The highly anticipated cinematic sequel Wicked: For Good has arrived in UK cinemas this week, but not without stirring controversy among dedicated fans of the franchise. While critics have showered the film with praise, many viewers have expressed significant disappointment with the movie's new musical additions.
Fan Backlash Over New Songs
Despite the film being based on Act Two of the wildly successful stage musical and featuring returning stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as Elphaba and Glinda respectively, fans have taken to social media to voice their concerns. The soundtrack includes two original songs - No Place Like Home performed by Ariana Grande and The Girl In The Bubble by Cynthia Erivo - which have become the centre of criticism.
One viewer posted on X: 'Finished Wicked For Good. And if I said they should have never added those new songs then what.' This sentiment was echoed by numerous other fans who felt the new compositions failed to meet the high standards set by the original musical score.
Another disappointed fan commented: 'Wicked For Good just didn't do it for me which is really disappointing and I'm really sad about it. It was slow, it didn't flow well, the new songs were unnecessary and it just wasn't it.'
Critical Acclaim Versus Fan Reaction
In stark contrast to fan reactions, The Mail's film critic Brian Viner awarded the film a five-star rating, describing it as 'just as impressive as the first one, if not better.' Viner particularly praised the visual spectacle, noting that 'the sets and costumes are truly spectacular, and the animal exodus from Oz is superbly rendered.'
He reserved special acclaim for the lead performances, writing: 'Erivo and Grande are magnificent, worthy of all the acclaim that will doubtless be dished upon them. They handle a very funny fight scene beautifully, and both deliver their songs with proper star quality.'
Returning Cast and New Additions
The film sees Jonathan Bailey reprise his role as Fiyero, alongside returning cast members Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, and Ethan Slater. The ensemble expands with Emmy-winning actor Colman Domingo joining as the voice of Brr the Cowardly Lion.
Despite the mixed reactions to the new songs, some viewers acknowledged the film's strengths. One fan noted: 'Some flaws particularly with the pacing, new songs and lighting but some very strong performances make it worth seeing.'
The original stage musical, which serves as the foundation for both films, is loosely adapted from Gregory Maguire's 1995 book Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, which itself drew inspiration from L Frank Baum's original novel and the iconic 1939 film version starring Judy Garland.
Wicked: For Good is now showing in cinemas across the UK, presenting audiences with the opportunity to judge the controversial new songs and the film's overall execution for themselves.
