Wicked Part Two
Wicked: For Good, also known as Wicked: Part Two, is a 2025 American musical fantasy film directed by Jon M. Chu. It serves as the sequel to "Wicked" (2024) and adapts the second act of the beloved 2003 stage musical, which was itself loosely based on Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel. The film continues the story of Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, who becomes Glinda the Good, as their complex friendship and differing ideologies shape the Land of Oz. This installment, with a runtime of 137 minutes, deepens the narrative, exploring themes of fighting injustice, truth, and the consequences of choices. It features returning cast members including Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda. The director has indicated a darker tone for this second part, promising a more in-depth exploration of the characters and the political landscape of Oz. The film is rated PG for action/violence, some suggestive material, and thematic material, suggesting it is generally appropriate for older children and pre-teens with parental guidance. Parents should be aware of various content elements, including pervasive magical themes, intense dramatic moments, and significant discussions around identity and societal norms that build upon the first film's foundation.
Concerns
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
HighThe film explicitly features LGBTQ representation and themes, building on established subtext from the source novel and musical. The author, director, and lead actresses have acknowledged and confirmed the queer readings of the central relationship between Elphaba and Glinda. An openly gay character, Pfannee, is part of the main cast.
Author Gregory Maguire confirmed the 'lesbian subtext' between Glinda and Elphaba in his novel was 'intentional,' though presented subtly. Actresses Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande have stated their belief that Elphaba and Glinda are queer, with Grande suggesting Glinda might be 'a little in the closet.' Bowen Yang portrays Glinda's friend Pfannee, who is explicitly described as Glinda's 'gay bff' and exhibits 'explicit queerness' by openly fawning over Fiyero. Queer actress Marissa Bode, who plays Nessarose, has also stated her personal opinion that all characters in the film are queer.
Witchcraft & Occult
HighWitchcraft and magical elements are foundational to the narrative, as Elphaba is the 'Wicked Witch of the West' and actively uses sorcery. Spells, enchanted objects, and magical transformations are central plot devices with significant consequences for characters.
Elphaba, as the 'Wicked Witch of the West,' is central to the film's premise and uses her sorcery, having learned it from Madame Morrible. A key plot point involves Nessarose casting a 'love spell from the Grimmerie,' which backfires and severely affects Boq, leading to Elphaba's magical intervention to save him by transforming him into the Tin Man. Elphaba also 'enchants Nessarose's shoes, giving her the ability to fly,' showcasing direct magical influence on objects and characters.
Violence
MediumThe film is rated PG for 'action/violence' and features a darker tone than the first installment. The plot involves Elphaba actively fighting for animal rights against oppressive forces, leading to confrontations and the threat of an angry mob. Transformations with unsettling implications also occur.
Elphaba 'continues battling for Animal rights from a forest hideout' against the Wizard, implying confrontational scenes. An 'angry mob rises against the Wicked Witch,' suggesting a heightened level of conflict and potential danger. Nessarose casts a spell that backfires, shrinking Boq's heart, leading Elphaba to transform him into a tin man to save his life, which involves a disturbing physical change. Additionally, a Reddit discussion mentions a moment from the stage musical that might be adapted, where Fiyero holds Glinda 'at gun point' to aid Elphaba's escape.
Romance and Sexual Content
MediumThe film contains 'some suggestive material' and implied sexual activity, consistent with its PG rating. Romantic relationships are central to the plot, and there are passionate displays of affection. Fan speculation regarding nudity has also arisen from director comments.
The movie includes a 'sexually suggestive scene' where characters begin to undress, and a shirtless male is shown, though there is no explicit nudity. Elphaba and Fiyero 'profess mutual love' and seek shelter together, leading Glinda to conclude they are having an affair. There are 'a couple of passionate kisses and looks' described as 'spicy.' Director Jon M. Chu's comment that Part Two has 'the meat' was interpreted by some fans as suggestive of potential male nudity involving Jonathan Bailey's character, Fiyero.
Scary & Intense Content
MediumThe film is described as having a 'darker tone' than its predecessor and includes 'intense (and sometimes frightening!) moments.' This involves threatening situations, emotional distress for characters, and the portrayal of Elphaba as a feared figure.
Director Jon M. Chu stated the film would have a 'darker tone' compared to Part One, indicating potentially more serious or unsettling themes. The plot features an 'angry mob' rising against Elphaba, who has been branded as the 'Wicked Witch of the West' and an 'enemy of Oz,' creating suspenseful and frightening confrontations. Elphaba discovers 'an entire room filled with captive Animals' and finds Dr. Dillamond 'caged and unable to speak,' scenes that are emotionally disturbing and intense.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumThe core narrative revolves around themes of rebellion and defiance against established authority, particularly Elphaba's stand against the Wonderful Wizard of Oz and Madame Morrible. This is portrayed as a fight against injustice and for the rights of marginalized groups.
Elphaba's journey is fundamentally characterized by 'defying the Wonderful Wizard of Oz' and 'battling for Animal rights' against the Wizard's manipulative power. Nessarose, as the Governor of Munchkinland, issues a decree prohibiting Munchkins and Animals from leaving, which her servant Boq attempts to defy, showing overt rebellion against local authority.
Anti-Christian Themes
MediumWhile not explicitly anti-Christian in a direct mocking sense, the film’s themes, influenced by the author's personal perspectives as a gay Catholic, challenge traditional interpretations of morality and inclusion. Some parent groups have identified the film's progressive messaging and LGBTQ content as 'pushing wokeness' and 'LGBT agenda,' raising concerns about its alignment with Christian values.
Gregory Maguire, the author of the 'Wicked' novel, who is a gay Catholic, states that his work is informed by his experiences and questions of how one identifies 'evil,' and criticizes the church for 'grave crimes against charity' by refusing to be honest about the 'variety of human experiences.' The organization One Million Moms explicitly 'warns parents against 'Wicked,'' stating it 'pushes LGBT agenda' and 'wokeness,' urging families to avoid supporting the film due to its progressive messaging and implied themes.
Profanity
LowThe film is noted to have minimal profanity. Specific instances include mild exclamations that are not considered strong language.
There is 'no profanity' reported for Wicked: For Good. A character uses 'shiz' when startled, and another says 'my lord' in vain, which are considered very mild exclamations.
Substance Use
LowNo explicit or implied substance use, such as alcohol, drugs, or smoking, is prominently mentioned in available parental guidance or plot summaries for "Wicked: For Good."
There is no information indicating characters consume alcohol, use drugs, or smoke in the provided details for the film. The content warnings and plot summaries do not highlight any substance use concerns.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
Ages 10+ is recommended, with strong parental guidance due to the PG rating descriptors, which include suggestive material, action/violence, and thematic content, combined with a darker tone, significant magical themes, and pronounced LGBTQ subtext and representation.
Additional Notes
Parents should note that while 'Wicked: For Good' is rated PG, its 'darker tone' and exploration of complex thematic material, including political corruption, discrimination, and intense emotional arcs, may be more suitable for older children or require discussion with younger viewers. The film expands upon the musical's narrative, introducing new scenes and songs, which may alter the pacing and intensity compared to the stage production.
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