The eagerly anticipated trailer for “Wicked: For Good” has been released, offering audiences a tantalising look at the much-loved green-skinned heroine, Elphaba, as she grapples with life in exile and continues her journey through the magical land of Oz. This new footage not only continues Elphaba’s story but also reveals the franchise’s first visual introduction of Dorothy, the iconic character from L Frank Baum’s renowned novel, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”.
The newly released trailer opens with Elphaba, portrayed by acclaimed actor Cynthia Erivo, navigating her new existence as an outcast after her escape to the western wilds of Oz. Her story, filled with challenge and transformation, forms the core of this sequel, which picks up the narrative in the aftermath of Elphaba’s split from her once-close friend, Glinda—played by US superstar Ariana Grande.
Gleaming through the mystical landscape, viewers are treated to several memorable images. Notably, the trailer offers Dorothy’s first fleeting appearance, as she confidently walks along the legendary yellow brick road, setting the stage for a much-anticipated meeting of Oz’s central characters. In an atmospheric scene, the Wizard tasks Dorothy and her companions with retrieving the broom of “The Wicked Witch of the West”, drawing immediate intrigue for fans familiar with the original tale.
Musical themes remain central to this adaptation, with the trailer featuring a poignant rendition of “For Good”, performed by Erivo and Grande. The song underscores the emotional complexities of Elphaba and Glinda’s relationship, now altered by time, circumstance, and the swirl of public perception in Oz.
Directed by Jon M Chu, “Wicked: For Good” promises to build on the legacy of its predecessors, expanding the world introduced in both the universally adored musical and Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel – itself a reimagining of Baum’s classic children’s story. With its grand sets and elaborate costumes, the trailer signals an epic scale and rich visual storytelling.
The cast is rounded out by a host of notable talents, including English star Jonathan Bailey as the charismatic Prince Fiyero, American performer Ethan Slater as the kind-hearted Boq, and the legendary Jeff Goldblum in the role of the enigmatic Wizard. Each brings depth to characters first introduced to audiences in the long-running stage production.
As Elphaba continues her fight for the rights of Oz’s voiceless animals, the rift between her and Glinda, now residing in the opulent Emerald City palace, widens further. These narrative developments deepen the overarching themes of friendship, loss, and the struggle for justice under an oppressive regime—concepts sure to resonate with both long-time fans and newcomers.
“Wicked: For Good” stands as both a continuation and a fresh take on a story that has captured imaginations for over a century. With Dorothy’s introduction, anticipation is quickly building over how the classic and the contemporary will intermingle when the film arrives on UK and Irish cinema screens on 21 November.
The excitement surrounding this release highlights the enduring power of Oz’s universe—a place where fans are drawn not just by spectacle, but by rich character journeys and moral dilemmas that reflect the best of musical and storytelling traditions. As more promotional material and previews are expected in the coming months, both casual viewers and staunch devotees will no doubt be eagerly awaiting further glimpses into this spellbinding adaptation.