I still remember the thrill of seeing the first Wicked movie in theaters back in 2024. The theater was packed, everyone buzzing about Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo’s powerhouse Elphaba. It felt like a cultural event—songs stuck in my head for weeks, and I even dragged friends to a sing-along screening. Fast forward to Wicked: For Good in 2025, and the magic had faded. The sequel, while still fun in parts, didn’t recapture that spark, and Hollywood seemed to agree, snubbing it entirely at the 2026 Oscars. What started as a box office juggernaut and awards darling turned into a cautionary tale about sequels, musical adaptations, and audience fatigue. Drawing from my own disappointment and the industry’s chatter, this deep dive explores the reasons behind the fall, from critical backlash to structural flaws in the story itself. We’ll unpack the data, hear from experts, and see what it means for future blockbusters.
The Phenomenal Success of Wicked Part One
The 2024 release of Wicked redefined musical movies, blending spectacle with heartfelt storytelling. It earned over $758 million globally, proving audiences craved colorful escapes post-pandemic. Critics praised its vibrant visuals and star turns, leading to 10 Oscar nominations and two wins. For me, it was a reminder of why I love theater—pure joy on screen.
The Shocking Oscar Snub for Wicked: For Good
In a twist no one saw coming, the 2026 Oscar nominations completely overlooked Wicked: For Good. After the first film’s haul, expectations ran high for nods in acting, costumes, and more. Instead, zero nominations stung fans and insiders alike. This omni-snub highlighted Hollywood’s quick pivot from adoration to indifference.
Reasons Behind the Academy’s Cold Shoulder
Experts point to the sequel’s weaker narrative pull and mixed reviews as key factors. Voters favored fresh stories like Sinners, which nabbed 16 nods for its originality. Sequels rarely repeat Oscar glory unless they innovate, and this one played it safe.
Impact on the Cast and Crew
Stars like Ariana Grande, once a frontrunner for supporting actress, missed out entirely. Director Jon M. Chu, celebrated for the first, faced scrutiny for not elevating the material. It’s a tough pill, but it underscores awards’ fickle nature.
Critical Reception: Praise Turns to Critique
The first Wicked boasted an 88% Rotten Tomatoes score, hailed for its energy and charm. Part two dipped to 66%, with reviewers calling it wooden and overlong. One critic joked it felt like a chore, echoing my own mid-movie restlessness. The shift from rave to razz sealed its fate.
Check out the contrasting posters that captured the hype—and the letdown.
Harsh Words from Top Critics
Robbie Collin labeled Ariana Grande’s performance “painfully wooden,” while Justin Chang deemed the film “very, very bad.” These bites hurt, especially after the first’s glowing feedback. It felt like the sequel couldn’t escape the shadow.
Fan Reactions vs. Professional Reviews
Fans defended it online, praising songs like For Good, but pros focused on pacing issues. This divide shows how personal taste clashes with critical standards, leaving the film vulnerable.
Box Office Performance: From Blockbuster to Bust?
Wicked: For Good opened strong with $145 million domestically but tapered off to $523 million worldwide—solid, but down from the original’s $758 million. Economic factors played a role, yet the drop signaled waning interest. I skipped a second viewing, opting for streaming instead.
The Second Act Curse: A Built-In Flaw
The Broadway musical’s second half has always been trickier, shifting from fun school antics to darker politics. Splitting it amplified the imbalance, making For Good feel like a slog. Fans know the stage version drags here, but the film didn’t fix it enough.
Structural Issues in the Adaptation
Side characters like the Tin Man got more screen time, diluting focus on Elphaba and Glinda. New songs aimed to flesh it out but fell flat. It’s like extending a party past its peak—fun wears thin.
Comparisons to the Stage Musical
Theater buffs argue the sequel stayed too faithful where it needed tweaks. Unlike Lord of the Rings trilogies, which built momentum, this felt like a halved story struggling to stand alone.
