View source for The School for Good and Evil (film)



{{Infobox film
| name           = The School for Good and Evil
| image          = The School for Good and Evil movie poster.jpeg
| caption        = Release poster
| director       = [[Paul Feig]]
| screenplay     = {{plainlist|<!--Per https://twitter.com/NetflixGeeked/status/1533886443042512896-->
* [[David Magee]]
* Paul Feig
}}
| based_on       = {{Based on|''[[The School for Good and Evil (novel)|The School for Good and Evil]]'' by [[Soman Chainani]]}}
| producer       = {{plainlist|
* [[Joe Roth]]
* [[Jeff Kirschenbaum|Jeffrey Kirschenbaum]]
* Laura Fischer
* Paul Feig
* Jane Startz
}}
| starring       = {{plainlist|<!--- Per end credit order --->
* [[Sophia Anne Caruso]]
* [[Sofia Wylie]]
* [[Earl Cave]]
* [[Laurence Fishburne]]
* [[Michelle Yeoh]]
* [[Jamie Flatters]]
* [[Kit Young]]
* [[Peter Serafinowicz]]
* [[Rob Delaney]]
* [[Mark Heap]]
* [[Patti LuPone]]
* [[Rachel Bloom]]
* [[Cate Blanchett]]
* [[Kerry Washington]]
* [[Charlize Theron]]
}}
| cinematography = [[John Schwartzman]]
| editing        = [[Brent White]]<ref name="NIS">{{cite web |title=''The School for Good and Evil'' |url=https://www.northernirelandscreen.co.uk/production-catalogue/feature-films/school-good-evil |publisher=[[Northern Ireland Screen]] |access-date=September 28, 2021 |language=en |date=August 9, 2021}}</ref>
| music          = [[Theodore Shapiro]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Theodore Shapiro Scoring Paul Feig's ''The School for Good and Evil'' |url=https://filmmusicreporter.com/2022/05/17/theodore-shapiro-scoring-paul-feigs-the-school-for-good-and-evil |website=Film Music Reporter |access-date=May 18, 2022 |date=May 17, 2022}}</ref>
| production_companies = {{plainlist|
* [[Roth/Kirschenbaum Films]]<ref name="McAleer">{{cite web |last1=McAleer |first1=Ryan |title=Netflix's first Belfast production expected to be worth £30 million for economy |url=https://www.irishnews.com/business/2021/05/15/news/netflix-s-first-belfast-production-expected-to-be-worth-30-million-for-economy-2322924 |work=[[The Irish News]] |language=en |date=May 15, 2021}}</ref>
* Feigco Entertainment<ref name="Futon">{{cite press release |title=Jessica Williams and Chris 'Comedian CP' Powell Join William Jackson Harper to Star in Max Original ''Love Life'' Season Two |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2021/05/03/jessica-williams-and-chris-comedian-cp-powell-join-william-jackson-harper-to-star-in-max-original-love-life-season-two-209122/20210503warnermedia02 |via=[[The Futon Critic]] |access-date=May 5, 2021 |date=May 3, 2021 |publisher=[[WarnerMedia]]}}</ref><ref name="Galuppo" />
* Jane Startz Productions<ref name="Fleming2" />
}}
| distributor    = [[Netflix]]
| released       = {{Film date|2022|10|18|[[Regency Village Theatre]]|2022|10|19}}
| runtime        = 147 minutes<ref name="BBFC">{{cite web |title=''The School For Good And Evil'' (12)|url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/the-school-for-good-and-evil-film-qxnzzxq6vlgtmtawmja3odq |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220904005842/https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/the-school-for-good-and-evil-film-qxnzzxq6vlgtmtawmja3odq |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 4, 2022 |publisher=[[British Board of Film Classification]] |access-date=September 4, 2022 |language=en}}</ref>
| country        = United States
| language       = English
| budget         = 
| gross          = 
}}

'''''The School for Good and Evil''''' is a 2022 American [[fantasy film]]<!-- Do not add other genre(s) without consensus on talk page per [[MOS:FILMGENRE]] --> directed by [[Paul Feig]] from a screenplay he co-wrote with [[David Magee]], based on the 2013 novel [[The School for Good and Evil (novel)|of the same name]] by [[Soman Chainani]].<ref name="McNary">{{cite web |last1=McNary |first1=Dave |title=Paul Feig to Direct Fantasy ''The School For Good and Evil'' for Netflix |url=https://variety.com/2020/film/news/paul-feig-school-for-good-and-evil-netflix-1234618404 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |access-date=December 19, 2020 |date=May 28, 2020 |archive-date=February 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210217120445/https://variety.com/2020/film/news/paul-feig-school-for-good-and-evil-netflix-1234618404/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Fletcher">{{cite web |last1=Fletcher |first1=Rosie |title=''Bridesmaids'' Ten Years on: 'It Should Not Have Been Subversive' |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/bridesmaids-ten-years-on-paul-feig |publisher=[[Den of Geek]] |access-date=May 14, 2021 |date=May 13, 2021}}</ref><ref name="N'Duka">{{cite web |last1=N'Duka |first1=Amanda |title=Paul Feig To Helm ''The School For Good And Evil'' Adaptation For Netflix |url=https://deadline.com/2020/05/paul-feig-the-school-for-good-and-evil-movie-netflix-1202945367 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |access-date=December 19, 2020 |date=May 28, 2020 |archive-date=February 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210222020939/https://deadline.com/2020/05/paul-feig-the-school-for-good-and-evil-movie-netflix-1202945367/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> The film stars an [[ensemble cast]] led by [[Sophia Anne Caruso]] as Sophie and [[Sofia Wylie]] as Agatha, two best friends who are sent to the Schools for Good and Evil. After their fortunes are seemingly reversed, their friendship is put to the test.<ref name="Ashton">{{cite web |last1=Ashton |first1=Will |title=Upcoming Charlize Theron Movies: What's Ahead For The ''Mad Max: Fury Road'' Star |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2566208/upcoming-charlize-theron-movies |work=[[CinemaBlend]] |access-date=May 5, 2021 |date=April 27, 2021 |archive-date=April 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427145422/https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2566208/upcoming-charlize-theron-movies |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="THR">{{cite web |author1=THR Staff |title=''The Hollywood Reporter''{{'s}} 2021 Women in Entertainment Power 100 |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/hollywood-reporters-2021-women-in-entertainment-power-100 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |access-date=May 14, 2021 |date=May 12, 2021}}</ref><ref name="Prosser">{{cite web |last1=Prosser |first1=Keegan |title=Netflix's School for Good and Evil Casts Laurence Fishburne, Michelle Yeoh |url=https://www.cbr.com/netfilx-school-for-good-evil-laurence-fishburne-michelle-yeoh |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |access-date=March 16, 2021 |date=March 13, 2021 |archive-date=March 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210315213111/https://www.cbr.com/netfilx-school-for-good-evil-laurence-fishburne-michelle-yeoh/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

The film's development began in 2013, when the rights to the novel were acquired by [[Roth/Kirschenbaum Films]] and Jane Startz Productions, with [[Universal Pictures]] initially set to release the film. After the project languished in [[development hell]], [[Netflix]] took over in 2017, and Feig was hired to direct three years later. [[Principal photography]] took place in [[Northern Ireland]] between January and July 2021.

''The School for Good and Evil'' was released on October 19, 2022, by Netflix. The film received generally negative<!-- DO NOT ADJUST THIS---the reception section CLEARLY supports "negative reviews", not mixed or positive --> reviews from critics, who criticized the narrative and storytelling, but praised its cast and visuals.

==Plot==
<!-- Per WP:FilmPlot, plot summaries for feature films should be between 400 and 700 words. -->
Twin brothers Rhian and Rafal founded the School for Good and Evil to groom [[fairy tale]] heroes (called "Evers") and villains (called "Nevers") respectively. Dissatisfied with evil's constant submission to good, Rafal attacks Rhian using blood magic. They both seem to fall off a cliff, but presumably Rafal dies.

Years later, in the village of Gavaldon, best friends Sophie and Agatha learn about the legendary school from the local bookshop owner. While Agatha is skeptical, fairy tale-obsessed Sophie dreams of escaping ordinary life and becoming a [[princess]]. Nights later, Sophie attempts to run away from Gavaldon in secret.

When Agatha finds out and tries to intervene, a giant [[Stymphalian birds|stymph]] snatches them both, flying them to the magical School for Good and Evil. To their dismay, however, Agatha is dropped at the School for Good while Sophie is delivered to the School for Evil. Agatha protests, wishing to return to Gavaldon, while Sophie insists she belongs in Good.

Both girls seek out School Master Rhian and the magical Storian pen. He says he will only allow Sophie to switch schools if she can prove herself an Ever by attaining true love's kiss. She casts Prince Tedros, the son of [[King Arthur]], as her true love and enlists Agatha's help.

Agatha and Sophie struggle in their respective classes and are outcast by their peers. Though Agatha is vocally critical of Good's superficiality, Ever Dean Clarissa Dovey argues her sense of [[empathy]] makes her the first true princess in a long time. Meanwhile, Rafal manifests as a [[wasp]] swarm and defends Sophie from another student's attack. Never Dean Leonora Lesso interprets this as Sophie's unique potential for winning a victory for Evil, something thought impossible for centuries.

When Sophie tries to get close to Tedros, Lesso cuts her hair to break her spirit. Under Rafal's influence, Sophie undergoes a radical change in appearance and personality; gaining the favor of the Nevers and rising to the unofficial position of leader of Evil's student body. Though she diverges from Agatha, the latter still tries to aid Sophie by using magic to bring her and Tedros together.

An Ever and a Never being together causes chaos between both schools; Rhian determines a "Trial by Tale" to settle the issue. During the Trial, Sophie ends up proving inept in defending herself and Tedros, prompting an infiltrating Agatha to save him in her stead. This results in him rejecting Sophie for choosing self-preservation over him, with the prince starting a relationship with Agatha.

Convinced by Rafal that Agatha is her enemy, Sophie accepts his offer of blood magic. She incapacitates Dovey, Lesso, and the other school staff, and crashes the Evers' Ball, now physically transformed into a [[hag]]. Sophie threatens Agatha and goads Tedros into attacking the School for Evil. However, by attacking, the Evers break the law of "Good defends, Evil attacks"; resulting in the Nevers and Evers magically switching appearances and a battle breaking out.

Sophie attempts to seek revenge on Rhian, who reveals himself to have been Rafal all along, having survived the fall and killed Rhian, assuming his identity and manipulating Good's stories to weaken it from within, favoring Evil. He then proposes he and Sophie rule together, declaring her his true love. As they kiss, both Schools start collapsing, horrifying Sophie.

