What is The School for Good and Evil about?

This Wednesday, Netflix is releasing its highly-anticipated adaptation of Soman Chainani’s iconic and beloved fairytale book series The School for Good and Evil.

Like the film’s title suggests, the story revolves around a fantastical world where the balance of good and evil is kept in check by two schools, the School for Good and the School for Evil. Best friends Sophie and Agatha believe there was a serious mistake when Sophie, an aspiring princess, is sent to the School for Evil, while Agatha, who has all the makings of a powerful witch, is sent to the School for Good.

Sofia Wylie (High School Musical: The Musical: The Series) and Broadway actress Sophia Anne Caruso star as Agatha and Sophie. The cast includes several A-list stars like Charlize Theron, Kerry Washington, and Michelle Yeoh. Paul Feig, the director behind films like A Simple Favor, Ghostbusters, and Spy, writes and directs The School for Good and Evil.

Is The School for Good and Evil based on a book?

Yes! The story is based on a popular book series by Soman Chainani. The fantasy novels comprise six distinct works, and the first half is considered “The School Years,” which appears to be what the movie is focused on bringing to life.

The School for Good and Evil runtime

The School for Good and Evil is pretty long, running for 2 hours and 27 minutes. Since it releases on a Wednesday night and most people have school and/or work the following day, it might just be better to save this one for the weekend.

The School for Good and Evil cast

As mentioned, the upcoming family film has a fantastic cast that includes several notable actresses. Here is the complete cast list.

• Sofia Wylie as Agatha
• Sophia Anne Caruso as Sophie
• Laurence Fishburne as the School Master
• Michelle Yeoh as Professor Emma Anemone
• Jamie Flatters as Tedros
• Kit Young as Rafal
• Kerry Washington as Professor Clarissa Dovey
• Charlize Theron as Lady Lesso
• Cate Blanchett as the narrator of the Storian

The School for Good and Evil releases on Netflix this Wednesday, October 19.