‘Wicked’ Part 2 Sets Official Title

The second half of Jon M. Chu’s Wicked films might be nearly a year away, but fans got their first major detail about the sequel on Monday (Dec. 16) when Universal Pictures announced its official title.

According to a social media teaser, the follow-up to the Nov. 22 live-action musical starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande is named Wicked: For Good, a reference to the emotional closing duet sung by show leads Elphaba (Erivo) and Glinda (Grande) toward the end of the stage musical. The project is slated to hit theaters Nov. 21, 2025, one day shy of the first film’s one-year anniversary.

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The news follows a banner first month for Wicked, which has become the highest-grossing movie based on a Broadway musical ever at the domestic box office, with $359 million so far. The soundtrack has also been doing numbers, recently opening at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 — the highest ever debut for a big-screen adaptation of a stage musical on the chart.

Plus, the project’s leading ladies are already drawing in major awards recognition. Both the Pinocchio star and “Yes, And?” singer recently scored Golden Globe nominations: Erivo is up for best performance by a female actor in a motion picture, musical or comedy, while Grande is nominated for best supporting actress — and Wicked earned Critic’s Choice Awards nods for best picture and best acting ensemble.

“Being a part of this project has been a dream come true, and playing Elphaba, a woman who speaks to everyone who has ever felt like they don’t belong and lets them know they have the power to defy gravity, has been the honor of a lifetime,” Erivo wrote of the Globes recognition on Instagram Stories Dec. 9.

“I am floored and honored to be recognized by members of the @goldenglobes,” added Ari of her own nods. “crying (of course) … It’s impossible to find my words, but I am simply so deeply grateful for this acknowledgement.”

Hannah Dailey

Billboard