When Agatha arrives, Rafal tries to impale her with the Storian, which he had forced to write the story it has written. Sophie pushes Agatha out of the way and takes the fatal hit; her sacrifice undoes both Rafal's spell and already written fate on Agatha, saving everyone. Agatha, with a dying Sophie and Tedros's help, kills Rafal with [[Excalibur]]. She then kisses the dying Sophie goodbye; this demonstration of true love revives her.

The Evers and Nevers reconcile, and the restored school staff decide to again unite the two schools into one. A portal to Gavaldon opens, and Agatha kisses Tedros before crossing over with Sophie, returning to their old lives. However, a portal opens piercing the veil between worlds and an arrow flies through, with Tedros pleading he needs Agatha; the Storian then states that "this is only the beginning."

==Cast==
* [[Sophia Anne Caruso]] as Sophie, a beautiful girl who dreams of becoming a princess<ref name="N'Duka2" />
**Ella Hehir as young Sophie<ref name="MC details" />
* [[Sofia Wylie]] as Agatha, Sophie's best friend who is labeled a witch by the villagers<ref name="N'Duka2">{{cite web |last1=N'Duka |first1=Amanda |title=Paul Feig Taps Sofia Wylie & Sophia Anne Caruso To Lead ''The School For Good and Evil'' Adaptation |url=https://deadline.com/2020/12/paul-feig-sofia-wylie-sophia-anne-caruso-the-school-for-good-and-evil-netflix-1234660311 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |access-date=January 10, 2021 |date=December 21, 2020 |archive-date=January 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114025716/https://deadline.com/2020/12/paul-feig-sofia-wylie-sophia-anne-caruso-the-school-for-good-and-evil-netflix-1234660311/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
**Mahli Perry as young Agatha<ref name="MC details" />
* [[Kit Young]] as Rafal/Rhian, the twin School Masters of Evil and Good respectively
** [[Laurence Fishburne]] as School Master Rhian, Rafal's disguise as his brother in his old years<ref name="FlemingCasting">{{cite web |last1=Fleming |first1=Mike Jr. |title=Laurence Fishburne, Michelle Yeoh Join ''The School For Good And Evil'' At Netflix |url=https://deadline.com/2021/03/laurence-fishburne-michelle-yeoh-the-school-for-good-and-evil-netflix-charlize-theron-kerry-washington-soman-chainani-1234713455/amp |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |access-date=March 13, 2021 |date=March 12, 2021 |archive-date=March 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210312224947/https://deadline.com/2021/03/laurence-fishburne-michelle-yeoh-the-school-for-good-and-evil-netflix-charlize-theron-kerry-washington-soman-chainani-1234713455/amp/ |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="White">{{cite web |last1=White |first1=James |title=Laurence Fishburne And Michelle Yeoh Join ''The School For Good And Evil'' |url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/laurence-fishburne-and-michelle-yeoh-join-the-school-for-good-and-evil |work=[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]] |access-date=March 16, 2021 |date=March 15, 2021 |archive-date=March 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210315223400/https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/laurence-fishburne-and-michelle-yeoh-join-the-school-for-good-and-evil |url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Michelle Yeoh]] as Prof. Emma Anemone, the Beautification teacher<ref name="Anderton">{{cite web |last1=Anderton |first1=Ethan |title=''The School for Good and Evil'' TV Series Adds Laurence Fishburne and Michelle Yeoh |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/the-school-for-good-and-evil-cast-laurence-fishburne-michelle-yeoh |work=[[/Film]] |access-date=March 16, 2021 |date=March 14, 2021 |archive-date=March 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210316050534/https://www.slashfilm.com/the-school-for-good-and-evil-cast-laurence-fishburne-michelle-yeoh/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Paz">{{cite web |last1=Paz |first1=Maggie Dela |title=Fishburne & Yeoh Join Netflix's ''The School for Good and Evil'' Film |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/1166374-fishburne-yeoh-join-netflixs-school-for-good-and-evil-film |website=[[ComingSoon.net]] |access-date=March 16, 2021 |date=March 15, 2021 |archive-date=May 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505115723/https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/1166374-fishburne-yeoh-join-netflixs-school-for-good-and-evil-film |url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Jamie Flatters]] as Tedros, the Prince of [[Camelot]]
* [[Peter Serafinowicz]] as Yuba, the Surviving in Fairy Tales teacher<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Ritman|first=Alex|date=November 9, 2021|title=Ben Kingsley, Rob Delaney, Rachel Bloom, Patti LuPone Enroll in Netflix's 'School for Good and Evil' (Exclusive)|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/school-for-good-and-evil-ben-kingsley-rob-delaney-rachel-bloom-1235044633/|access-date=November 9, 2021|website=The Hollywood Reporter|language=en-US}}</ref>
* [[Rob Delaney]] as Stefan, Sophie's father
* [[Mark Heap]] as Professor Bilious Manley, the Uglification teacher<ref name=":0" />
* [[Patti LuPone]] as Mrs. Deauville, the Gavaldon bookshop owner
* [[Rachel Bloom]] as Honora, Sophie's stepmother
* [[Cate Blanchett]] as the voice of the Storian<ref name="Bucksbaum" /><ref name="Oganesyan">{{cite web |last1=Oganesyan |first1=Natalie |title=Cate Blanchett Cast in 'The School for Good and Evil' |url=https://www.thewrap.com/cate-blanchett-the-school-for-good-and-evil-casti |website=[[TheWrap]] |access-date=June 23, 2022 |date=June 22, 2022}}</ref>
* [[Kerry Washington]] as Prof. Clarissa Dovey, the Dean of the School for Good<ref name="Hipes">{{Cite web|last=Hipes|first=Patrick|date=February 19, 2021|title=Kerry Washington And Charlize Theron Join Netflix's ''The School For Good And Evil''|url=https://deadline.com/2021/02/kerry-washington-charlize-theron-the-school-for-good-and-evil-movie-1234697107/|url-status=live|access-date=February 19, 2021|work=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|language=en-US|archive-date=February 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210219172356/https://deadline.com/2021/02/kerry-washington-charlize-theron-the-school-for-good-and-evil-movie-1234697107/}}</ref><ref name="Gordon">{{cite magazine |last1=Gordon |first1=Naomi |title=Kerry Washington and Charlize Theron cast in Netflix movie ''The School for Good and Evil'' |url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/culture/entertainment/a35572211/kerry-washington-charlize-theron-netflix-school-for-good-and-evil |magazine=[[Harper's Bazaar]] |access-date=February 22, 2021 |date=February 20, 2021 |archive-date=February 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210220104505/https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/culture/entertainment/a35572211/kerry-washington-charlize-theron-netflix-school-for-good-and-evil/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Charlize Theron]] as Lady Leonora Lesso, the Dean of the School for Evil<ref name="Romano">{{cite magazine |last1=Romano |first1=Nick |title=Charlize Theron and Kerry Washington enroll in Paul Feig's ''The School for Good and Evil'' |url=https://ew.com/movies/netflix-charlize-theron-kerry-washington-the-school-for-good-and-evil |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |access-date=February 22, 2021 |language=en |date=February 19, 2021 |archive-date=February 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210222020924/https://ew.com/movies/netflix-charlize-theron-kerry-washington-the-school-for-good-and-evil/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Jennings">{{cite web |last1=Jennings |first1=Collier |title=Paul Feig's ''The School for Good and Evil'' Casts Kerry Washington, Charlize Theron |url=https://www.cbr.com/paul-feig-school-good-evil-kerry-washington-charlize-theron |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |access-date=February 22, 2021 |date=February 20, 2021 |archive-date=February 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210221190044/https://www.cbr.com/paul-feig-school-good-evil-kerry-washington-charlize-theron/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
** Abigail Stones<ref name="Echebiri" /> as young Leonora
<!--- Per end credit order --->

Additionally, [[Earl Cave]] appears as Hort,<ref name="Leishman">{{cite web |last1=Leishman |first1=Rachel |title=Netflix's ''The School for Good and Evil'' Adds Nick Cave's Son to Cast |url=https://collider.com/school-for-good-and-evil-cast-earl-cave-netflix/ |website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] |access-date=March 24, 2021 |date=March 24, 2021 |archive-date=March 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210325062043/https://collider.com/school-for-good-and-evil-cast-earl-cave-netflix/ |url-status=live}}</ref> while [[Freya Parks]] portrays Hester, the leader of the School for Evil's coven;<ref name="Oddo">{{cite web |last1=Oddo |first1=Marco Vito |title=First Teaser for ''The School for Good and Evil'' Lets You Meet the Coven of Netflix Adaptation |url=https://collider.com/school-for-good-and-evil-teaser-trailer-netflix-kerry-washington-charlize-theron/ |website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] |access-date=June 10, 2021 |date=June 9, 2021}}</ref><ref name="Atkinson">{{cite web |last1=Atkinson |first1=John |title=School for Good & Evil Video Reveals First Look At The Coven |url=https://screenrant.com/school-good-evil-movie-video-coven-revealed |website=[[Screen Rant]] |access-date=June 10, 2021 |date=June 9, 2021}}</ref> [[Demi Isaac Oviawe]] and Kaitlyn Akinpelumi appear as Hester's sidekicks, Anadil and Dot. Holly Sturton,<ref name="Naidoo">{{cite web |last1=Naidoo |first1=Alicia |title=Good vs Evil: Charlize Theron & Kerry Washington Star in Netflix Film |url=https://www.thesouthafrican.com/culture/entertainment/charlize-theron-kerry-washington-netflix-the-school-of-good-and-evil |website=[[The South African]] |access-date=June 14, 2022 |language=en-ZA |date=June 9, 2022}}</ref> Briony Scarlett, Rosie Graham,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Orquiola |first1=John |title=''Sanditon'' Season 2 Cast & Character Guide |url=https://screenrant.com/sanditon-season-2-cast-characters-guide |website=[[Screen Rant]] |access-date=March 21, 2022 |date=March 21, 2022}}</ref><ref name="MC details">{{cite web|title=''The School for Good and Evil'' Details|url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/the-school-for-good-and-evil/details|access-date=June 16, 2022|website=[[Metacritic]]}}</ref> [[Emma Lau]],<ref name="Paz2">{{cite web |last1=Paz |first1=Maggie Dela |title=''School For Good and Evil'' Movie Photos Feature Washington & Theron |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/1174535-school-for-good-and-evil-movie-photos-washington-theron |website=[[ComingSoon.net]] |access-date=May 24, 2021 |date=May 19, 2021}}</ref> and Chinenye Ezeudu<ref name="Smith">{{cite web |last1=Smith |first1=Josh |title=Glamour's September coverstars – Patricia Allison, Chinenye Ezeudu and Aimee Lou Wood – are smashing taboos with the new series of ''Sex Education'' |url=https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/aimee-lou-wood-patricia-allison-chinenye-ezeudu-sex-education-cover-interview-september-2021 |website=[[Glamour UK]] |access-date=September 3, 2021 |date=September 2, 2021}}</ref><ref name="Abdulbaki">{{cite web |last1=Abdulbaki |first1=Mae |title=What ''Sex Education''{{'s}} Cast Is Doing Next |url=https://screenrant.com/sex-education-season-3-cast-actors-next-roles |website=[[Screen Rant]] |access-date=October 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211002090831/https://screenrant.com/sex-education-season-3-cast-actors-next-roles/ |archive-date=October 2, 2021 |date=October 1, 2021}}</ref> portray Evergirls Beatriz, Reena, Millicent, Kiko, and Chinen, respectively. Mark Charles appears as Eric; [[Harvey Scrimshaw]] as Harvid; and [[Ali Khan (British actor)|Ali Khan]] as Chaddick. Stephanie Siadatan plays Vanessa, Sophie's mother.<ref name="Echebiri">{{cite web |last1=Echebiri |first1=Chike |title=''The School for Good and Evil'': Release Window, Trailer, Cast, and Everything We Know so Far |url=https://collider.com/the-school-for-good-and-evil-release-window-trailer-cast-plot-everything-we-know/ |website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] |access-date=July 2, 2022 |date=June 29, 2022}}</ref> [[Joelle (actor)|Joelle]] plays a character of her namesake, while [[Scaredy Kat|Ally Cubb]] plays Gregor.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Grobar |first1=Matt |title=Hugh Grant to Play Zeus in Netflix's Greek Mythology Reimagining ''Kaos'' from Creator Charlie Covell; Janet McTeer, Cliff Curtis & David Thewlis Among Additional Series Regulars |url=https://deadline.com/2022/06/hugh-grant-janet-mcteer-cliff-curtis-more-join-netflix-series-kaos-1235053456 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630002526/https://deadline.com/2022/06/hugh-grant-janet-mcteer-cliff-curtis-more-join-netflix-series-kaos-1235053456/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 30, 2022 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |access-date=July 2, 2022 |date=June 29, 2022}}</ref>

