The School for Good and Evil: Movie, Books & Sequel

Few book-to-film adaptations stir up as much conversation as The School for Good and Evil. The Netflix movie landed in October 2022 with a star-studded cast and a 38% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, yet audiences were split. This guide breaks down the movie, the book series, and whether a sequel is actually on the way.

Release date: October 19, 2022 (Netflix) ·
Director: Paul Feig (Netflix) ·
Available on Netflix: Yes (Netflix)

The table below collects the essential facts about the franchise for quick reference.

Will there be The School for Good and Evil movie 2?

What is the official status of a sequel?

As of early 2025, Netflix has not greenlit a sequel. Industry reporting from What’s on Netflix confirms no official announcement exists. Director Paul Feig told Entertainment Weekly he hopes to continue, but the decision sits entirely with the streaming giant.

Are there any release date rumors?

No credible release date has surfaced. Speculation on social media about a 2025 or 2026 release lacks any official backing. Variety reported after the film’s debut that sequel prospects depend on Netflix’s viewership metrics and strategic priorities (Variety).

Why was The School for Good and Evil movie so bad?

What did critics say?

The Rotten Tomatoes critics consensus called it a “deeply derivative narrative” despite strong visuals and a committed cast (Rotten Tomatoes). The film holds a 38% critics score, with reviews pointing to a formulaic plot that borrows from Harry Potter and The Hunger Games without adding a fresh twist.

How did audiences react?

Audiences were kinder — a 69% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes suggests younger viewers and fans of the book enjoyed the spectacle. However, many IMDb reviews complain about pacing and underdeveloped side characters (IMDb). The gap between critics and audiences is a recurring theme.

What are the common criticisms?

• Derivative world-building (Rotten Tomatoes)
• Pacing issues — 147 minutes felt too long for a straightforward adaptation (Netflix)
• Underdeveloped characters beyond Sophie and Agatha (IMDb)
• Visuals and performances were praised, but not enough to carry the story (Rotten Tomatoes)

Do Agatha and Sophie kiss in the book?

What is the nature of Agatha and Sophie’s relationship?

In Soman Chainani’s original novels, Sophie and Agatha share a deep, emotional friendship that borders on soulmate territory, but they never kiss romantically (Soman Chainani official site). The story explores their bond as a counterpoint to traditional fairy-tale romance. The movie downplays this friendship, focusing more on school rivalries.

Did Sophie end up with Hort?

Yes, in the later books — specifically Quests for Glory and A Crystal of Time — Sophie develops a relationship with Hort, a boy from the School for Evil (Wikipedia). Their arc spans the second trilogy, resolving in a way that surprises many readers.

Where can I watch part 2 of The School for Good and Evil?

Is part 2 available?

No part 2 has been released. As confirmed by What’s on Netflix, the only film currently streaming is the 2022 original. Any sequel would likely debut on Netflix since the first was a Netflix original.

Where can I watch the first movie?

The first movie is streaming exclusively on Netflix (Netflix). It is not available on any other platform.

Will part 2 be on Netflix?

If produced, yes — Netflix retains exclusive rights. But given the lack of renewal, no release timeline exists.

Was The School for Good and Evil a hit or flop?

What were box office numbers?

As a Netflix original, the film did not have a theatrical release. Netflix does not publish traditional box office numbers. However, industry sources estimate the budget at $100 million (Variety). Without ticket sales, success is measured by viewership and cultural impact.

How did it perform on Netflix?

Netflix’s internal metrics are not made public. Third-party data suggests moderate viewership but not a breakout hit. The film entered the Netflix Top 10 in several countries for a few weeks but quickly dropped off (What’s on Netflix).

Did it recoup its budget?

Without box office, Netflix’s “recoup” model is subscription-driven. A $100 million film with moderate buzz and weak critical reception is often considered a flop by Hollywood standards (Variety). The lack of sequel greenlight supports this reading.

The comparison below illustrates how the book series and film adaptation diverge in structure and reception.

The Rotten Tomatoes critics consensus describes the film as having a ‘deeply derivative narrative’ despite strong visuals and a committed cast.

Rotten Tomatoes critics consensus (Rotten Tomatoes)

Many audience reviews cite pacing issues and a muddled plot as major flaws, though some praise the performances of Sofia Wylie and Sophia Anne Caruso.

Audience review on IMDb (IMDb)

The question of a sequel isn’t just about creative will — it’s about whether Netflix sees enough value in the franchise to invest another $100 million. For fans of the books, the decision feels personal. For the streaming giant, it’s a cold calculation: renew the film or move on to the next IP. The pattern is clear: without a strong cultural footprint, even a beloved book series can’t guarantee a second chapter on screen.

Frequently asked questions