Marketing Fatigue and Overexposure
The first film’s promo blitz, with Grande and Erivo’s “besties” vibe, created Barbenheimer-level buzz. For the sequel, the charm wore off—no fresh angles, just repetition. Overexposure turned excitement into eye-rolls, as one Golden Globes host quipped about its runtime.
Cast Controversies: Did Drama Play a Role?
Behind-the-scenes whispers added fuel, like Ariana Grande’s affair with co-star Ethan Slater amid his divorce. It painted her as a “homewrecker” in tabloids, potentially souring public perception. Cynthia Erivo faced backlash over past comments, though less directly tied to the snub.
Ariana Grande’s Personal Scandals
News of her relationship timing lost fans, shifting focus from talent to gossip. While not the main reason, it muddied the film’s wholesome image.
Cynthia Erivo’s Past Remarks
Erivo’s old tweets about Black Americans drew ire, boycotts even. Yet her performance shone—perhaps voters separated art from artist, but drama lingered.
Pros and Cons of Splitting Wicked into Two Films
This bold choice had upsides but clear downsides.
Pros:
- Allowed deeper character exploration.
- Built anticipation between releases.
- Maximized revenue potential.
Cons:
- Exposed the musical’s uneven acts.
- Risked audience fatigue.
- Led to a weaker standalone sequel.
Comparing Wicked to Other Musical Sequels
Few musicals get sequels, but parallels exist.
| Film | Oscar Noms (Part 1) | Oscar Noms (Part 2/Seq) | RT Score (Part 1) | RT Score (Part 2) | Box Office (Part 1) | Box Office (Part 2) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wicked | 10 | 0 | 88% | 66% | $758M | $523M |
| Mamma Mia! | 0 | 0 | 55% | 79% | $615M | $395M |
| Into the Woods | 3 | N/A | 71% | N/A | $213M | N/A |
Wicked’s drop stands out, unlike Mamma Mia!’s rebound.
Best Alternatives for Musical Fans Post-Wicked
If Wicked left you wanting, try these. Stream Joker: Folie à Deux on Max for dark musical vibes—available now. For classics, rent West Side Story (2021) on Amazon Prime, a Spielberg gem.
Where to watch? Head to Netflix for similar titles like The Greatest Showman.
Broader Implications for Hollywood Musicals
This snub signals caution for splitting stories—Hollywood loves franchises, but quality counts. Musicals thrive on novelty; sequels must innovate or risk fading. It echoes early Wicked stage reviews, once panned but now iconic.
People Also Ask
Why did Wicked: For Good get zero Oscar nominations?
Poorer reviews, a weaker second act, and sequel fatigue led to the shutout, despite strong box office.
Was Ariana Grande snubbed at the Oscars?
Yes, her Glinda performance, a highlight, missed supporting actress amid tough competition.
How did Wicked Part 1 compare to Part 2?
Part 1 had higher ratings, more noms, and bigger earnings, capturing fresh magic the sequel couldn’t match.
What controversies surrounded the Wicked cast?
Ariana’s relationship drama and Cynthia’s past comments stirred buzz, potentially impacting reception.
FAQ
What is the second act curse in Wicked?
The musical’s latter half focuses on politics over fun, making it less engaging—a flaw the film amplified.
Why were reviews worse for Wicked: For Good?
Critics cited pacing, wooden acting, and lack of spark compared to the vibrant first film.
Did box office affect the Oscar snub?
Lower earnings signaled reduced buzz, influencing voters who favor cultural phenomena.
Are there plans for more Wicked films?
No announcements yet; the snub might deter expansions, focusing on stage revivals instead.
How can fans support the Wicked franchise?
Stream on platforms like Peacock or buy merch from official sites.
Hollywood’s love affair with Wicked cooled fast, but the story’s legacy endures. From my theater seat, it’s a reminder that even hits can stumble. For more on awards snubs, check our guide to Oscar history or the BBC’s take. If this reignited your Oz passion, revisit the original—it’s still defying gravity.
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