==Production==
===Development and writing===
In 2011, studios reportedly considered a film adaptation based on ''[[The School for Good and Evil]]'' series.<ref name="Getzler">{{cite web |last1=Getzler |first1=Wendy Goldman |title=''The School for Good and Evil'' gets book, TV, movie deals |url=https://kidscreen.com/2011/09/29/21148 |website=[[Kidscreen]] |access-date=June 15, 2021 |date=September 29, 2011}}</ref><ref name="Hermanns" /> Shortly after the publication of the [[The School for Good and Evil (novel)|first book]] of the series in 2013, [[Roth Films]] partnered with Jane Startz Productions to acquire rights to produce a film based on the novel.<ref name="Fleming2">{{cite web |last1=Fleming |first1=Mike Jr. |title=Roth Films, Jane Startz Productions Team On ''The School For Good And Evil'' |url=https://deadline.com/2013/05/roth-films-jane-startz-productions-team-on-the-school-for-good-and-evil-501471 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |access-date=February 5, 2021 |date=May 16, 2013 |archive-date=July 5, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705060326/http://deadline.com/2013/05/roth-films-jane-startz-productions-team-on-the-school-for-good-and-evil-501471/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Universal Pictures]] won the auction in a seven-figure deal for book and scriptwriting fees. Roth, Startz and Palak Patel were appointed producers. Chainani and [[Malia Scotch Marmo]] were hired to write the screenplay, with the former writing the initial two drafts.<ref name="Fleming">{{cite web |last1=Fleming |first1=Mike Jr. |title=Universal Makes Seven-Figure Deal For ''The School For Good And Evil'' |url=https://deadline.com/2013/05/universal-makes-seven-figure-deal-for-the-school-for-good-and-evil-507177 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |access-date=January 10, 2021 |date=May 23, 2013 |archive-date=October 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030090827/https://deadline.com/2013/05/universal-makes-seven-figure-deal-for-the-school-for-good-and-evil-507177/ |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Kit">{{cite web |last1=Kit |first1=Borys |title=Universal Picks Up Rights to ''School for Good and Evil'' |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/universal-picks-up-rights-school-556777 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |access-date=February 22, 2021 |language=en |date=May 23, 2013 |archive-date=September 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922145326/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/universal-picks-up-rights-school-556777 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Columbia">{{cite web |title=Out of the Past, Into the Future: Soman Chainani |url=https://arts.columbia.edu/news/out-past-future-soman-chainani |publisher=[[Columbia University]] |access-date=March 15, 2021 |language=en |first=Cody Daniel |last=Beltis |date=February 23, 2021 |archive-date=February 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228113301/https://arts.columbia.edu/news/out-past-future-soman-chainani |url-status=live}}</ref> In July 2015, Chainani stated he and Scotch Marmo finished writing the script.<ref name="Monkou" />

After the film languished in [[development hell]],<ref name="Hermanns" /> [[Netflix]] purchased the rights with a new team that included [[David Magee]] and [[Laura Solon]] as screenwriters in 2017.<ref name="Columbia" /> The streaming service expressed interest in live-action family films since most family films were animated. Other studios frequently rejected big-budget productions because of the expenses or the risks of releasing a family film that was not based on preexisting intellectual property; however, Netflix's ambition to find films that appeal to all ages led it to buy those productions, such as ''The School for Good and Evil''.<ref name="Sperling">{{cite web |last1=Sperling |first1=Nicole |title=Streaming Services Want to Fill the Family Movie Void |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/09/business/media/netflix-family-movies.html |website=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=October 14, 2022 |date=October 9, 2022 |url-access=limited}}</ref>

[[Paul Feig]] was offered a spot as director, but he was hesitant due to the film's contrasts with his style and unfamiliar genre. However, he reconsidered after he read the script, in which he enjoyed the characters, story, and opportunities for world-building.<ref name="Bankhurst">{{cite web |last1=Bankhurst |first1=Adam |title=How Directing ''Ghostbusters'' Prepared Paul Feig for ''The School for Good and Evil'' |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/the-school-for-good-and-evil-netflix-paul-feig |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=June 12, 2022 |language=en |date=June 8, 2022}}</ref> He was also interested in the relationships between the characters, as well as good and evil.<ref name="Lee">{{cite web |last1=Lee |first1=Jenny |title=Director Paul Feig on the Northern Ireland-Filmed Netflix Movie ''The School for Good and Evil'' |url=https://www.irishnews.com/arts/film/2022/10/21/news/director_paul_feig_on_the_northern_ireland-filmed_netflix_movie_the_school_for_good_and_evil-2868414 |website=[[The Irish News]] |access-date=October 21, 2022 |language=en |date=October 21, 2022}}</ref> Feig aimed to depict the lead characters' female friendship interestingly, as such relationships were often portrayed contentiously onscreen.<ref name="Blyth">{{cite web |last1=Blyth |first1=Antonia |title=''The School For Good And Evil'' Director Paul Feig Honored at Newport Beach Film Festival; Cites Goal Of Portraying Multi-Dimensional Female Friendship |url=https://deadline.com/2022/10/the-school-for-good-and-evil-netflix-paul-feig-interview-melissa-mccarthy-newport-beach-film-festival-1235152236 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221021222601/https://deadline.com/2022/10/the-school-for-good-and-evil-netflix-paul-feig-interview-melissa-mccarthy-newport-beach-film-festival-1235152236/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 21, 2022 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |access-date=October 22, 2022 |date=October 21, 2022}}</ref> Feig joined in 2020, with Roth, [[Jeff Kirschenbaum|Jeffrey Kirschenbaum]], Startz, Laura Fischer and Feig as producers, and Zack Roth, [[Patricia Riggen]] and Chainani as executive producers.<ref name="Galuppo">{{cite web |last1=Galuppo |first1=Mia |title=Paul Feig to Direct ''School for Good and Evil'' Adaptation for Netflix |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/paul-feig-direct-school-good-evil-adaptation-netflix-1296168 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |access-date=December 19, 2020 |date=May 28, 2020 |archive-date=June 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200623113053/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/paul-feig-direct-school-good-evil-adaptation-netflix-1296168 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Columbia" /> Netflix was supportive of Feig's rewrites and changes.<ref name="Lodderhose">{{cite web |last1=Lodderhose |first1=Diana |title=Hot Spots: Paul Feig Talks Shooting ''The School For Good And Evil'' in Northern Ireland |url=https://deadline.com/2022/10/hot-spots-paul-feig-talks-shooting-school-for-good-and-evil-in-northern-ireland-1235149359 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221019153540/https://deadline.com/2022/10/hot-spots-paul-feig-talks-shooting-school-for-good-and-evil-in-northern-ireland-1235149359/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 19, 2022 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |access-date=November 3, 2022 |date=October 19, 2022}}</ref>

Chainani said the film would be a "very different animal" from the book.<ref name="Brissey">{{cite interview |last1=Chainani |first1=Soman |interviewer=Breia Brissey |title=See the cover for Soman Chainani's ''The School for Good and Evil'' sequel -- Exclusive |url=https://ew.com/article/2013/08/13/soman-chainani-the-school-for-good-and-evil-a-world-without-princes-cover |website=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |access-date=October 31, 2021 |language=en |date=August 13, 2013}}</ref> Feig stated that he is "very against any movies where you have to know things before you go there".<ref name="Bucksbaum3" /> The scenes were retrofitted so that they would still be unique from the books, but in a way that would hopefully please the fans.<ref name="Bucksbaum3" /> They often had to examine certain passages very closely to ensure they were not just recreating clichés.<ref name="Bankhurst" /> While the novels are targeted towards young adults, Feig set out to create "an anti-[[Disney]]" film that, while reinterpreting fairy tales, also probed genuine issues and darkness. In the books, the students are in their mid-teenage years; Feig, however, believed ''The School for Good and Evil'' did not necessarily need to be set at a high school. In the film, the students are approximately 18 to 19 years old.<ref name="Lee" /> As the film developed, the team required more money for various things; Netflix subsequently increased the budget.<ref name="Lodderhose" />

