wizard and Madame Morrible remain central
Jeff Goldblum is back as the Wizard, and Michelle Yeoh returns as Madame Morrible.
Both characters play significant parts in shaping public opinion in Oz, and the sequel continues the power struggle they helped to create.
Watch: Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande step out for London premiere
8. Oz gets bigger in Part Two
Part One focused mainly on Shiz University and the Emerald City, but the sequel widens the lens.
Universal's promotional material highlights that audiences will see more of Oz and meet characters and groups that were only mentioned first time around.
The story shifts from school days to the full political and social landscape of Oz.
9. The Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion move closer to the story
Part One introduced hints of characters and creatures that long-time fans of The Wizard of Oz will recognise, without explaining how they fit into the wider story.
As the world of Oz becomes more unstable in For Good, the paths that eventually lead to the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion come further into view.
Dorothy still sits outside the main plot at this stage, but references to the world she will one day enter become more noticeable as the political situation escalates.
10. At the heart, it is still a story about friendship
Whether you watched the first film last year, or need a quick catch-up, it helps to remember that the emotional centre of Wicked has always been the bond between Glinda and Elphaba.
The sequel brings their story to its conclusion, asking what it means to be "good" or "wicked", and everything in between.
