Wicked: For Good
Wicked: For Good is the highly anticipated second part of the two-film cinematic adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical. Continuing the story of Elphaba, the misunderstood young woman born with green skin who becomes the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the charismatic and popular witch who becomes Glinda the Good, the film explores their evolving friendship and respective paths in the fantastical land of Oz. It delves into themes of good vs. evil, societal prejudice, political corruption, and the power of individual choice. The musical fantasy is generally aimed at a pre-teen and teenage audience, as well as adults who are fans of the source material, offering vibrant visuals and musical numbers alongside more complex emotional and thematic content.
Concerns
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
HighThe film features significant LGBTQ+ representation and themes, with several openly queer actors in prominent roles. The core relationship between Elphaba and Glinda is widely interpreted as having strong queer undertones, supported by statements from the lead actresses and specific scenes that explicitly highlight a lesbian-coded romance. There is conflicting information regarding the explicitness of sexual content, with some sources indicating highly explicit on-screen lesbian sexual acts, while others describe it as generally suggestive or not explicitly sexual.
The film's central relationship between Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo, an openly queer actress) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) is heavily interpreted as a queer romance. Actress Cynthia Erivo stated her Elphaba was 'not rigid in her attraction,' and what she and Glinda shared was 'true love,' while Ariana Grande suggested her Glinda 'might be a little in the closet' regarding her feelings for Elphaba. One review describes a scene where Elphaba and Glinda perform an Avril Lavigne's 'Girlfriend' cover, singing 'Hey, hey, you, you, I could be your girlfriend' directly into each other's eyes before kissing, followed by Elphaba 'explicitly topping and eating out Glinda (all on-screen)' for a portion, with references to 'sexual imagery' and their 'sexual preferences' including the safe word 'clocktick' and frequent use of 'mommy'. This is cited as a 'dynamite depiction of graphic lesbian passion.' Conversely, other sources indicate the film 'doesn't explore sexuality on screen' for the main characters or describes 'implied sexual activity without graphic detail' for the primary heterosexual romance. However, the explicit description from raises the severity considerably. Additionally, openly gay actor Jonathan Bailey portrays Fiyero, and queer actor Bowen Yang plays Glinda's assistant Pfannee, who is 'definitely textually queer' and 'swoons over Fiyero'.
Romance and Sexual Content
HighThe film features romantic relationships, including kissing, implied sexual activity, and highly explicit lesbian-coded scenes as described by one source. The MPAA rating includes 'some suggestive material'.
Romantic relationships are a major plot line. Fiyero and Glinda share romantic kisses. Fiyero and Elphaba engage in a romance that includes a 'steamy duet' and a 'sultry kiss,' followed by a scene implying sexual activity where they wake up under blankets with Fiyero shirtless, though without explicit nudity. Significantly, one review details a scene where Elphaba and Glinda cover 'Girlfriend' by Avril Lavigne, featuring them singing lyrics like 'Hey, hey, you, you, I could be your girlfriend' directly to each other before kissing, followed by Elphaba 'explicitly topping and eating out Glinda (all on-screen),' which the source describes as a 'dynamite depiction of graphic lesbian passion.' This scene includes 'sexual imagery' and references to their 'sexual preferences.'
Witchcraft & Occult
HighWitchcraft and magical elements are central to the 'Wicked' narrative, featuring characters who are witches, cast spells, and wield supernatural powers. The film portrays both benevolent and malevolent uses of magic.
Elphaba is born with magical abilities and actively uses sorcery, eventually earning the title of the Wicked Witch of the West. Glinda also uses magic, such as giving Nessarose's shoes to Dorothy Gale. The narrative revolves around the societal perception of Elphaba's powers and the Wizard's manipulative use of 'magic' for political control, including transforming sentient animals. Magic is consistently depicted through spellcasting, levitation, and various fantastical effects, driving core plot points like Elphaba's 'Defying Gravity' sequence (from Part One) and her later magical confrontations.