===Casting===
[[Fiona Weir]] was appointed casting director.<ref name="Cook">{{cite web |last1=Cook |first1=Laurence |title=These 3 Netflix, Amazon and Sky UK Productions are Greenlit + Now Casting |url=https://www.backstage.com/uk/magazine/article/netflix-amazon-sky-productions-greenlit-casting-72087 |work=[[Backstage (magazine)|Backstage]] |access-date=December 19, 2020 |language=en-gb |date=November 13, 2020 |archive-date=January 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210113175806/https://www.backstage.com/uk/magazine/article/netflix-amazon-sky-productions-greenlit-casting-72087/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Feig made note to select talented, nice, and cooperative actors;<ref name="LaunchParty">{{cite AV media |title=The Most Epic Launch Party Ever (Feat. ''School for Good & Evil'' Movie Talent) |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZgKI2mh-Ktg |publisher=EverNever TV |format=Video |access-date=October 31, 2021 |date=September 25, 2021 |via=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> Chainani stated casting was based on talent, not looks. Characters were reinterpreted to "make sure [their] spirit&nbsp;... is best embodied in that particular actor".<ref name="BigQ&A">{{cite AV media |title=''The School for Good & Evil Movie'': The Great Big Q&A |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=tElGqJrdDrI |publisher=EverNever TV |access-date=October 31, 2021 |format=Video |date=June 17, 2021 |via=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> According to Chainani, casting Hester was difficult due to her "very, very specific energy".<ref name="YouTubeCoven">{{cite AV media |title=The School for Good and Evil: Meet the Coven {{!}} First Look {{!}} Netflix Geeked Week |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=5hQX02h2L8E |publisher=[[Netflix]] |access-date=June 11, 2021 |language=en |format=Video |date=June 10, 2021|via=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> [[Laurence Fishburne]] joined the cast as the School Master due to his daughter's love for the books, which she started reading as a [[tween]].<ref name="ScottFishburne">{{cite interview |last1=Fishburne |first1=Laurence |interviewer=Walter Scott |title=Laurence Fishburne Has the Sweetest Reason for Joining the Cast of ''The School for Good and Evil'' |url=https://parade.com/tv/laurence-fishburne-the-school-for-good-and-evil |website=[[Parade (magazine)|Parade]] |access-date=October 29, 2022 |language=en |date=October 14, 2022}}</ref>

Actresses [[Sophia Anne Caruso]] and [[Sofia Wylie]] were cast in the roles of Sophie and Agatha, respectively.<ref name="N'Duka2" /> Caruso learned of ''The School for Good and Evil'' after a general meeting with Feig. The script was sent to her shortly after; Caruso was impressed by the writing. However, Feig's collaborative and optimistic attitude, as well as his acting experience, was what ultimately persuaded Caruso to join the cast.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/tv/creativity-flows-through-sophia-anne-caruso-star-of-the-school-of-good-and-evil/|title=Creativity Flows Through Sophia Anne Caruso, Star of ''The School of Good and Evil''|first=Gregory|last=Wakeman|date=November 15, 2022|access-date=November 16, 2022|website=[[The Seattle Times]]}}</ref> Wylie auditioned for Agatha through a series of self-tapes and a chemistry read with Caruso.<ref name="Bahr" /> Feig said she submitted the "most amazing audition" and wanted to cast her immediately.<ref name="Kirkland" /> According to Caruso, Wylie was clearly "easy to talk to and friendly", with the two having "an immediate connection".<ref name="Bahr" />

{{Multiple image
| image1            = Charlize Theron (2019) (cropped).jpg
| alt1              = Charlize Theron smiling at SXSW
| image2            = Kerry Washington Django avp.jpg
| alt2              = Kerry Washington in Paris at the French premiere of "Django unchained"
| footer            = [[Charlize Theron]] (left) and [[Kerry Washington]] (right) were cast to portray Lady Lesso and Professor Dovey respectively.
| total_width       = 300px
}}
After [[Charlize Theron]] had completed work on ''[[F9 (film)|F9]]'' (2021), Kirschenbaum spoke to her about portraying "a different kind" of villain.<ref name="Bucksbaum2">{{cite magazine |last1=Bucksbaum |first1=Sydney |title=Charlize Theron and Kerry Washington Have Fun at the Extremes in ''The School for Good and Evil'' |url=https://ew.com/movies/charlize-theron-kerry-washington-school-for-good-and-evil-interview |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |access-date=October 9, 2022 |language=en |date=October 6, 2022}}</ref> She previously acted in many fantasy films, such as ''[[Snow White and the Huntsman]]'' (2012). Feig, who had worked with her on ''[[Arrested Development]]'' (2005),<ref name="Kirkland">{{cite interview|url=https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/books/a41958217/paul-feig-cocktail-time/|title=Midday Martinis with Paul Feig|first=Paul|last=Feig|website=[[Esquire (magazine)|Esquire]]|interviewer=Justin Kirkland|date=November 16, 2022|access-date=November 17, 2022}}</ref> expected her to decline the role due to ''The School for Good and Evil''{{'s}} similarities to her other films. However, Lady Lesso differed from her other roles as a teacher who relished evil, allowing Theron to "have much more fun in a way than some of those movies where you have to be very serious".<ref name="Bankhurst" />

Feig had long sought to collaborate with [[Kerry Washington]], but their schedules had never allowed it. He knew as soon as he read Professor Dovey's role that he wanted only Washington to play the part, partially due to her comedic skills.<ref name="Bankhurst" /> Compelled by the idea of working with Feig and Theron, Washington accepted. After reading ''The School for Good and Evil'', she realized that Dovey was different from any character she had portrayed, being "so larger than life and filled with light, and [having] a lot of comedic beats". For the character's foundation, Washington made the decision to draw on real-life examples. She gave considerable thought to the [[archetype]] of fairy godmothers and [[finishing schools]], as well as one of her instructors at [[Spence School]], an [[all-girls school]] in New York that she had attended.<ref name="Bucksbaum2" />

===Design and sets===
Feig did not want the film to look similar to the [[Harry Potter (film series)|''Harry Potter'' film series]] and thus chose [[Andy Nicholson (production designer)|Andy Nicholson]] as production designer.<ref name="Bankhurst" /> Due to Feig's dislike of [[Chroma key|green screens]] and hope for "the characters and the actors to be performing in that world so they become part of it",<ref name="Bankhurst" /> much of the scenery was constructed, including the Schools for Good and Evil.<ref>{{cite episode|title=|number=25|season=3|date=October 15, 2021|network=[[Broadcast syndication|Syndication]]|series=The Kelly Clarkson Show|series-link=The Kelly Clarkson Show}}</ref> The two [[sound stage]]s constructed at [[Belfast Harbour]] Studios played a crucial role in that.<ref name="Lee" /> The only scenes that used green screens were those in the beginning and those including Rafal, since the skies had to be altered.<ref name="Ortiz" /> The film's style takes inspiration from [[Art Nouveau]], which Feig noticed while filming ''[[Spy (2015 film)|Spy]]'' (2015) in [[Budapest, Hungary]]. Feig stated that this avoided comparisons to other films, being "both garish and over the top".<ref name="Bucksbaum">{{cite magazine |last1=Bucksbaum |first1=Sydney |title=First Look at ''The School for Good and Evil'' Adaptation Introduces Fairytale World with Edgy Twist |url=https://ew.com/movies/the-school-for-good-and-evil-first-look-paul-feig |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |access-date=September 13, 2022 |language=en |date=September 12, 2022}}</ref> Nicholson subsequently incorporated elements from other architects, including [[Antoni Gaudí]] and [[Victor Horta]], creating "this big melting point of design".<ref name="Lee" /> The team was allowed to "take over" [[St Anne's Cathedral, Belfast|St Anne's Cathedral]]. During the two weeks they worked there, the crew transformed the area into "this big, almost sound-stage type space&nbsp;... with so much detail".<ref name="Meredith2" />

===Costumes===
Over 800 costumes and 600 pairs of shoes were produced by more than 70 costumers.<ref name="Lee" /> The costumes maintained the design's individuality and distinctiveness, with Reneé Kalfus and Feig designing them. For the creative team, it felt fitting that each character would bring their own sense of style and culture given that many of the characters are the children of well-known fairy tale characters. Feig said he allowed Kalfus creative freedom with this concept.<ref name="Lee" /> The costumes were inspired by a variety of media, including classic fairy tales and [[Beyoncé]].<ref name="Mallari">{{Cite web |last=Mallari |first=Celine |date=October 22, 2022 |title=Modern Fairytales and Storytelling Through Fashion: ''The School For Good And Evil'' |url=https://vogue.ph/lifestyle/modern-fairytales-and-storytelling-through-fashion-the-school-for-good-and-evil/ |access-date=October 24, 2022 |website=[[Vogue (magazine)#International editions|Vogue Philippines]]}}</ref> The actors were encouraged to contribute to their costumes. In particular, Theron wanted Lesso to have a tailored and severe silhouette; she also suggested the ginger hair and showed Feig various reference photos.<ref name="Bankhurst" /> Caruso discussed Sophie's evolution of style with Kalfus, including with "princessy" dresses and "potato sack" uniform at the School for Evil. She eventually transitions into [[punk fashion|punk]] glam costumes, which Caruso felt needed "such a specific type of hot that suits her fiery spirit".<ref name="Bahr">{{cite interview |last1=Caruso |first1=Sophia Anne |last2=Wylie |first2=Sofia |interviewer=Sarah Bahr |title=The Stars of ''The School for Good and Evil'' Share a Name. But That's Not All. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/21/movies/the-school-for-good-and-evil-sofia-wylie-sophia-anne-caruso.html |website=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=October 22, 2022 |date=October 21, 2022 |url-access=limited}}</ref> Wylie insisted on keeping her curly hair, wanting to show such hair can still be associated with princesses.{{efn|Many films featured scenes where a girl with curly hair undergoes a "makeover" and emerges with straight hair. Wylie did not want that to serve as a model for how a princess should appear.<ref name="Mallari"/>}}<ref name="Mallari" /> Professor Dovey's blond [[bouffant]] wig took seven weeks to produce, including one to create its color; designer Linda Villalobos chose its look to highlight her goodness and prevent her from looking evil, as well as demonstrate texture.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Cruel |first1=Jessica |title=At the First ''Allure'' x Netflix Event, 4 Hair and Makeup Pros Talk Diversity in Hollywood |url=https://www.allure.com/story/allure-netflix-diversity-hollywood-event |website=[[Allure (magazine)|Allure]] |access-date=November 6, 2022 |date=November 4, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Peralta |first1=Mayra |title=Netflix and ''Allure'' Celebrate the Power of Artistry as Self-Expression |url=https://www.teenvogue.com/story/netflix-allure-november-event |website=[[Teen Vogue]] |access-date=November 6, 2022 |date=November 4, 2022}}</ref> The wolf characters are portrayed by men in suits wearing [[animatronic]] heads so the actors had something to act against.<ref name="Ortiz">{{cite interview |last1=Feig |first1=Paul |title=Paul Feig on Why He Insisted on Making ''The School for Good and Evil'' as Practically as Possible: 'I've Got Such CG Fatigue' |url=https://www.thewrap.com/the-school-for-good-and-evil-special-effects-paul-feig-interview |website=[[TheWrap]] |access-date=October 22, 2022 |date=October 21, 2022 |interviewer=Andi Ortiz}}</ref>

