Get ready to dive into a world where magic meets drama, and the Yellow Brick Road leads to revelations that will leave you breathless. But here’s where it gets controversial: Wicked: For Good isn’t just a sequel—it’s a bold reimagining of the beloved Wizard of Oz universe that dares to ask, What if the Wicked Witch wasn’t just wicked? Deadline’s Read the Screenplay series invites you to explore the script behind this award-season juggernaut, the second installment in Jon M. Chu’s cinematic adaptation of the Broadway phenomenon.
Penned by the dynamic duo Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox, Wicked: For Good picks up with a time leap, following Elphaba’s (Cynthia Erivo) iconic ‘Defying Gravity’ moment. Now, the Wicked Witch of the West is wreaking havoc on the Yellow Brick Road’s construction, hiding in the shadowy woods beyond Oz. Meanwhile, Jonathan Bailey’s Fiyero leads a troop of soldiers in pursuit, and Glinda (Ariana Grande) has risen to stardom—though she’s firmly under the control of Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh). And this is the part most people miss: the film introduces two original songs, ‘No Place Like Home’ and ‘Girl in the Bubble,’ both of which have landed on the Oscar shortlist for Best Original Song. This comes on the heels of a staggering awards season, with the film snagging five Golden Globe nominations, seven Critics Choice nods, and the prestigious AFI Film of the Year title.
Box office numbers? Equally jaw-dropping. Since its November 17 release, Wicked: For Good has raked in a global gross of $469.2 million, proving its blockbuster status. But beyond the glitz, the film weaves a deeply emotional narrative, reconnecting with L. Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz to reveal the fates of characters like Boq (Ethan Slater), Nessarose (Marrisa Bode), and even Fiyero himself. Colman Domingo’s Cowardly Lion makes a brief but memorable appearance, while Dorothy remains a mysterious figure, her face never fully revealed.
The heart of the story lies in the bittersweet bond between Elphaba and Glinda. As they confront the ways their friendship has shaped—and shattered—their lives, their performances by Erivo and Grande become the film’s most gut-wrenching moments. Here’s the kicker: Jeff Goldblum’s Wizard returns, orchestrating a deal that Elphaba flatly rejects, while the secrets of her birth come to light. And yes, Elphaba and Fiyero finally act on their simmering romance. The film closes with a powerful display of the unbreakable connection between Elphie and Glinda, even as Elphaba and Fiyero leave Oz behind and Glinda unlocks the magic of The Grimmerie.
But let’s pause for a moment. Is this retelling too daring, or does it honor the spirit of the original? Does the focus on Elphaba and Glinda’s relationship overshadow other characters? And what does it mean for the legacy of The Wizard of Oz? These are the questions that make Wicked: For Good not just a film, but a conversation starter. Dive into the screenplay below and join the debate—because this is one story that demands to be discussed.
