Wicked: For Good’s New Songs Don’t Fix One of the Biggest Problems With the Musical

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The second film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, Wicked, titled Wicked: For Good, premiered on November 21st. The musical, which tells the story behind the Witches of Oz, has been popular worldwide for over twenty years, known for its heartfelt story, impressive visuals, and Stephen Schwartz’s unforgettable music. Now that the movie is out, some viewers unfamiliar with the original story have noticed that the second half feels less energetic and doesn’t have as many instantly catchy songs as the first. The first part of Wicked is full of youthful energy, upbeat musical numbers, and focuses on the blossoming friendship between Glinda and Elphaba, giving us hits like “Popular,” “Dancing Through Life,” and “Defying Gravity.” Wicked: For Good naturally changes tone, becoming more serious and politically focused as it jumps ahead in time. This shift in mood makes sense, as the second film takes place alongside the events of The Wizard of Oz, where Elphaba is portrayed as the villainous Wicked Witch.

To help the movie flow better between musical themes, two new songs by Schwartz – “Girl in the Bubble” and “There’s No Place Like Home” – are added. Though appreciated, these songs aren’t quite strong enough to fully address the underlying problems with the story’s structure and pacing.

The New Songs Struggle to Compare to the Originals

The biggest hurdle for adapting Wicked into a film has always been how to transition from its lighthearted beginning to the darker, more dramatic ending already established in The Wizard of Oz. The first Wicked movie is meant to be a cheerful and energetic story about youth, competition, and the start of a life-changing friendship – and the university setting is perfect for upbeat, memorable musical numbers, just like the stage show. However, Wicked: For Good needs to address the serious consequences of the first film’s events, including a manipulative political attack that falsely portrays Elphaba as the “Wicked Witch” through the actions of a dishonest government. While important to the plot, the songs from the second act of the stage play generally don’t have the same impact as those in the first, with “No Good Deed” and “For Good” being notable exceptions.

The recently added songs to Wicked: For Good were meant to increase the emotional impact of Elphaba and Glinda’s stories. “Girl in the Bubble,” performed by Glinda, explores her inner turmoil and discomfort with the facade of her seemingly perfect life. “There’s No Place Like Home,” sung by Elphaba, is designed to strengthen her resolve to remain an outsider as she fights for what’s right. However, while these songs do move the plot forward, they don’t have the same immediate impact as iconic numbers like “The Wizard and I” or “Defying Gravity.” They feel somewhat unnecessary and don’t quite feel like natural, earned moments within the story.

A significant opportunity was lost in the film: to fully convey the emotional impact, Fiyero should have had his own song. This would have allowed a deeper look into his internal conflict and how he evolved from a carefree prince into someone dedicated to a cause. His entire character development was ultimately reduced to a single line – telling Elphaba, “I have changed.”

As a lifelong fan, I think the biggest issue with Wicked, both on stage and now in the film, is how much the story changes. It starts out so light and fun, focusing on those early days of Elphaba and Glinda, but then it gets really heavy with politics and serious themes. A few new songs are nice, but they just don’t recapture that initial sparkle. They try to address some of the problems, but honestly, the core issues with the story itself are still there.

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2025-11-30 01:41