This article was originally published on SFFGazette.com.
Wicked: For Good has started landing in theaters across the globe, and while the first reviews weren't glowing, it sounds like fans of the musical franchise will be happy with how the story concludes.
This second half adds to the musical, going more in-depth with certain characters and subplots. It also includes two original songs from Stephen Schwartz, both of which were written and composed specifically for the sequel.
In Gregory Maguire's book—which inspired the Broadway musical—the Wicked Witch dies, just like in The Wizard of Oz. With that, The Wizard escapes a potential coup, and Oz is left in chaos. The movie, however, is more in line with what many of you will have seen on stage.
In Wicked: For Good, Elphaba fakes her death by fleeing through a trap door after Dorothy throws a pail of water over her. Once the coast is clear, Fiyero comes to find her, and they escape the Land of Oz to start afresh elsewhere (everyone else believes they've died).
As for The Wizard, he manages to escape Oz in a hot air balloon, leaving Madame Morrible to be imprisoned. Glinda the Good Witch, meanwhile, is left to rule in their place, promising a brighter future.
There are various changes to the stage play, but nothing too drastic. Elphaba and Glinda end things on good terms, even with the former fleeing with the man—or Scarecrow—the Good Witch was once set to marry.
One final change from the musical is the shot the story ends with. In Wicked, Elphaba and Fiyero are shown walking off together while Glinda stands alone. On the big screen, we get a flashback of Glinda whispering into Elphaba's ear, a direct callback to the musical's iconic poster.
Last year’s global cinematic cultural sensation, which became the most successful Broadway film adaptation of all time, now reaches its epic, electrifying, emotional conclusion in Wicked: For Good.
Directed once again by award-winning director Jon M. Chu and starring the spectacular returning cast, led by Academy Award-nominated superstars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, the final chapter of the untold story of the witches of Oz begins with Elphaba and Glinda estranged and living with the consequences of their choices.
Wicked: For Good arrives in theaters on November 21. Will you be checking it out in theaters this weekend?