Wicked: For Good's Final Shot Redeems Divisive Marketing ...

Wicked: For Good's Final Shot Fixes One Of The Biggest Criticisms Of The Movie's Marketing

Ariana Grande's Glinda leans on Cynthia Erivo's Elphaba in Wicked: For Good

By Ross Tanenbaum Published 23 minutes ago Ross is a writer for screenrant. He always stays up to date on the latest movies, whether it's blockbusters or independent dramas. When not watching movies, he can be found at the beach or traveling to amusement parks to ride the best rollercoasters. He is a fan of Marvel, DC, Star Wars, John Wick, Game of Thrones, and anything Disney. Sign in to your ScreenRant account Summary Generate a summary of this story follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Thread Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap

Warning: Spoilers ahead for Wicked: For GoodWicked: For Good's final shot is a clever nod to the Broadway musical that resolves a marketing decision which drew criticism. Wicked is one of the most popular musicals ever, with a strong base of passionate theater enthusiasts. Both films include many Easter eggs and references to the original stage production.

One of the more overt references in the first film comes when Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth appear as storytellers in the Emerald City, coming face-to-face with the characters they originated on Broadway. However, there are more subtle references, such as the way Jon M. Chu recreates the stage look of Elphaba's show-stopping song "Defying Gravity".

Tributes to the stage show started as early as the first film's marketing campaign, which included a recreation of the musical's iconic poster, where Glinda whispers to a smiling Elphaba. Despite the film's earnest attempt to build hype with this poster, it garnered some criticism from fans. However, For Good's final shot redeems this divisive marketing move.

Why The Wicked Movie Poster Was Criticized

Glinda and Elphaba smiling at each other as they hold hands and look in the mirror in their bedroom in Wicked.

Glinda and Elphaba smiling in the mirror in Wicked

The Wicked movie poster is a rather faithful recreation of the Broadway version. It has a few minor changes, with Glinda wearing a tiara and Elphaba's eyes being visible, rather than covered by her hat. However, many found the image didn't have the same personality as the original.

Erivo's expression is rather neutral, and many felt the smirk in the original was more in line with her character. However, the image, shared on Erivo's Instagram, sparked controversy after a fan edit of the poster made it more accurate to the Broadway version. The edit moved Elphaba's hat lower to obscure her eyes, and added lipstick and a smirk.

After the edit went viral, Erivo shared a passionate response, calling it the "most offensive thing I have seen," and that "to edit my face and hide my eyes is to erase me." The actor later spoke with Entertainment Tonight, calling her response "a human moment" and that she probably should have spoken with a friend instead.

While the initial poster sparked some debate, the situation heightened after Erivo's response to the edit. While the poster was a well-intentioned marketing decision, it unfortunately turned into a PR mess for Wicked.

How Wicked: For Good's Final Shot Fixes The Poster Criticisms

Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) sitting on a swing surrounded by sparkles in Wicked: For Good

After Elphaba leaves with Fiyero, Wicked: For Good's ending finds Elphaba and Glinda sitting together as the latter whispers something to Elphaba that makes her smile before the film cuts to credits. It's a beautiful ending to the story that highlights their powerful bond and leaves audiences with a warm reminder of the original production.

It also fixes a few of the criticisms of the poster with this exact shot. Elphaba is now smiling and isn't looking directly at the camera. Glinda's outfit also looks more like the poster, wearing a white outfit with no tiara. They're simple fixes, but they add more emotion to the image and gives Wicked: For Good a memorable conclusion.

11 9.5/10

8/10

Wicked: For Good

10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Like Follow Followed PG Drama Fantasy Romance Release Date November 21, 2025 Runtime 137 Minutes Director Jon M. Chu Writers Winnie Holzman, Dana Fox, Gregory Maguire Producers Marc Platt, David Stone

11 Images

Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) with a thoughtful frown in Wicked: For Good

Glinda (Ariana Grande) smiling in Wicked: For Good Glinda (Ariana Grande) carefully putting on her crown in her room in Wicked: For Good.

Glinda (Ariana Grande) putting on her crown in Wicked: For Good

Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey) playing in a marching band in Wicked: For Good

Glinda (Ariana Grande) walking down the aisle surrounded by yellow butterflies in Wicked: For Good

Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey) and Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) staring into each other’s eyes up close in Wicked: For Good

Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) flying on her broom in Wicked: For Good

Wicked For Good Teaser Thumbnail

Glinda (Ariana Grande) clutching a book to her chest in Wicked: For Good

Glinda (Ariana Grande) floating inside a shimmering bubble in Wicked: For Good

Glinda (Ariana Grande) looking thoughtful in Wicked: For GoodClose

Cast

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Cynthia Erivo Elphaba
Ariana Grande Glinda

Prequel(s) Wicked Genres Drama, Fantasy, Romance Powered by

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Wicked: For Good

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