‘Wicked: For Good’ Wows at CinemaCon with Powerful Music, Big Revelations, and Dorothy’s Arrival in Oz
CinemaCon audiences were transported back to Oz as Wicked: For Good made a dazzling debut during Universal’s presentation, giving theater owners the very first glimpse at the upcoming sequel to the record-breaking musical adaptation. Stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, along with director Jon M. Chu, took the stage in Las Vegas to unveil an emotional and visually stunning trailer that had fans and exhibitors alike buzzing with excitement.
Set after the events of Wicked: Part One, which charted the unlikely friendship between Elphaba (Erivo) and Glinda (Grande), the sequel delves deeper into their fractured bond, the political chaos surrounding the rise of the Wicked Witch, and the iconic arrival of Dorothy Gale in the Land of Oz.
“Wicked: For Good takes us past the point where the girl in the blue gingham dress from Kansas drops in,” teased Chu. And sure enough, the trailer delivers a long-awaited shot: Dorothy, alongside the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion, appearing before the Wizard—officially tying the story back to The Wizard of Oz timeline.
The first footage—exclusive to CinemaCon—opened with Elphaba studying the powerful Grimmerie, her face determined and glowing with green resolve. Meanwhile, Glinda, now fully embraced by the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) and Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh), adjusts her sparkling crown, caught between power and loyalty.
“You’re the only friend I’ve ever had,” Elphaba confesses in one of the trailer’s most poignant moments.
“And I’ve had so many friends,” Glinda replies. “But you’re the only one that mattered.”
Audiences were also treated to Erivo’s powerful rendition of “No Good Deed” and a glimpse of “For Good”, both of which underscore the emotional stakes between the two women-turned-rivals. A haunting scene of Glinda and Fiyero’s lavish wedding only heightened the tension, hinting at the deeper divides between duty, love, and destiny.
Adding to the visual spectacle were dramatic shots of flying monkeys, golden halls of the Emerald City, and sweeping landscapes that bring Chu’s cinematic version of Oz to life. In one scene, Grande warns gravely: “Elphaba, they’re coming for you,” as political forces mobilize against her friend.
The original Wicked film grossed $744 million globally and earned 10 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and acting nods for both Erivo and Grande. For Good is already positioned to build on that momentum, not just as a follow-up, but as a cultural event in its own right.
“This movie is more than a sequel,” said Universal’s president of domestic distribution Jim Orr. “It’s the continuation of a theatrical phenomenon that’s touching hearts around the world.”
Producer Marc Platt revealed that the film’s release has also reignited interest in the Broadway production, now in its 22nd year. “Wicked is having its best year ever on stage—more audiences, more energy, more emotion.”
Erivo and Grande, dressed in dramatic all-black, didn’t sing live at the event, but expressed their gratitude to theater owners. “It’s been quite a year since we joined you here last time, and we cannot thank you enough for your support,” said Grande. “And we get to do it all again,” Erivo added with a smile.
Wicked: For Good opens in theaters November 22, 2026, promising a powerful conclusion to this reimagined Oz tale—where friendships are tested, legends are born, and the truth behind who’s wicked is finally revealed.