The new movie “Wicked: For Good” brings a deeper look at power, fear, and moral choices. Many fans loved the first film for its bright colors and fun moments. But the sequel adds darker scenes and bold ideas. It leans into themes that some viewers link to real events and the state of the world in 2025. These themes come through most clearly in the new songs and story moments. The story follows Elphaba, played by Cynthia Erivo. She is seen as a villain by many in the land of Oz, but she wants to protect her home. In this film, she watches Oz move toward harsh rules and growing control by leaders who want more power. This makes her path more serious than in the first film. A major new song in the sequel is “There’s No Place Like Home.” Composer Stephen Schwartz wrote it during the Covid-19 pandemic, when he and writer Winnie Holzman were shaping the film into two parts. In the song, Erivo sings, “Why do I love this place that’s never loved me?” These lines show her pain and hope for her land. Schwartz said the song reflects how many people feel about their own country today. He said that life in 2025 feels different from life 10 years ago, and many people feel that something important has changed. The movie keeps breaking box office records. It is directed by Jon M. Chu and stars Erivo as the Wicked Witch of the West. Ariana Grande plays Glinda. The first film focused more on school life and friendship. The new one shows Oz as a place where animals are locked up, travel is restricted, and fear spreads. Viewers have seen these images as signs of rising control, or even warnings about the risks of extreme politics. Some also think the scenes touch on debates over immigration rules and national borders. Schwartz said the new song acts like a love letter to a land that is struggling. He believes many people understand the feeling of caring about a place that has caused them pain. He said the question of “Why do we care so much?” is one people often ask in hard times. Another new song, “The Girl in the Bubble,” is sung by Grande. It marks Glinda’s moment of change. She starts to see that she has helped leaders who act with cruelty. Schwartz said it is her “turning point,” the moment she chooses to be honest with herself and to speak out. The song shows her fight between comfort and courage. The two new songs are also eligible for the Academy Awards, unlike the songs from the first film, which were taken from the stage musical. Political themes have always been part of the “Wicked” world. L. Frank Baum’s 1900 book “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” has been read as a story about the politics of the 1890s. The 1939 film showed a leader who hides the truth behind a mask. It came out when people were becoming aware of Adolf Hitler’s rise. The newer stage play was shaped by events like the first Gulf War, the tragedy of 9/11, and the actions taken after it. “Wicked: For Good” joins other large films this year that also use political layers. Some films have been accused of pushing political ideas. Others use fantasy worlds to explore issues like race, conflict, or the environment. Many of the filmmakers choose not to respond. They let the films and stories speak for them. The stars of “Wicked: For Good” follow the same path. They hint at the deeper themes but keep their focus on reaching fans of all kinds. In a recent TV special, Erivo said that people today feel divided. Grande added that the film wants viewers to feel safe and understood. Schwartz said both new songs in the film ask the same question. They ask how much risk someone is willing to take to fight unfair rules and save what feels lost. He said the songs are about taking action, even when it feels hard or frightening. They show the courage needed to stop harm and to stand for what is right. The film blends magic, music, and strong messages. It leaves viewers thinking about their own world and the choices that shape it.