===Filming===
According to Feig, filming on location was essential in order to avoid overusing special effects.<ref name="Meredith2">{{cite web |last1=Meredith |first1=Robbie |title=Hollywood Director Paul Feig Calls for More NI Film Studios |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-63248435 |website=[[BBC News]] |access-date=October 29, 2022 |date=October 14, 2022}}</ref> Netflix was unable to shoot the production at its [[Shepperton Studios]] in [[Surrey]], because it was too small; they decided to instead film at Northern Ireland for the first time. Feig selected its city [[Belfast]] as the filming location, as he had friends who had shot there, including production members from ''[[Game of Thrones]]'' (2011–2019). He also cited its close proximity to London, which would make travel between the two cities easy, though this was not the case due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom|COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref name="Lodderhose" /> The film was shot at several locations in Belfast, including Belfast Harbour Studios<ref name="Cartmill">{{cite web |last1=Cartmill |first1=Claire |title=Netflix to begin filming at Belfast Harbour Studios |url=https://www.newsletter.co.uk/business/consumer/netflix-begin-filming-belfast-harbour-studios-3111481 |work=[[The News Letter]] |access-date=January 26, 2021 |language=en |date=January 25, 2021 |archive-date=January 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130045617/https://www.newsletter.co.uk/business/consumer/netflix-begin-filming-belfast-harbour-studios-3111481 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="McHugh">{{cite web |last1=McHugh |first1=Michael |title=Netflix to produce new fantasy film in Northern Ireland |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/netflix-to-produce-new-fantasy-film-in-northern-ireland-40006259.html |website=[[Belfast Telegraph]] |access-date=August 2, 2021 |date=January 24, 2021 |url-access=limited}}</ref> and Loop Film Studios.<ref name="Cartmill2">{{cite web |last1=Cartmill |first1=Claire |title=Loop Film Studios unveils multi-million expansion plans |url=https://www.newsletter.co.uk/business/consumer/loop-film-studios-unveils-multi-million-expansion-plans-3226957 |work=[[The News Letter]] |access-date=May 8, 2021 |language=en |date=May 6, 2021}}</ref><ref name="Canning">{{cite news |last1=Canning |first1=Margaret |title=Belfast film studio behind Dracula movie embarks on multi-million pound extension |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/northern-ireland/belfast-film-studio-behind-dracula-movie-embarks-on-multi-million-pound-extension-40392638.html |work=[[Belfast Telegraph]] |access-date=May 8, 2021 |date=May 6, 2021 |url-access=limited}}</ref><ref name="Irish">{{cite web |title=Plans unveiled to expand Loop film studios |url=https://www.irishnews.com/business/2021/05/07/news/plans-unveiled-to-expand-loop-film-studios-2313820 |work=[[The Irish News]] |access-date=May 8, 2021 |language=en |date=May 7, 2021}}</ref> At the former, the full {{convert|125,000|sqft|m2|abbr=on}} of the studio, workshop and office space was used.<ref name="Cartmill" /> [[Derry]] was also considered as a filming location but was rejected for numerous reasons.<ref name="O'Neill">{{cite web |last1=O'Neill |first1=Ciaran |title=Derry was 'very close' to being chosen as filming location for the latest Netflix movie |url=https://www.derrynow.com/news/home/637114/derry-was-very-close-to-being-chosen-as-filming-location-for-the-latest-netflix-movie.html |website=Derry Now |access-date=June 4, 2021 |date=May 28, 2021}}</ref><ref name="Anderson">{{cite web |last1=Anderson |first1=Gillian |title=Could Derry & Strabane be the new global film / TV location hub? |url=https://www.derryjournal.com/news/environment/derry-strabane-to-work-at-becoming-global-tv-film-location-hub-as-city-loses-out-to-belfast-on-new-netflix-show-3255789 |work=[[Derry Journal]] |access-date=June 4, 2021 |language=en |date=May 31, 2021}}</ref> Local sites ''The School for Good and Evil'' was filmed at include [[St Peter's Church, Belfast|St Peter's Church]];<ref name="Telegraph">{{cite news |title=Charlize Theron movie ''School for Good and Evil'' begins filming in Belfast |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/news/charlize-theron-movie-school-for-good-and-evil-begins-filming-in-belfast-40360101.html |work=[[Belfast Telegraph]] |access-date=May 2, 2021 |date=April 27, 2021 |archive-date=May 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210502072818/https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/news/charlize-theron-movie-school-for-good-and-evil-begins-filming-in-belfast-40360101.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref> St Anne's Cathedral; [[Mount Stewart]]; [[Ulster Folk Museum]]; [[Clandeboye Estate]]; Woodburn Forest; [[Castle Archdale]];<ref name="NIS" /> and [[Antrim Road]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Coleman |first1=Maureen |title=Lights, Camera, Action&nbsp;– the Best of Belfast's Film and TV Locations |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/film-tv/lights-camera-action-the-best-of-belfasts-film-and-tv-locations-42021485.html |website=[[Belfast Telegraph]] |access-date=September 28, 2022 |date=September 27, 2022}}</ref>

Production followed the British Film Commission safe working protocols due to the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref name="Scott2">{{cite web |last1=Scott |first1=Sarah |title=Netflix film employing 500 NI crew will generate £30m for NI |url=https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/whats-on/film-news/netflix-film-school-good-evil-20597327 |website=[[Belfastlive.co.uk|BelfastLive]] |access-date=May 18, 2021 |language=en |date=May 16, 2021}}</ref><ref name="Scott">{{cite web |last1=Scott |first1=Sarah |title=Netflix to start filming new movie in Belfast |url=https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/whats-on/film-news/netflix-start-filming-new-movie-19679792 |website=[[Belfastlive.co.uk|BelfastLive]] |access-date=January 25, 2021 |language=en |date=January 25, 2021 |archive-date=January 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125142545/https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/whats-on/film-news/netflix-start-filming-new-movie-19679792 |url-status=live}}</ref> Feig was particularly pleased to film at Big Dog Forest in [[Fermanagh]], since he thought building such a place would be impossible.<ref name="Lee" /> Some crew members tried to persuade him against filming there,{{efn|Big Dog Forest is dense and deep,<ref name="Lee" /> and the crew members thought it would be difficult to access.<ref name="McLaughlin" />}} but he insisted because the forest was unlike anything he had ever seen.<ref name="McLaughlin">{{cite web |last1=McLaughlin |first1=Sophie |title=''The School for Good and Evil'': Director Behind New Netflix Movie Would Use NI to Film Again 'in a Heartbeat' |url=https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/whats-on/film-news/school-good-evil-director-behind-25265925 |website=[[Belfastlive.co.uk|BelfastLive]] |access-date=October 29, 2022 |language=en |date=October 14, 2022}}</ref> In January 2021, it was reported filming had begun.<ref name="Meredith">{{cite web |last1=Meredith |first1=Robbie |title=Netflix begins filming first major production in Belfast |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-55769392 |work=[[BBC News]] |access-date=January 25, 2021 |date=January 25, 2021 |archive-date=January 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126053333/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-55769392 |url-status=live}}</ref> The crew encountered difficulties with shooting on the first day, as it rained heavily, creating puddles of mud.<ref name="Lee" /> Roughly 350 to 500 crew members worked on ''The School for Good and Evil'', the majority of whom were locals.<ref name="Mulgrew">{{cite news |last1=Mulgrew |first1=John |title=Big-budget Netflix movie to be filmed at Belfast Harbour Studios |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/ulsterbusiness/news/big-budget-netflix-movie-to-be-filmed-at-belfast-harbour-studios-40006978.html |work=[[Belfast Telegraph]] |access-date=May 19, 2021 |date=January 25, 2021 |url-access=limited}}</ref><ref name="Coleman2">{{cite web |last1=Coleman |first1=Maureen |title=School's out! It's a wrap for Belfast-based Netflix production as director Paul Feig shares clip |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/schools-out-its-a-wrap-for-belfast-based-netflix-production-as-director-paul-feig-shares-clip-40708852.html |website=[[Belfast Telegraph]] |access-date=August 2, 2021 |date=August 1, 2021 |url-access=limited}}</ref> Filming wrapped at the end of July 2021.<ref name="Hermanns">{{cite web |last1=Hermanns |first1=Grant |title=''School For Good & Evil Video'' Reveals Production Has Wrapped |url=https://screenrant.com/school-good-evil-movie-filming-complete-netflix |website=[[Screen Rant]] |access-date=July 31, 2021 |date=July 30, 2021}}</ref><ref name="Scott3">{{cite web |last1=Scott |first1=Sarah |title=The School for Good and Evil teaser as Netflix wrap filming in Belfast |url=https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/tv/school-good-evil-teaser-netflix-21196856 |website=[[Belfastlive.co.uk|BelfastLive]] |access-date=August 2, 2021 |language=en |date=August 1, 2021}}</ref>

===Post-production===
{{Quote box
| quote = "[Norby and I wanted to] mak[e] sure that this all feels like it's real world, even though there's magic in this world, we want to make sure everything plays by the rules of physics, because I have no interest in creating something that's just all magic and has no grounding in the real world."
| author = Paul Feig
| source = ''[[IGN]]''<ref name="Bankhurst" />
| width = 300px
}}
After the film wrapped, Feig began editing,<ref name="LaunchParty" /> with Erik Nordby as effects supervisor.<ref name="Bankhurst" /> The film's [[visual effects]] were provided by British companies [[DNEG]], [[Framestore]], and [[Cinesite]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hayes |first1=Dade |title=Netflix Reups With Visual Effects and Animation Firm DNEG in $350M Extension |url=https://deadline.com/2022/05/netflix-visual-effects-animation-firm-dneg-350-million-agreement-1235025248 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517120202/https://deadline.com/2022/05/netflix-visual-effects-animation-firm-dneg-350-million-agreement-1235025248/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 17, 2022 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |access-date=May 18, 2022 |date=May 17, 2022}}</ref><ref name="Sarto">{{cite web |last1=Sarto |first1=Debbie Diamond |title=Framestore Adds Naomi Stopa and Jinnie Pak |url=https://www.awn.com/news/framestore-adds-naomi-stopa-and-jinnie-pak |website=[[Animation World Network]] |access-date=March 30, 2022 |language=en |date=March 23, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/2022/12/cinesite-group-enters-235m-growth-funding-package/|title=Cinesite Group Enters $235M Growth Funding Package|first=Mercedes|last=Milligan|date=December 20, 2022|access-date=December 21, 2022|website=[[Animation Magazine]]}}</ref> Feig hoped for the film's world to have a sense of realism, despite its magical aspects, which he tried to keep [[classic elements|elemental]];<ref name="Bankhurst" /><ref name="Tomada">{{cite interview |last1=Feig |first1=Paul |interviewer=Nathalie M. Tomada |title=''The School for Good and Evil''{{'s}} Paul Feig on Putting Females Front and Center of His Films |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2022/10/26/2219244/school-good-and-evils-paul-feig-putting-females-front-and-center-his-films |website=[[The Philippine Star]] |access-date=October 26, 2022 |date=October 26, 2022}}</ref> an example is the stymph. In the books, it is a bird made of bones that takes children to the Schools for Good and Evil. The team wanted it to be sentient while retaining its bones. They researched bird skeletons and decayed birds, studying the way the tissue and feathers stay on the bones, and the interactions of these three things.<ref name="Bankhurst" /> The team used [[computer-generated imagery]] to add expressions and emotions to the animatronic characters.<ref name="Tomada" />

==Music==
{{Main|The School for Good and Evil (soundtrack)}}
The film's score was composed by [[Theodore Shapiro]].

