The final cinematic event of 2025 is poised to make a major splash as Wicked: For Good prepares for its UK debut this weekend. Early reviews have landed, painting a largely positive picture for the highly anticipated sequel, suggesting it could defy the year's sluggish box office trends.
Critical Reception and Rotten Tomatoes Verdict
The first wave of critical opinion is in, and the film has secured a solid footing on the review aggregation site, Rotten Tomatoes. As of now, Wicked: For Good holds a 73% 'Fresh' rating, a score compiled from 102 professional reviews.
However, the audience reaction has been even more enthusiastic. The film's Popcornmeter, which aggregates fan ratings, is sitting at an impressive 97% from over 25,000 verified audience scores. This stark contrast highlights a warm embrace from the cinema-going public, even as critics offer more measured praise.
Praise, Critique, and Oscar Buzz
Much of the acclaim continues to centre on the film's leading stars and director. Cynthia Erivo's performance as Elphaba is already generating significant Oscar buzz, while Ariana Grande's return as Glinda and Jon M. Chu's direction are also receiving strong commendations.
Yet, the film has not been without its criticisms. Some reviewers noted that the sequel lacks the 'cohesion' of the first film. Critic Carla Mayer pointed to "trite dialogue" and "obvious special effects" as drawbacks. Conversely, other voices, like Carla Hay from Culture Mix, argued the sequel "delivers a lavish spectacle that is more action-packed and more emotionally impactful than the first Wicked movie."
Audience Reaction and Cinema Release Details
Where it matters most for box office success, the audience response has been overwhelmingly positive. One fan commented on the review website that the film "shattered me in the best possible way," praising the emotional depth and powerful final performance from the two leads.
With such strong word-of-mouth, cinemas are expecting high demand. Wicked: For Good opens across UK cinemas, including Vue and Odeon, on November 21, 2025. Due to the film's expected popularity, moviegoers are strongly advised to book their tickets in advance through the online box offices of their preferred cinema chain.
