In the musical and upcoming film adaptation, Elphaba doesn't actually die when Dorothy throws water on her. Instead, she orchestrates an elaborate deception to fake her death by escaping through a trapdoor in her castle floor.12 This clever ruse allows her to escape persecution and live in exile with Fiyero, who has been transformed into the Scarecrow.34 The opening scene of the first Wicked film subtly foreshadows this twist by showing carved lines on the floor near the puddle where Elphaba supposedly melted, hinting at the hidden trapdoor that will play a crucial role in Part 2.5

While Elphaba and Fiyero escape to live together in hiding, one of the most poignant aspects of this storyline is that Glinda remains unaware her friend survived. In both the Broadway show and likely the film adaptation, Glinda genuinely believes Elphaba is dead, adding a bittersweet dimension to their friendship's conclusion.346 This dramatic irony creates an emotional ending where Glinda mourns her friend while audiences know the truth of Elphaba's survival.

Dorothy Gale appears only briefly in the first part of Wicked, making a cameo appearance as she and her companions (the Tin Man, Scarecrow, Lion, and Toto) are seen from behind walking down the Yellow Brick Road with Elphaba's broom in hand.1 This limited introduction serves as a transition into the opening number "No One Mourns the Wicked," where Glinda recalls her relationship with Elphaba as Munchkinland celebrates the Wicked Witch's supposed demise.12

While Dorothy is the protagonist of The Wizard of Oz, her role is intentionally minimized in Wicked to maintain focus on Elphaba and Glinda's story.2 However, her brief appearance is significant as it connects to future events, and speculation suggests her character may be expanded in Wicked: Part Two.12 In the original source material, Dorothy is characterized as a sweet, innocent young lady with a streak of boldness who dreams of escaping her Kansas farm life—a stark contrast to the complex political landscape of Oz she unknowingly enters.34

"Wicked: For Good" will feature two brand-new original songs written specifically for the film by Stephen Schwartz, the composer behind the original Broadway production's music and lyrics.1 These additions were created because "the storytelling required it," ensuring they feel organic to the narrative rather than forced additions.1 Director Jon M. Chu confirmed that each of the lead actresses will perform one of these exclusive tracks, with Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) and Ariana Grande (Glinda) each getting their own new solo number.23

Grande has revealed that her new song showcases "a pivotal moment in Glinda's journey" that depicts "a side of her we've never seen before."4 She explained that while this character transformation happens offstage in the Broadway show, the film will allow audiences to witness "her make the decision that defines who she is."4 These new solos will complement the original second-act songs from the musical, including powerful numbers like "No Good Deed," which Chu described as "a f***ing banger," and the emotional duet "For Good," which serves as the film's namesake.25

The first "Wicked" film made a special one-night-only return to theaters on June 4, 2025, with screenings synchronized across North America to debut the "Wicked: For Good" trailer. This coordinated event took place simultaneously at more than 100 theater locations throughout the U.S. and Canada, with showings at 3 p.m. PT, 4 p.m. MT, 5 p.m. CT, and 6 p.m. ET, ensuring all attendees experienced the trailer reveal at the same moment regardless of their location.12

Moviegoers who attended these special screenings received exclusive "Wicked: For Good" commemorative posters and other promotional items while supplies lasted.123 Following the theatrical debut, Universal Pictures made the trailer available online for those unable to attend the in-person screenings.14 The event was announced in May 2025 through the official "Wicked" social media accounts, featuring a video with stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo sharing the exciting news about the sequel's trailer premiere.15