“Wicked” Returns to Theaters, Unveils First Poster for Second Film

The whimsical world of Oz is set to return to the big screen for a special announcement. The Golden-Globe winning fantasy musical “Wicked” will be re-released in theaters for one night only on June 4, 2025. Not only will fans get to relive the magical spectacle of the global sensation, but Universal Pictures has announced that the trailer for the sequel, “Wicked: For Good”,will also premiere during the screening.

In anticipation of the film’s premiere on November 21, 2025—nearly one year after the release of “Wicked”—an official poster has been unveiled, featuring Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) on opposing sides. This stands in stark contrast to the poster for the first film which showed the two women reaching for each other’s hand. The visual shift signals a drastic change in their relationship and hints at a darker narrative to come.

“Wicked: For Good” will still retain Jon M. Chu as its director, with Marc Platt and David Stone returning to their roles as producers.

The original cast—Grande, Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Michelle Yeoh, Bowen Yang, and Jeff Goldblum—will reprise their roles in the sequel. Joining them is Kerry Ellis, one of the actresses who previously played Elphaba on Broadway, in an undisclosed role.

The film’s storyline may take the route of the Broadway musical. Following Elphaba’s moving performance of “Defying Gravity,” she becomes increasingly misunderstood by the people of Oz. Her passionate advocacy for animal rights earns her the label of “Wicked Witch of the West.” Meanwhile, Glinda rises in popularity and is termed the “Good Witch of the South.”

Their new designations deepen the rift between the former friends, further complicated by the love triangle with Fiyero (Bailey). Also, Dorothy Gale will play a pivotal role in the upcoming film—after making a brief cameo appearance in “Wicked.”

“Wicked: For Good” is named after the riveting duet “For Good,” in which Elphaba and Glinda express their complicated relationship. The song will be featured in the film’s upcoming soundtrack, which will include both familiar Broadway numbers and brand-new songs composed by Stephen Schwartz. This was confirmed by Erivo herself who serves as a co-writer on one new song.

“Wicked” was a worldwide phenomenon and the fifth highest-grossing film of 2024. It was also an award-show magnate, winning two Academy Awards, two BAFTAs, and a Golden Globe.

“Wicked” adapted Act I of the beloved 2003 Broadway musical while “Wicked: For Good” will adapt Act II. Both films are based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel of the same name.