Violence
MediumThe film contains action and fantasy violence, consistent with its PG rating, but without graphic gore. Depictions include physical altercations, chase sequences, and magical confrontations. Some scenes may be intense for younger viewers, particularly those involving animated animals in distress or characters being pursued.
The movie depicts violence and fighting from the start, often involving Elphaba against those pursuing her. For example, Elphaba and Glinda engage in a physical fight where they slap and tackle each other. Another instance of violence involves the forced labor and caging of animals in Oz, which may be upsetting. There are also scenes of 'flying monkeys undergoing a painful transformation' and 'explosions and chase sequences' that contribute to the intense content.
Scary & Intense Content
MediumThe film contains intense and potentially frightening scenes, including fantastical dangers, emotional confrontations, and themes of persecution. These elements, combined with musical drama, contribute to a heightened sense of suspense.
The movie includes 'scary action scenes,' such as Elphaba being pursued by flying monkeys. The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) rated the first part of 'Wicked' PG for 'threat and horror,' specifically mentioning 'flying monkeys undergoing a painful transformation' and scenes of 'explosions and chase sequences' that may be intense. The dramatic tension and emotional stakes are high as Elphaba is deemed an enemy and lives as an outcast, creating moments of fear and distress.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumThe narrative fundamentally involves themes of rebellion against an oppressive regime and challenging established authority figures, particularly the Wizard of Oz. Elphaba's character arc is driven by defiance against injustice.
Elphaba's journey is defined by her rebellion against the Wizard's tyrannical rule and the injustices he perpetrates, such as the silencing of the Animals. She 'stands up to a fascist regime,' and her actions are directly oppositional to the status quo enforced by the Wizard and Madame Morrible. This includes Elphaba's defiance in freeing the Animals and her public challenge to the Wizard's lies.
Profanity
LowProfanity use in the film is described as sparing, with mild insults and derogatory language rather than frequent strong curse words.
Insults and derogatory language are used infrequently. Examples include terms like 'twit,' 'obscene,' and 'wicked' being used in dialogue. The film is not noted for explicit or strong language.
Substance Use
LowThere are brief mentions or implications of substance use, primarily involving magical or unidentified liquids that have effects on characters. There is no explicit depiction of illegal drug use or glorification of substance abuse.
Elphaba's mother is shown consuming a 'mysterious green elixir' which is implied to be the cause of Elphaba's green skin. A maid is also observed taking an 'unidentified liquid from a flask.' The stage musical also had themes of Elphaba's mother 'carousing with men' which could imply alcohol use, though the movie details specifically mention liquids.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowThe film does not explicitly contain anti-Christian themes or direct attacks on Christian beliefs. However, its central narrative involves questioning established authority, presenting a 'wicked' character as a hero, and depicting a powerful 'Wizard' figure as a fraud. This narrative structure, which challenges traditional perceptions of good and evil and authority, may be seen by some Christian parents as implicitly questioning established moral or societal orders.
The core story of 'Wicked' critiques governmental corruption and propaganda under the Wizard, who is a false authority figure. Elphaba is characterized as an 'othered woman standing up to a fascist regime,' with themes of xenophobia and prejudice woven into the metaphor. While this challenges traditional authority and moral binaries, it does not specifically target or mock Christian beliefs or symbols. The concept of 'good' and 'wicked' is re-examined, with the supposedly 'wicked' Elphaba being the morally righteous character.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
Parental guidance is suggested for children aged 10 and above. While officially rated PG for action/violence, some suggestive material, and thematic material, the film contains intense emotional themes, fantasy violence, implied sexual content, and overt LGBTQ+ representation, which may be complex for younger viewers. The duration of 137 minutes also requires sustained attention.
Additional Notes
As 'Wicked: For Good' is a very recent release (November 2025), and some detailed reviews may still be emerging or interpreted within specific community contexts, parents are advised to engage with official parental guides as they become more widely available. The film's deep engagement with LGBTQ+ themes and the specific explicit details reported in some reviews, particularly regarding Elphaba and Glinda's relationship, suggest a higher level of content intensity than a standard PG rating might typically imply for some families. The movie's runtime of 137 minutes is also a consideration for younger viewers.
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