Wicked: For Good already looks like it’s fixing the biggest complaint about the first movie. Wicked (2024), the first of the two-part adaptation of the stage musical, introduces the rivalry-turned-friendship between Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), the future Wicked Witch of the West, and Galinda (Ariana Grande), who becomes Glinda the Good. That story is set to continue in Wicked: For Good, which will adapt the second half of the stage musical and is set for release this coming November.

The first film was a mᴀssive critical and commercial success, with Wicked reviews praising its dazzling flair, irresistible charm, and the enchanting duo of Erivo and Grande, resulting in an 88% Rotten Tomatoes score. Wicked was also a big box office success, grossing over $756 million worldwide. It went on to receive 10 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actress for Erivo, Best Supporting Actress for Grande, and won for Best Costume Design and Best Production Design. However, Wicked‘s visuals did prove to be divisive.

Wicked’s Visuals Proved Divisive

Many Felt They Were Dull & Flat

The visuals in Wicked proved divisive among audiences, with many complaints echoing familiar criticisms aimed at Marvel movies. Detractors pointed to its dull and flat aesthetic, attributed to muted color grading and an overreliance on CGI. These visuals were especially jarring when compared to the original Wizard of Oz, which famously used vibrant Technicolor to portray the fantastical world of Oz, creating a striking contrast compared to the sepia-toned realism of Kansas.

Although Wicked was met with mᴀssive acclaim for its production values, some critics felt the visuals fell short of expectations. For instance, Odie Henderson of The Boston Globe called the film “visually unappealing,” while Christian Holub of Entertainment Weekly felt that it “lacks visual variety.” These critics, among other detractors, felt that Director Jon M. Chu’s decision to blend practical sets with extensive CGI and muted color grading resulted in a world that, while colorful, was visually flat.

Wicked: For Good Already Looks Better Than The First Movie

The First Trailer Has Been Released

The first Wicked: For Good trailer has been released, and its visuals are already looking better than the first movie, suggesting that lessons were learned from the criticism. The color grading is more vibrant, with richer saturation that better captures the wonder and whimsy of Oz. The lighting is also more dynamic, creating stronger contrasts and more texture in the sets and costumes. The CGI appears more refined and seamlessly integrated, giving scenes a more immersive quality overall.

While commendable, there’s still room for further improvement as they continue refining the film’s color grading and CGI ahead of its release this November. There could be even bolder color grading to fully capture the magical essence of Oz. Nevertheless, the trailer indicates a deliberate effort to rectify their past visual shortcomings, suggesting that Chu is attuned to audience feedback. Now, Wicked: For Good promises not only a continuation of the beloved story, but a more visually captivating experience overall.

Wicked: For Good Still Has One Big Challenge In Improving On The First Movie

Spoiler: It’s The Songs

Wicked: For Good still has one big challenge in improving on the first movie – the songs. While the first part of the adaptation had the benefit of including Wicked’s most iconic numbers – such as “Defying Gravity,” “Popular,” and “The Wizard and I” – the second half of the musical simply doesn’t boast as many instantly memorable showstoppers. That’s not to say that Act Two’s songs are weak, but the absence of multiple big-hitters sets a higher bar for the sequel to clear.

That said, Wicked: For Good has found a promising solution. The addition of two brand-new songs, which can be heard briefly in the trailer, could breathe fresh life into the film’s second act. If they land emotionally and thematically, they may elevate the soundtrack beyond expectations. Plus, the тιтular number “For Good” already sounds stunning in the trailer. With continued powerhouse performances from Erivo and Grande, Wicked: For Good has every chance to end on a high note.