It’s nearly been a month since Wicked made its theatrical debut, and while its main goal was to draw in musical theater fans and boost Universal’s bottom line, it’s done much more than that. The film has made a massive splash, earning a spot at the upcoming Golden Globes and securing its place as one of the top films of 2024 in the eyes of various voting bodies.
While we’ll have to wait and see if this success leads to an Academy Award nomination, the focus now shifts to Wicked: Part Two, which has officially been renamed Wicked: For Good. The new title hasn’t exactly won over everyone, but Ariana Grande, one of the film’s stars, is all in. Speaking with Variety, Grande shared that the “For Good” subtitle has been known to the cast and crew since filming began, and they’ve grown quite fond of it. She explained that it’s a reflection of how the production has profoundly impacted everyone involved.
“It’s just the perfect title because this project really has changed us for good,” she said, and honestly, she’s probably right. Considering the cultural legacy of Wicked and its place within the larger Oz universe, being part of such a production is likely a dream come true for many artists. The title is also a nod to one of the most iconic songs from the stage musical, making it a fitting choice for the second film.
That said, some fans are a bit puzzled by the decision to change the title from Wicked: Part I to Wicked: For Good, especially since “For Good” was a known title from the start. Some wonder why they bothered including “Part I” in the first film’s title if they were always planning to go with this new subtitle. It feels like a bit of a missed opportunity for consistency, especially given how long the “For Good” title has been in the works.
But what’s undeniable is that splitting Wicked into two parts will pay off in a big way. The first movie has laid the groundwork for the emotional and narrative stakes, and Wicked: For Good will be where all that tension finally comes to a head. This two-part structure allows the filmmakers to dive deeper into the characters’ emotions, giving the story the space it needs to reach its full potential.
In addition to the title change, Wicked: For Good will also feature new musical numbers that were created specifically for the film. It’s slated for release on November 21, 2025, which will put it up against big names like Zootopia 2 and Avatar: Fire and Ash, both of which are also aiming for a late-year release. However, Wicked: For Good is no small fish in the pond. The success of the first movie, which continues to rake in box office numbers, shows just how much anticipation there is for the next installment.