Spoilers Ahead for Wicked: The Musical, the Movie, and the Original Novel!

If you've somehow missed the buzz surrounding *Wicked*, you're in for an eye-opener! The highly anticipated film adaptation, which has been a sensation on Broadway, only tells half of the story, culminating in a major cliffhanger. Clocking in at nearly three hours, part one of the film captures the essence of the first act of the musical, while the eagerly awaited *Wicked: Part Two* is set to hit theaters on November 21, 2025. Mark your calendars, for the next year might feel like the longest intermission in cinematic history!

*Wicked*, however, holds its own as a standalone film, despite the narrative still lingering. Familiarity with the long-running Broadway production and Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel, *Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West*, provides a roadmap for what audiences can expect. To tide you over during the wait, let’s delve into how the first movie wraps up and what adventures lie ahead in the continuation.

The Shocking Conclusion of Wicked: Part One

In a pivotal scene, Elphaba, portrayed by the stunning Cynthia Erivo, reveals her anticipation to meet the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, played by the iconic Jeff Goldblum. When she and her friend Glinda (Ariana Grande) arrive in the Emerald City, however, they discover the Wizard is merely a man without true powers. Misled by the Wizard and the ruthless Madame Morrible, played by Michelle Yeoh, Elphaba's journey takes a dark turn when she unknowingly conjures an army of flying-monkey spies, realizing she’s been manipulated.

Determined to oppose the corrupt regime, Elphaba takes the Grimmerie—a powerful spell book—and narrowly escapes after a dramatic confrontation with Glinda, who attempts to reason with her. The tension escalates as Elphaba, claiming her identity, soars out of a window while singing the empowering anthem “Defying Gravity.” Unfortunately, her triumph is shadowed by the realization that the citizens of Oz now perceive her as a wicked villain, spurred on by Madame Morrible's declarations.

As the film closes, Elphaba flees, and sorrows of her family and friends present a stark contrast to her newfound freedom. The stage is set for a whirlwind of drama and resolution in Part Two.

What’s Next in Wicked: Part Two?

If Part One adhered closely to the original musical, Part Two is expected to follow suit, but with exciting additions. Composer Stephen Schwartz has hinted at the inclusion of at least two all-new songs. As the story resumes, we anticipate Glinda—the "Good" witch—continuing her battle against the Wizard’s propaganda while grappling with her conflicting feelings for Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey), who is caught between two powerful women.

Meanwhile, Elphaba's sister, Nessarose (Marissa Bode), is on a transformative journey of her own, as she evolves into the Wicked Witch of the East. The intrigue deepens when Elphaba finds herself confronting the consequences of her steadfast actions, leading to heart-wrenching decisions that shape their destinies.

Act Two promises intense moments, especially with familiar faces like Dorothy Gale entering the fray. With the narrative arcing towards a dramatic climax, Fiyero's loyalty and Elphaba's growing reputation as a villain will draw them into a turbulent collision.

Hidden Gems and Unseen Prospects from the Novel

As the creators craft *Wicked: Part Two*, they have a treasure trove of material from Maguire’s novel that could enrich the film. While the musical presents a more sanitized version, the book dives into darker themes, nuanced characters, and complex dynamics worthy of exploration.

Although certain shocking elements from the novel may not translate well to the screen, the filmmakers could bring to life Elphaba’s complicated relationships and provide depth to characters like Fiyero and Nessarose, moving beyond the shell of their current portrayals. Such revelations could add layers to the overarching messages about morality, perspective, and the true nature of good vs evil that Wicked is celebrated for.

Get ready to be captivated by the magic, complexity, and drama of *Wicked: Part Two*, as the adventure continues, intertwining music, sisterhood, and a quest for identity that appeals to all!