==Marketing==
Film marketer Lee Schroder served as ''The School for Good and Evil''{{'s}} publicist.<ref>{{cite web |last1=D'Alessandro |first1=Anthony |title=Film Marketer Lee Schroder Joins CAA |url=https://deadline.com/2022/10/caa-hires-lee-schroder-1235135160 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005075213/https://deadline.com/2022/10/caa-hires-lee-schroder-1235135160/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 5, 2022 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |access-date=October 5, 2022 |date=October 4, 2022}}</ref> In May 2021, three first-look images were posted on Washington, Theron and Feig's social medias, featuring the former two dressed in their respective roles.<ref name="Peterpaul">{{cite web |last1=Peterpaul |first1=Robert |title=''School for Good & Evil'' Images Reveal First Look At Charlize Theron & Kerry Washington |url=https://screenrant.com/school-good-evil-images-charlize-theron-kerry-washington |website=[[Screen Rant]] |access-date=May 21, 2021 |date=May 18, 2021}}</ref><ref name="Coleman">{{cite news |last1=Coleman |first1=Maureen |title=''The School for Good and Evil'': First look at Netflix film shooting in NI |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/film-tv/the-school-for-good-and-evil-first-look-at-netflix-film-shooting-inni-40445164.html |work=[[Belfast Telegraph]] |access-date=May 21, 2021 |date=May 19, 2021 |url-access=limited}}</ref><ref name="Fernández">{{cite web |last1=Fernández |first1=Alexia |title=Charlize Theron and Kerry Washington Look Like Magic in First Look for ''School for Good and Evil'' |url=https://people.com/movies/charlize-theron-kerry-washington-look-like-magic-in-first-look-school-for-good-and-evil |work=[[People (magazine)|People]] |access-date=May 21, 2021 |language=en |date=May 18, 2021}}</ref> Hundreds of responses were posted on Twitter; many fans were impressed and conveyed desires for sequels.<ref name="Seddon">{{cite web |last1=Seddon |first1=Dan |title=First look at Kerry Washington and Charlize Theron in new Netflix film |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a36472860/netflix-movie-school-for-good-and-evil-first-look |website=[[Digital Spy]] |access-date=May 21, 2021 |date=May 19, 2021}}</ref> In June of that year, during Netflix's virtual fan event Geeked Week, the first teaser was released. It depicted a coven of witches walking towards the screen.<ref name="Oddo" /> ''The School for Good and Evil'' was announced as part of Netflix's 2022 film slate and appeared in a "movie preview" video.<ref>{{cite web |last1=D'Alessandro |first1=Anthony |title=Netflix 2022 Film Slate Touts 86 Titles Including Star-Studded Fare ''Knives Out 2'', ''The Gray Man'', ''The School For Good And Evil'' & More |url=https://deadline.com/video/netflix-movie-slate-2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203150340/https://deadline.com/video/netflix-movie-slate-2022/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 3, 2022 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |access-date=February 4, 2022 |date=February 3, 2022}}</ref><ref name="Menta">{{cite web |last1=Menta |first1=Anna |title=Netflix Movie Preview 2022: ''Knives Out 2'', ''Enola Holmes 2'', and More |url=https://decider.com/2022/02/03/netflix-movies-2022-full-slate |website=[[Decider (website)|Decider]] |access-date=February 4, 2022 |date=February 3, 2022}}</ref> Washington and Theron are featured in their costumes,<ref name="Zogbi">{{cite web |last1=Zogbi |first1=Emily |title=''The School for Good and Evil'' Live-Action Film Debuts Impressive First Clips |url=https://www.cbr.com/school-good-evil-netflix-first-clips |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |access-date=February 4, 2022 |date=February 4, 2022}}</ref> in addition to female characters fighting and a shot of the fantasy setting.<ref name="Labonte">{{cite web |last1=Labonte |first1=Rachel |title=''The School for Good & Evil'' First Footage Reveals Clarissa Dovey & Lady Lesso |url=https://screenrant.com/school-good-evil-movie-first-footage-video |website=[[Screen Rant]] |access-date=February 4, 2022 |date=February 3, 2022}}</ref>

In early June 2022, Netflix launched the film's teaser poster.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Booth |first=Kaitlyn |date=June 6, 2022 |title=Netflix Releases the First Poster for ''The School for Good and Evil'' |url=https://bleedingcool.com/movies/netflix-releases-the-first-poster-for-the-school-for-good-and-evil/ |access-date=June 7, 2022 |website=[[Bleeding Cool]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite tweet|number=1533886443042512896|user=NetflixGeeked|title=there are two sides to every story|author=Netflix Geeked}}</ref> That same month, a first-look [[Teaser (trailer)|teaser trailer]] for the film was released,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Massoto |first=Erick |date=June 7, 2022 |title=''The School for Good and Evil'' Trailer Teases Charlize Theron and Kerry Washington's Fairytale Academy |url=https://collider.com/school-for-good-and-evil-trailer-charlize-theron-kerry-washington-netflix/ |access-date=June 7, 2022 |website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kroll |first=Justin |date=June 7, 2022 |title=''The School For Good And Evil'' Teaser Trailer: Paul Feig's YA Pic Starring Charlize Theron and Kerry Washington |url=https://deadline.com/2022/10/the-school-for-good-and-evil-trailer-charlize-theron-kerry-washington-and-michelle-yeoh-among-cast-for-paul-feigs-netflix-fantasy-1235038233/ |access-date=June 7, 2022 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood|Deadline]] |language=en-US}}</ref> while a panel featuring Wylie, Caruso, and the novel series' author Soman Chainani was held as part of Netflix's 2022 Geeked Week event.<ref>{{Cite tweet|number=1534237494488621056|user=NetflixGeeked|title=You've Seen ''The School for Good & Evil'' Teaser -- Now Watch @SofiaWylie and @SOPHIANNECARUSO React to Watching It for the First Time ✨ #GeekedWeek|author=Netflix Geeked}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=June 7, 2022 |title=''The School for Good and Evil'' {{!}} Geeked Week |url=https://www.netflix.com/tudum/videos/geeked-week-sits-down-with-the-stars-of-the-school-for-good-and-evil |access-date=July 21, 2022 |website=[[Netflix|Netflix Geeked Week]]}}</ref> In late July 2022, the film's main poster was released.<ref name="Perine">{{Cite web |last=Perine |first=Aaron |date=July 21, 2022 |title=Netflix's ''The School for Good and Evil'' Poster Released |url=https://comicbook.com/movies/news/netflix-school-for-good-and-evil-poster/ |access-date=July 21, 2022 |website=[[ComicBook.com]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite tweet|number=1550103308131569665|user=Netflix|title=Whose Side Are You On? Sofia Wylie, Sophia Anne Caruso, Kerry Washington, and Charlize Theron Star in ''The School for Good and Evil''. Premiering October 21|author=[[Netflix]]|date=July 21, 2022|access-date=July 21, 2022}}</ref> It highlights the schools' divide,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Paz |first1=Maggie Dela |title=''The School for Good and Evil'' Poster Teases Two Sides of the Story |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/1231520-school-for-good-and-evil-poster |website=[[ComingSoon.net]] |access-date=July 23, 2022 |date=July 21, 2022}}</ref> with a split between the two that is emphasized through the color palettes.<ref name="Perine" /> The following month, a novel [[tie-in]] was released, titled ''The School for Good and Evil: Movie Tie-in Edition''.<ref>{{cite web |title=''The School for Good and Evil: Movie Tie-in Edition'' |url=https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-school-for-good-and-evil-movie-tie-in-edition-soman-chainani |publisher=[[HarperCollins]] |access-date=October 29, 2022 |language=en}}</ref> At the end of September, it appeared on bestseller lists by Canadian publications ''[[Toronto Star]]'' and ''[[The Globe and Mail]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Bestselling Books in Canada for the Week Ending Sept. 24, 2022 |url=https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/2022/09/21/the-bestselling-books-in-canada-for-the-week-ending-sept-24-2022.html |access-date=October 29, 2022 |language=en |date=September 21, 2022 |url-access=subscription |website=[[Toronto Star]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=''The Globe and Mail'' Bestsellers for the Week of September 24, 2022 |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books/bestsellers/article-the-globe-and-mail-bestsellers-for-the-week-of-september-24-2022 |website=[[The Globe and Mail]] |access-date=October 29, 2022 |language=en-CA |date=September 23, 2022 |url-access=subscription}}</ref>

