Barnardo’s and Universal Pictures’ Wicked: For Good are today announcing a major new partnership – which sees children’s charity Barnardo’s and the epic, emotional conclusion to the global cinematic Wicked phenomenon, join forces in an unprecedented partnership to help change childhoods for the better across the UK. The film arrives in cinemas November 21.
Barnardo’s and Wicked: For Good are coming together to help children in the UK know that they belong – because together, anything is possible.
Together, Anything Is Possible
When speaking about the impact of Barnardo’s support Becca, 20 said: “Barnardo’s has made me feel like I belong because I felt quite alone as a carer for my sister, but when I went to the young carers’ group I realised that lots of people were in the same position as me and they understood what I was going through. We had conversations about our lives, and it felt like I just fit in.”
When speaking about the impact of the first Wicked film on young people, Doreen, 17 said: “I think Wicked has so many themes of being that person in a society that who is different and people have already made their minds up about you. Barnardo’s has boosted my confidence to the max. They’ve amplified my voice and made me see that there is a space for me wherever I want to be. And I don’t think I could have got that support anywhere else.”
To launch the partnership, Wicked fans have the opportunity to win two once-in-a-lifetime experiences: tickets to the Wicked: For Good red-carpet premiere and a magical Emerald Isle getaway to Ireland filled with Wicked-inspired adventures, with the money from all entries going to Barnardo’s.
Additionally, Barnardo’s charity shops will have exclusive Wicked: For Good merchandise in their stores across the UK. Every purchase helps support children, young people and families across the UK.
All the funds raised through the partnership will go towards Barnardo’s vital work that brings love, care and hope into children’s lives, so every child can feel like they belong.
Barnardo’s Is Changing Childhoods for the Better
Announcing the partnership, Lynn Perry, Barnardo’s chief executive, said: “Children dream about their futures. They want to touch the stars, and they want to change the world. Sadly, for too many of them, those dreams feel out of reach. At Barnardo’s, we’ve been working to change that for more than 150 years. From the little things like helping put food on the table or providing a warm coat, to the big things like sticking around when life gets tough, Barnardo’s is here by their side. Because having someone who believes in you can change everything. We’re incredibly excited to partner with Wicked: For Good – and know that lives will be changed as a result of this partnership.”
Marketing Director Universal Pictures UK & EIRE Erika Lewington adds: “Central to Wicked: For Good’s story are themes of courage, empowerment, friendship, and belonging. Elphaba’s journey and relationship with Glinda resonates with all audiences, including children and young people – so we wanted to reflect these messages in an authentic partnership that could genuinely help change lives for the better.
“It is a privilege to work with Barnardo’s, supporting their long history of helping children and young people feel safe.”
‘Wicked: For Good’ Synopsis and Cast
Directed once again by award-winning director Jon M. Chu and starring the spectacular returning cast, led by Academy Award® nominated superstars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, the final chapter of the untold story of the witches of Oz begins with Elphaba and Glinda estranged and living with the consequences of their choices.
Elphaba, now demonized as The Wicked Witch of the West, lives in exile, hidden within the Ozian forest while continuing her fight for the freedom of Oz’s silenced Animals and desperately trying to expose the truth she knows about The Wizard (Jeff Goldblum).
Glinda, meanwhile, has become the glamorous symbol of Goodness for all of Oz, living at the palace in Emerald City and reveling in the perks of fame and popularity. Under the instruction of Madame Morrible (Oscar® winner Michelle Yeoh), Glinda is deployed to serve as an effervescent comfort to Oz, reassuring the masses that all is well under the rule of The Wizard.
As Glinda’s stardom expands and she prepares to marry Prince Fiyero (Olivier award winner and Emmy and SAG nominee Jonathan Bailey) in a spectacular Ozian wedding, she is haunted by her separation from Elphaba. She attempts to broker a conciliation between Elphaba and The Wizard, but those efforts will fail, driving Elphaba and Glinda only further apart. The aftershocks will transform Boq (Tony nominee Ethan Slater) and Fiyero forever, and threaten the safety of Elphaba’s sister, Nessarose (Marissa Bode), when a girl from Kansas comes crashing into all their lives.
As an angry mob rises against the Wicked Witch, Glinda and Elphaba will need to come together one final time. With their singular friendship now the fulcrum of their futures, they will need to truly see each other, with honesty and empathy, if they are to change themselves, and all of Oz, for good.
Wicked: For Good also stars Emmy nominee Bowen Yang and Bronwyn James as Glinda’s fawning assistants, Pfannee and ShenShen and BAFTA and Grammy nominee Sharon D. Clarke (Caroline, or Change) as the voice of Elphaba’s childhood nanny, Dulcibear.
The film is produced by returning Tony and Emmy winning powerhouse Marc Platt p.g.a. and by multiple Tony winner David Stone. The executive producers are Stephen Schwartz, David Nicksay, Jared LeBoff, Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox. The first film, Wicked, released in November 2024, earned 10 Academy Award® nominations, including Best Picture, and won the Oscars® for Costume Design and Production Design. To date, the film has grossed $750 million worldwide.
Wicked: For Good releases in theatres on November 21. Check out a trailer below:
