‘Wicked: For Good’ has prompted a wide spectrum of responses from critics, with reactions ranging from glowing praise to sharp disappointment. Together, the reviews paint a picture of a sequel that dazzles in places, frustrates in others, and ultimately leans heavily on the strength of its leading performances.

1. The Guardian takes one of the more enthusiastic stances, applauding the film’s ability to retain the dreamy, theatrical charm of the first instalment. Peter Bradshaw highlights Cynthia Erivo as the standout presence, describing her work as layered, moving and rich in emotional nuance. Even so, the paper notes that the plotting becomes increasingly tangled, especially when the script attempts to weave in multiple origin stories for familiar Oz characters, which sometimes muddies the dramatic focus.

2. The Telegraph is at the opposite extreme, which delivers a scathing one-star verdict. From its perspective, the sequel is weighed down by narrative padding and lacks the urgency or emotional clarity needed to sustain a two-film structure. The critic argues that the relationship between Elphaba and Glinda—meant to form the emotional heart of the story—feels overly sentimental rather than stirring. Ariana Grande’s performance in particular comes under fire, dismissed as stiff and strangely lacking in energy.

3. The Independent calls it an ‘aimless slog of a sequel’, yet finds both strengths and missed opportunities. Visually, the film is described as surprisingly subdued for a major musical, with fewer memorable set-pieces than expected. Yet the review singles out Erivo once again, especially in one of the new songs, which it praises as a highlight. Other musical additions, however, are deemed less successful, and the overall pacing is criticised for feeling drawn out.

4. Empire also offers a mixed assessment, awarding the film a moderate score and noting a tonal shift from the buoyant atmosphere of the first part to something more sombre. While this darker mood may appeal to some, the reviewer suggests it drains some of the enjoyment from the supporting performances, leaving the film feeling heavier than intended.

5. Variety delivers one of the most enthusiastic responses, describing the sequel as surpassing expectations. Its early reaction applauds Jon M. Chu’s direction, the world-building, and the visual richness of the production. Both Erivo and Grande are credited with elevating their performances from the first film, bringing added depth and vocal brilliance to their characters. The cinematography and costume design are highlighted as particular achievements, reinforcing the sense of a lavish, fully realised Oz.

Taken together, the reviews suggest that Wicked: For Good is a sequel defined by contrasts: rich performances but uneven storytelling, grand visual ambition but occasional tonal heaviness, soaring musical moments alongside weaker additions. While some critics feel the second chapter struggles to justify its length or match the magic of the original, others find it a satisfying, emotionally resonant finale—anchored by a powerhouse turn from Cynthia Erivo and a confidently expanded vision of the world of Oz.

The Guardian – 4 out of 5 stars

The Telegraph – 1 out of 5 stars

The Independent – 2 out of 5 stars

Empire – 3 out of 5 stars

Variety