==Release==
The film was originally slated for release in Christmas 2017.<ref name="Monkou">{{cite interview |last1=Chainani |first1=Soman |interviewer=Michelle Monkou |title=Interview: Soman Chainani, author of ''School for Good and Evil'' series |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/happyeverafter/2015/07/27/michelle-monkou-interview-soman-chainani-school-for-good-and-evil/30692423/ |work=[[USA Today]] |access-date=May 8, 2021 |language=en |date=July 27, 2015}}</ref> In December 2020, Chainani stated that the film is set to be released in 2022, with a release for the latter half of the year being scheduled later.<ref name="Blog">{{cite web |last1=Chainani |first1=Soman |title=Soman's Blog: The News is Out! Casting Reveal for Sophie & Agatha in the ''SGE'' Movie!!! |url=https://schoolforgoodandevil.com/somans-blog-the-news-is-out-casting-reveal-for-sophie-agatha-in-the-sge-movie |website=SchoolforGoodandEvil.com |access-date=February 4, 2021 |date=December 18, 2020 |archive-date=January 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123182520/https://schoolforgoodandevil.com/somans-blog-the-news-is-out-casting-reveal-for-sophie-agatha-in-the-sge-movie/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Shomer">{{cite web |last1=Shomer |first1=Jason |title=7 Book-to-Screen Adaptations Coming in 2022 Include ''Salem's Lot'' & ''Deep Water'' |url=https://collider.com/book-to-screen-adaptations-2022-salems-lot-deep-water/ |website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] |access-date=March 8, 2022 |date=March 7, 2022}}</ref> In June 2022, a fall release of September 2022 was announced.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Echebiri |first=Chike |date=June 29, 2022 |title='The School for Good and Evil': Release Window, Trailer, Cast, and Everything We Know So Far |url=https://collider.com/the-school-for-good-and-evil-release-window-trailer-cast-plot-everything-we-know/ |access-date=July 21, 2022 |website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] |language=en-US}}</ref> In late July 2022, Netflix announced the film's release date as October 21, 2022.<ref>{{Cite tweet|number=1550103365232779264|user=StrongBlackLead|title=Whose Side Are You On? ''The School for Good and Evil'' Premieres October 21|author=[[Netflix]]|date=July 21, 2022|access-date=July 21, 2022}}</ref><ref name="Dick">{{cite web |last1=Dick |first1=Jeremy |title=''The School for Good and Evil'' Gets Fall Release Date at Netflix |url=https://movieweb.com/school-for-good-and-evil-release-date |website=[[MovieWeb]] |access-date=July 23, 2022 |date=July 21, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Thao |first=Phillipe |date=July 21, 2022 |title=It's Time to Enroll in ''The School for Good and Evil''! Premieres This October |url=https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/the-school-for-good-and-evil-release-date-photos |access-date=July 21, 2022 |website=[[Netflix|Netflix Tudum]] |language=en}}</ref> The release date was moved up by two months in late August.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Anderson |first1=Jenna |title=Netflix's ''The School for Good and Evil'' Release Date Moved Up |url=https://comicbook.com/movies/news/netflix-the-school-for-good-and-evil-release-date-moved-up |website=[[ComicBook.com]] |access-date=August 31, 2022 |language=en |date=August 30, 2022}}</ref>

''The School for Good and Evil'' had its world premiere at [[Regency Village Theatre]] in Los Angeles on October 18, 2022,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Blanchet |first1=Brenton |title=Kerry Washington Debuts Dramatic Short Bob at ''The School for Good and Evil'' Premiere |url=https://people.com/style/kerry-washington-dramatic-short-bob-school-of-good-and-evil-premiere |website=[[People (magazine)|People]] |access-date=October 21, 2022 |language=en |date=October 20, 2022}}</ref><ref name="NYDNpremiere">{{cite web |title=''The School For Good And Evil'' World Premiere in L.A. |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/snyde/ny-school-for-good-evil-world-premiere-netflix-20221019-axz7kohuxrgbnlhmmbwgfmxdjm-photogallery.html |website=[[New York Daily News|Daily News]] |access-date=October 21, 2022 |date=October 19, 2022}}</ref> before it became streamable worldwide the following day.<ref name="Ramachandran">{{cite web |last1=Ramachandran |first1=Naman |title=''The School for Good and Evil'' Author Soman Chainani on Carrying the Franchise Forward, Sony's ''Beasts and Beauty'' |url=https://variety.com/2022/global/global/soman-chainani-the-school-for-good-and-evil-franchise-1235409359 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |access-date=October 21, 2022 |date=October 20, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Charlize, Kerry and Michelle Dazzle in L.A., Plus Jesse Williams, Demi Lovato and More |url=https://people.com/celebrity/star-tracks-wednesday-october-19-2022 |website=[[People (magazine)|People]] |access-date=October 21, 2022 |language=en |date=October 19, 2022}}</ref> It was also released in select theaters.<ref name="France">{{cite web |last1=France |first1=Lisa Respers |title=''From Scratch'' Serves Up One of This Week's Tastiest New Shows |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2022/10/22/entertainment/from-scratch-netflix-plc |website=[[CNN]] |access-date=October 22, 2022 |language=en |date=October 22, 2022}}</ref>

==Reception==
===Pre-release===
The film was expected to generate £30 million for the economy of Northern Ireland.<ref name="Elliott">{{cite web |last1=Elliott |first1=David |title=Netflix film generating £30M for Northern Ireland |url=https://www.business-live.co.uk/economic-development/charlize-theron-kerry-washingtons-netflix-20597288 |website=Business Live |access-date=May 16, 2021 |language=en |date=May 14, 2021}}</ref> ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' listed ''The School for Good and Evil'' among the most anticipated films of 2022,<ref name="Carlin">{{cite magazine |last1=Carlin |first1=Shannon |title=The 58 Most Anticipated Movies of 2022 |url=https://time.com/6128229/most-anticipated-movies-2022 |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |access-date=December 17, 2021 |language=en |date=December 16, 2021 |url-access=limited}}</ref> while ''[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]]'' named it one of the best films set to come out in 2022.<ref name="WhiteTravis">{{cite web |last1=White |first1=James |last2=Travis |first2=Ben |title=2022 Movie Preview: The Best Films Coming Out This Year |url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/best-movies-2022/ |website=[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]] |access-date=January 27, 2022 |date=January 24, 2022}}</ref> Out of all of Netflix's 2022 films, ''[[Collider (website)|Collider]]'' ranked it as the twelfth most-promising due to its cast and similarities to the [[Harry Potter (film series)|''Harry Potter'' film series]].<ref name="Moore">{{cite web |last1=Moore |first1=Tom |title=Ranking Netflix's 2022 Original Movie Slate: From ''The Adam Project'' to ''The Gray Man'' |url=https://collider.com/ranking-netflix-original-movie-slate-upcoming/ |website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] |access-date=February 21, 2022 |date=February 21, 2022}}</ref> That website and ''[[Screen Rant]]'' listed it as a promising 2022 book-to film adaptation for audiences.<ref name="Reust">{{cite web |last1=Reust |first1=June |title=10 Movies Based on Books to Watch For in 2022 |url=https://collider.com/10-movies-based-on-books-in-2022/ |website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] |access-date=December 22, 2021 |date=December 19, 2021}}</ref><ref name="Rivera">{{cite web |last1=Rivera |first1=Starleen |title=10 Exciting Book To Movie Adaptations Coming Out in 2022 |url=https://screenrant.com/exciting-book-to-film-adaptations-2022 |website=[[Screen Rant]] |access-date=December 30, 2021 |date=December 29, 2021}}</ref> The latter also thought the film could potentially result in similar success to that of the ''Harry Potter'' film series.<ref name="Rivera" /> Later, the same website commented: "If done right, ''The School for Good and Evil'' can become a major breakout hit for Netflix.&nbsp;... ''The School for Good and Evil'' can appeal to younger demographics and give Netflix something it might really want: Its own hit YA fantasy series."<ref name="Labonte" /> ''Time'', ''[[Teen Vogue]]'', ''[[The Daily Beast]]'', ''[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]]'', and ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' named it one of the most anticipated films of late 2022.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Carlin |first1=Shannon |title=The 52 Most Anticipated Movies of Fall 2022 |url=https://time.com/6206648/fall-movies-2022 |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |access-date=August 30, 2022 |language=en |date=August 29, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Rearick |first1=Lauren |last2=Mcnab |first2=Kaitlyn |last3=Dodson |first3=P. Claire |title=Exciting New Movies for Fall 2022: ''Don't Worry Darling'', ''Do Revenge'', and More |url=https://www.teenvogue.com/story/new-movies-fall-2022 |website=[[Teen Vogue]] |access-date=August 30, 2022 |date=August 29, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Stern |first1=Marlow |title=The 40 Most Hotly Anticipated Movies of Fall, From ''Black Panther: Wakanda Forever'' to Spielberg's Childhood |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/obsessed/the-40-most-hotly-anticipated-movies-of-fall-from-black-panther-wakanda-forever-to-spielbergs-childhood |website=[[The Daily Beast]] |access-date=August 30, 2022 |language=en |date=August 29, 2022}}</ref><ref name="Rothkopf">{{cite magazine |last1=Rothkopf |first1=Joshua |title=The 35 Most Anticipated Movies of Fall 2022 |url=https://ew.com/movies/fall-movies-preview-2022 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |access-date=October 14, 2022 |language=en |date=October 11, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Travers |first1=Peter |author1-link=Peter Travers |title=2022 Fall Movie Preview: a Look Ahead at the Most Highly Anticipated Upcoming Films |url=https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Culture/2022-fall-movie-preview-ahead-highly-anticipated-upcoming/story?id=89107256 |website=ABC News |access-date=September 2, 2022 |language=en |date=September 1, 2022}}</ref> The ''[[Deseret News]]'' listed it among Netflix's top four October films.<ref name="Poonia">{{cite web |last1=Poonia |first1=Gitanjali |title=Here Are the Top 4 Netflix Movie Releases in October |url=https://www.deseret.com/entertainment/2022/9/30/23380656/new-netflix-releases-october-family-friendly |website=[[Deseret News]] |access-date=October 2, 2022 |language=en |date=September 30, 2022}}</ref>

===Critical reception===
''[[GamesRadar+]]'', ''[[GoldDerby]]'', and ''The Cinemaholic'' described reviews as "mixed",<ref name="West">{{cite web |last1=West |first1=Amy |title=Netflix's ''The School for Good and Evil'' Earns Mixed Reviews, as Critics Call It Both 'Derivative' and 'a Fun Fantasy Ride' |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/netflix-the-school-for-good-and-evil-review-roundup |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |access-date=October 31, 2022 |language=en |date=October 20, 2022}}</ref><ref name="Dixon">{{cite web |last1=Dixon |first1=Marcus James |title=''The School for Good and Evil'' Cast Photos: Kerry Washington, Charlize Theron&nbsp;... |url=https://www.goldderby.com/article/2022/the-school-for-good-and-evil-cast-photos |website=[[GoldDerby]] |access-date=October 31, 2022 |date=October 26, 2022}}</ref><ref name="Kundu">{{cite web |last1=Kundu |first1=Tamal |title=Will There Be a ''The School for Good and Evil'' Sequel? |url=https://thecinemaholic.com/will-there-be-a-the-school-for-good-and-evil-sequel |website=The Cinemaholic |access-date=October 31, 2022 |date=October 19, 2022}}</ref> while ''Time'' and ''[[HuffPost]]'' said they were "mostly negative".<ref name="Mendez">{{cite magazine |last1=Mendez |first1=Moises II |title=What to Know About Netflix's ''The School for Good and Evil'' |url=https://time.com/6223952/the-school-for-good-and-evil-netflix-book |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |access-date=October 31, 2022 |language=en |date=October 21, 2022 |url-access=limited}}</ref><ref name="Bologna">{{cite web |last1=Bologna |first1=Caroline |title=The Most Popular Movies on Netflix Besides ''The School for Good and Evil'' |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-school-for-good-and-evil-popular-netflix-movies_l_6356ba67e4b0b7f89f64823c |website=[[HuffPost]] |access-date=October 31, 2022 |language=en |date=October 24, 2022}}</ref> According to ''[[The Independent]]'', journalists were "quick to tear apart" the film.<ref name="Chilton" /> {{Rotten Tomatoes prose|37|4.9|67|The cast is game and the visuals are dazzling, but a deeply derivative narrative means ''The School for Good and Evil'' flunks on the storytelling front.|ref=yes|access-date=January 17, 2023}} {{Metacritic film prose|30|18|ref=yes|access-date=October 31, 2022}} Many reviewers thought ''The School for Good and Evil''{{'s}} story would work better as a television series,<ref name="Chilton" /> and they compared the film to the ''Harry Potter'' film series.<ref name="Mendez" />

