Wait. Let’s be real for a second. If you’ve already seen the first half of Jon M. Chu’s sprawling adaptation of Oz, you know it isn't just a movie—it’s a massive cultural event. But the cliffhanger at the end of the first film leaves a giant, green-tinted hole in our hearts. We know the story isn't over. The cast of Wicked Part 2 has the unenviable task of taking us from the hopeful, defying-gravity highs into the much darker, more political, and honestly quite tragic second act of the Shiz University saga.
It’s happening.
The transition from the "pink and green" friendship of Elphaba and Glinda to the wartime footing of the Emerald City changes everything. While the core players remain the same, the energy they have to bring to the screen for the 2025 release is vastly different. We aren't in school anymore. This is a revolution.
The Core Duo Returning for the Cast of Wicked Part 2
You can’t have Wicked without Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Period. Their chemistry in the first installment was the engine that kept the whole production running, but in Part 2, they’re basically playing different versions of the characters we met at Shiz.
Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba is no longer the misunderstood student. She’s the "Wicked Witch of the West" now. If you're familiar with Gregory Maguire's original 1995 novel or the Stephen Schwartz musical, you know this is where Erivo gets to lean into the fugitive lifestyle. She's living in Kiamo Ko, she’s hardened, and she’s dealing with the weight of being the Ozdust public enemy number one. Erivo has mentioned in several interviews, including chats with Variety, how much she leaned into the physical toll this role took.
Then there’s Ariana Grande as Glinda. Or, well, "Glinda the Good."
Honestly, the transformation of Glinda in the second half is arguably more complex than Elphaba's. She’s trapped in a gilded cage of her own making. She’s the face of the Wizard’s regime, even though she knows it’s built on lies. Grande has to balance that bubbly, high-soprano energy with a deep, simmering guilt. It’s a lot. If you thought "Popular" was her peak, wait until you see the emotional wreck she becomes during "For Good."
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Why the Supporting Players Matter More This Time
In the first film, the supporting cast felt like background texture for the school setting. In the cast of Wicked Part 2, they become the catalysts for the entire plot.
Jonathan Bailey is back as Fiyero. If you’ve read the book, you know his arc is... intense. He’s gone from the "Dancing Through Life" playboy to a man caught between his duty to the state and his love for a literal outlaw. Bailey’s transition into the "Scarecrow" (spoiler alert for the three people who don't know the 1939 movie) requires a total shift in his physicality. He isn't just a love interest anymore; he's a tragic hero.
The Wizard and Madame Morrible: The Villains We Love to Hate
Jeff Goldblum and Michelle Yeoh. What a pairing.
Goldblum’s Wizard is less of a "man behind the curtain" and more of a charismatic, manipulative populist in this version. In the second part, his grip on Oz starts to slip. We see the desperation. Michelle Yeoh, coming off her massive awards sweep, brings a terrifying level of authority to Madame Morrible. She isn't just a headmistress anymore. She’s the Minister of Propaganda.
- Jeff Goldblum: Brings that stuttering, eccentric charm to a character who is fundamentally a fraud.
- Michelle Yeoh: Total 180 from her "kind mentor" roles; she is cold, calculating, and lethal in her political maneuvering.
- Ethan Slater: As Boq, his storyline takes a sharp turn toward the "Tin Man" origin, which is one of the more heartbreaking practical-effect sequences we're expecting.
New Faces and Expanded Roles in the Finale
There has been a ton of chatter about whether we’ll see more of the "traditional" Oz characters.
The cast of Wicked Part 2 also includes Marissa Bode as Nessarose. Her descent into becoming the Wicked Witch of the East is a major subplot. She’s paralyzed, she’s bitter, and she’s ruling Munchkinland with an iron fist. It’s a dark mirror to Elphaba’s journey. While Elphaba is "wicked" because of the media, Nessa actually becomes a tyrant.
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We also have Peter Dinklage voicing Doctor Dillamond. While he was present in the first part, his role as the catalyst for the "Animal rights" movement in Oz comes to a head here. His fate is what drives Elphaba over the edge. It’s the moral heart of the story.
The Production Reality: Why Two Movies?
Some people were annoyed when they heard Wicked was being split. "It's a cash grab," they said. But if you look at the narrative structure, the musical's second act is incredibly rushed. It covers years of time in about 45 minutes.
Jon M. Chu decided to split them so he could actually breathe life into the political rebellion. Part 2 isn't just a continuation; it’s a war movie. We get to see the Resistance. We get to see the actual impact of the Wizard’s decrees on the citizens of Oz. This means the cast had to film for much longer than a standard musical production—nearly a year of principal photography in the UK, hampered by the SAG-AFTRA strikes but eventually crossing the finish line.
The sets for Kiamo Ko and the interior of the Wizard's palace are massive, tangible builds. They didn't just lean on green screens. When you see the cast of Wicked Part 2 interacting with their environment, they’re touching real stone and real dirt. It adds a layer of grit that the Broadway show simply can't replicate on a stage.
What to Watch For: The "For Good" Factor
The climax of the film hinges on a single song. "For Good" is the emotional peak of the entire franchise.
Insiders who were on set during the filming of this scene have noted that Erivo and Grande performed it live. Most movie musicals pre-record everything in a studio and lip-sync on set. Not here. Chu wanted the raw, ugly-crying vocals. This decision fundamentally changes the performances. You can hear the breath, the breaks in the voice, and the genuine grief of two friends saying goodbye.
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How to Prepare for the Sequel
If you want to be ahead of the curve before the release, there are a few things you should probably do. Don't just re-watch the first movie.
- Read the original Gregory Maguire novel. It’s much darker than the musical. It gives you the "why" behind the Wizard's political moves and explains the "Animal" vs. "animal" distinction that is crucial for Part 2.
- Listen to the 15th Anniversary cast recording. Not just the original. The later versions have some orchestral tweaks that Chu seems to have drawn inspiration from for the film's score.
- Watch the 1939 Wizard of Oz. Obviously. But watch it through the lens of Elphaba being the protagonist. It changes the way you view the ending of the cast of Wicked Part 2.
The second part of this journey is about the loss of innocence. It's about realizing that sometimes, the "good" guys don't win, and the "bad" guys are just people who stood up when no one else would. The cast is ready. The question is, are we ready for the emotional wreckage that is the final act of Oz?
The release is set for late 2025. Between now and then, expect a slow drip of trailers that focus heavily on the darker aesthetic of the Emerald City under siege. Keep an eye on the official social channels for glimpses of the new costumes—the "Wicked Witch" look for Erivo is reportedly a masterpiece of modern costume design, blending traditional pointed hats with high-fashion textures.
It’s going to be big. It’s going to be green. And honestly? It’s probably going to sweep the Oscars.
Next Steps for Fans: Check the official Universal Pictures website for the exact theatrical window in your region, as international dates sometimes shift by a few days. If you haven't seen the first part yet, it's currently moving toward major streaming platforms—watch for it on Peacock in the coming months. Finally, if you're a collector, the "Part 2" merchandise, including the high-end character dolls, usually drops about three months before the film, so keep your eyes peeled around August 2025.