In December 2022, Donald Clarke and Tara Brady of ''[[The Irish Times]]'' named ''The School for Good and Evil'' the ninth-worst film of the year, saying: "Feig deliver[ed] something that looked no less vulgar than the average [[Des Moines]] department store window."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/film/2022/12/03/the-films-of-2022-the-good-the-bad-and-the-unexpected/|title=The Films of 2022: the Good, the Bad and the Unexpected|first1=Donald|last1=Clarke|first2=Tara|last2=Brady|date=December 3, 2022|access-date=December 6, 2022|newspaper=[[The Irish Times]]}}</ref> Metacritic ranked it the fifteenth-worst-rated film of 2022, citing reviewers' criticisms of it as "a campy, underdeveloped, and overstuffed ''Harry Potter'' knock-off that was a slog to sit through".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/pictures/worst-movies-of-2022|title=The 15 Worst Movies of 2022|first=Jason|last=Dietz|website=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=January 17, 2022|date=December 17, 2022}}</ref>

===Audience reception===
Many people had conflicting opinions on ''The School for Good and Evil'', especially those who had read the book.<ref name="Mendez" /> ''The Independent'' stated audience responses were "considerably kinder" than those of critics, but still "resolutely mixed".<ref name="Chilton">{{cite web |last1=Chilton |first1=Louis |title=''The School for Good and Evil'' Shows Netflix Still Doesn't Know How to Do Blockbusters |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/features/school-for-good-and-evil-agatha-netflix-top-10-b2210633.html |website=[[The Independent]] |access-date=October 31, 2022 |language=en |date=October 26, 2022|url-access=limited}}</ref> Some thought the film "did everything it set out to do". Others found fault with the writing, such as the deviations from the book's plot, and disliked Tedros's dark hair, which is blond in the books.<ref name="Mendez" /><ref name="Stolworthy"/> Viewers praised the actors, however,<ref name="Mendez" /> particularly Wylie.<ref name="Stolworthy">{{cite web |last1=Stolworthy |first1=Jacob |title=''School for Good and Evil'' Readers 'Fuming' over Small Change in Netflix Film |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/netflix-school-for-good-and-evil-tedros-b2208732.html |website=[[The Independent]] |access-date=October 31, 2022 |language=en |date=October 23, 2022|url-access=limited}}</ref>

''The School for Good and Evil'' was the most-viewed film on Netflix on October 20, 2022, the day after its release.<ref name="Ridgely">{{cite web |last1=Ridgely |first1=Charlie |title=New Netflix Movie Conquers Top 10 List One Day After Premiere |url=https://comicbook.com/movies/news/school-of-good-and-evil-netflix-top-10-streaming/ |website=[[ComicBook.com]] |access-date=October 21, 2022 |language=en |date=October 20, 2022}}</ref> According to [[Nielsen Media Research]], during its first six days of release, it received 1.058 billion viewing minutes, placing second on the streaming chart after the television series ''[[The Watcher (2022 TV series)|The Watcher]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/nielsen-house-of-the-dragon-finale-1235435945/|title=Nielsen Streaming Top 10: ''House of the Dragon'' Crosses 1 Billion Minutes Viewed in Finale Week|first=BreAnna|last=Bell|date=November 17, 2022|access-date=November 18, 2022|website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/streaming-tv-rankings-oct-17-23-2022-1235264690/|title=''House of the Dragon'' Ends on Up Note in Streaming Chart|first=Rick|last=Porter|date=November 17, 2022|access-date=November 18, 2022|website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2022/11/the-watcher-nielsen-streaming-chart-house-of-the-dragon-school-for-good-and-evil-netflix-1235175654/|title=''The Watcher'' Repeats atop Nielsen Streaming Chart; ''House of the Dragon'' Finishes Strong, ''School For Good And Evil'' Tops 1B Minutes of Viewing in Debut|first=Dade|last=Hayes|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=November 17, 2022|access-date=November 18, 2022}}</ref> In its first week, the film debuted at number one on Netflix's Top 10,{{efn|A chart released by Netflix that shows the most-viewed productions each week}} with 78.83 million hours viewed.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gomez |first1=Dessi |title=''School for Good and Evil'' Debuts at No. 1 on Netflix Top 10 as Ryan Murphy Reigns Supreme in TV (Again) |url=https://www.thewrap.com/netflix-top-10-oct-25-movies-shows-school-for-good-and-evil-the-watcher |website=[[TheWrap]] |access-date=October 26, 2022 |date=October 25, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Dodge |first1=John |title=What to Watch on Netflix: Top 10 Film and TV Shows Right Now |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/what-to-watch-netflix-top-10-films-tv-shows |website=[[CBS News]] |access-date=October 26, 2022 |date=October 25, 2022}}</ref> The next week, it dropped to second, behind ''[[The Good Nurse]]'', having received 41.95 million viewing hours.<ref name="Theodore-Vachon">{{cite web |last1=Theodore-Vachon |first1=Rebecca |title=''From Scratch'' Takes the Netflix Top 10, Week of Oct. 24 |url=https://www.adweek.com/lostremote/from-scratch-takes-the-netflix-top-10-week-of-oct-24/67960 |website=[[Adweek]] |access-date=November 2, 2022 |date=November 1, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Perry |first1=Spencer |title=Adam Sandler's ''Hubie Halloween'' Lands on Netflix Top 10 Two Years Later |url=https://comicbook.com/movies/news/adam-sandlers-hubie-halloween-netflix-top-10-two-years-later |website=[[ComicBook.com]] |access-date=November 2, 2022 |language=en |date=November 1, 2022}}</ref> In its third week, ''The School for Good and Evil'' ranked third on the Top 10 chart—after ''[[Enola Holmes 2]]'' and ''The Good Nurse''—with 19.03 million hours viewed.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Theodore-Vachan |first1=Rebecca |title=''Enola Holmes 2'' Is Most Streamed Program for Week of Oct 31 |url=https://www.adweek.com/lostremote/enola-holmes-2-is-most-streamed-program-for-week-of-oct-31/68272 |website=[[Adweek]] |access-date=November 10, 2022 |date=November 8, 2022 |url-access=registration}}</ref> The film placed ninth the next week after garnering 8.85 million viewing hours.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/the-crown-season-5-no-1-globally-netflix-1235432965|title=Netflix Top 10: ''The Crown'' Season 5 Debuts at No. 1 with More than 107 Million Hours Viewed in First 5 Days|first=BreAnna|last=Bell|date=November 15, 2022|access-date=November 16, 2022 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> The following week, it dropped off the chart.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/the-crown-season-5-no-1-1899-debuts-no-2-netflix-1235440137/|title=Netflix Top 10: ''The Crown'' Season 5 Continues to Reign at No. 1, ''1899'' Debuts at No. 2|website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|first=BreAnna|last=Bell|date=November 22, 2022|access-date=November 25, 2022}}</ref>

===Awards and nominations===
{|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|+ {{sronly|Awards and nominations received by The School for Good and Evil}}
|-
! scope="col"| Award
! scope="col"| Date of ceremony
! scope="col"| Category
! scope="col"| Recipient(s)
! scope="col"| Result
! scope="col" class="unsortable"| {{Refh}}
|-
! scope="row"| [[MTV Movie & TV Awards]]
| [[2023 MTV Movie & TV Awards|May 7, 2023]]
| [[MTV Movie Award for Best Musical Moment|Best Musical Moment]]
| data-sort-value="You Should See Me in a Crown" | "[[You Should See Me in a Crown]]"
| {{nom}}
| {{centre|<ref name="Perez">{{Cite web |last=Nordyke |first=Kimberly |date=May 7, 2023 |title=MTV Movie & TV Awards: Full List of Winners |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/mtv-movie-tv-awards-2023-winners-list-1235479868/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230508014322/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/mtv-movie-tv-awards-2023-winners-list-1235479868/ |archive-date=May 8, 2023 |access-date=May 8, 2023 |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref>}}
|}

==Potential sequel==
In October 2022, Feig stated: "We're actually already figuring out what the next [film is] going to be".<ref name="Lee" /> He has the goal of creating a franchise with the material from the other ''The School for Good and Evil'' novels.<ref name="Bucksbaum3">{{cite magazine |last1=Bucksbaum |first1=Sydney |title=''School for Good and Evil'' Director Paul Feig Teases Potential Sequel |url=https://ew.com/movies/school-for-good-and-evil-director-paul-feig-sequel-interview |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |access-date=October 23, 2022 |language=en |date=October 21, 2022}}</ref> According to Chainani, the possibility of the sequel(s) depends on audience reception.<ref name="Ramachandran" />

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{Netflix title}}
*{{IMDb title}}
*{{rotten-tomatoes}}
*{{Metacritic film}}

{{The School for Good and Evil}}
{{Paul Feig}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:School for Good and Evil, The (film)}}
[[Category:2022 American films]]
[[Category:2020s children's fantasy films]]
[[Category:2022 English-language films]]
[[Category:2022 fantasy films]]
[[Category:American children's fantasy films]]
[[Category:English-language fantasy films]]
[[Category:Netflix original films]]
[[Category:Universal Pictures films]]
[[Category:Films about fairies]]
[[Category:Films about witchcraft]]
[[Category:Films based on American novels]]
[[Category:Films based on children's books]]
[[Category:Films based on fantasy novels]]
[[Category:Films directed by Paul Feig]]
[[Category:Films produced by Joe Roth]]
[[Category:Films produced by Paul Feig]]
[[Category:Films scored by Theodore Shapiro]]
[[Category:Films set in schools]]
[[Category:Films shot in Northern Ireland]]
[[Category:Films impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic]]
[[Category:The School for Good and Evil]]
[[Category:The School Years]]
[[Category:Films with screenplays by David Magee]]
[[Category:Films with screenplays by Paul Feig]]
[[Category:Arthurian films]]
[[Category:2022 children's films]]

{{Wikipedia attribution|original_title=The School for Good and Evil (film)|access_date=2026-03-07}}