Wicked: Part Twohas officially changed its title toWicked: For Good. Despite splitting the adaptation of the beloved and long-running Broadway musical into two movies, the first installment was simply marketed with the title ofWicked. It is only during the actual movie that audiences see the full title ofWicked: Part Onedisplayed onscreen. After the firstWickedmovie’s cliffhanger ending, and the considerable critical and commercial success surrounding the project, it was unclear what approach the next movie would take with its title.
The second movie was still being referred to asWicked: Part Two, until the “Part Two” was dropped in favor of theWicked: For Goodtitle. Even in a year releasing newAvatar,Mission: Impossible,Knives Out, and Marvel Cinematic Universe movies, the secondWickedwas already themost anticipated sequel of 2025. Thatanticipation is now further heightened by the exciting and meaningful title ofWicked: For Good, announced as the first movie continues to dominate popular culture discourse, along with the worldwide and domestic box office.
Wicked: For Good Is A Reference To Another Elphaba & Glinda Song
“For Good” Is Pivotal To The Second Half Of The Story
“For Good” is an emotional duet that Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande-Butera) will sing in the second movie. It is one of the most memorable songs from the second act and the entirety of the Broadway musical. The song sees Elphaba and Glinda recognizing how much they have changed each other for good. The lyrics are a testament to the beauty and tragedy of their powerful friendship, made more bittersweet by it being the last time Elphaba and Glinda see each other on stage.
Wicked Soundtrack Guide: Every Song & When They Play
As a Broadway musical adaptation, Wicked: Part 1’s soundtrack, featuring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, is integral to the film’s success.
Elphaba and Glinda’s relationship is at the heart ofWicked’s story andno song embodies the emotional journey of their friendship as effectively as “For Good.“They compare the roads they have taken to"a comet pulled from orbit,““a stream that meets a boulder,” “a ship blown from its mooring,“and"a seed dropped by a skybird.“Both characters realize that they forever altered the trajectory of their respective lives and mean a great deal to each other, and that they will never forget their bond as long as they live.
Why Wicked 2 Chose For Good As The Subtitle
It Is A More Meaningful And Recognizable Title
“For Good” is only one of many iconic songs in the musical’s second act, with others being “No Good Deed” and “As Long As You’re Mine.” While there are other songs that the second movie could have chosen from, theWickedmovies' storyis best served by the song title “For Good.” For fans of the Broadway musical, it is a sign that despite not sharing as many scenes together in the next installment, Elphaba and Glinda’s relationship is still the emotional center of the story.
The “For Good” subtitle indicates that the second movie will also be faithful in terms of themes and in executing the music and important narrative beats.
Wicked’s ultimately hopeful themes are succinctly summarized by the “For Good” subtitle, as opposed to the anger and more negative, misguided emotions behind a song such as “No Good Deed.“Reviews forWickedhave largely praised the movie for being faithful to its Broadway source material and even elevating the musical in certain respects. The “For Good” subtitle indicates that the second movie will also be faithful in terms of themes and in executing the music and important narrative beats when adapting the second act of Elphaba and Glinda’s stories.
Wicked 2’s New Title Is Better Than Having It Be Labeled As A Part Two
A “Part Two” Subtitle Is Too Generic
Many two-part movies have moved away from giving the second movie a “Part Two” subtitle, such asMission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Twochanging its title toMission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning. Even thoughWickedwould not have needed to worry about having as wordy of a title as the nextMission: Impossiblemovie, the new title is still a smart change.Wicked: For Goodis a far more distinct title thanWicked: Part Two, which sounds generic and makes the 2025 movie sound as though it is little more than a sequel to its successful predecessor.
Wicked: For Goodreleases in theaters on July 21, 2025.
Even thoughWickedandWicked: For Goodtell one overarching story, both movies should be able to stand on their own merits as well. This has a better chance of becoming a reality when the second movie is titledWicked: For Goodinstead ofWicked: Part Two, giving the story an identity beyond just being a continuation.Wicked: For Goodis a simple, but also powerful title that will resonate most strongly with those already familiar with the second half of the musical’s story, but it can also stand out more thanWicked: Part Twowould have.
Wicked: For Good’s Title Change Sets Up The Possibility For More Movies
The Franchise Could Continue After Wicked: For Good
While there are no confirmed plans for more movies afterWicked: For Good, the title change potentially leaves the door open for more stories.Wicked: Part Twosounds like a conclusive title as it wraps up the second and final part of the source material’s story. WithWickedbeing a massive and ongoing critical and commercial hit, and the same trajectory all but guaranteed to happen in 2025 forWicked: For Good,Universal Pictures will surely be interested in seeing this IP further expanded and capitalized on.
Wicked’s $333 Million Box Office Is Even More Impressive When Looking At The Top 10 Of 2024
Wicked’s $333 million domestic box office haul looks all the more impressive when looking at the other movies in the Top 10 for the year.
The challenge is that there is noWickedmusical sequel to adapt afterWicked: For Good. The musical is loosely based onGregory Maguire’s 1995 novel,Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, which has several sequels and a spinoff book series. The issue is that these stories largely rely on Elphaba’s son, Liir, and her granddaughter, Rain, who do not exist in the musical. The books also hinge on many dark and sometimes disturbing events that do not happen in the musical and require an entirely different narrative tone.
Series
Publication Year
Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West
1995
Son of a Witch
2005
2008
2011
2021
2022
2023
AWickedPrequel
2025
The movies could find a different and unexplored route to takebased on where Elphaba, Glinda, Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey), and all of Oz end up at the conclusion of the story. It would be uncharted territory for the musical versions of the characters, which would raise some hesitation, but would also allow for creative freedom that could tap into compelling ideas and entirely new music. If such a venture occurs, it is many years away from being actualized. For now, the focus is onWicked: For Good, a title change that suits the movie well ahead of its 2025 release.
Wicked: For Good
Cast
Wicked: For Good concludes the two-part film adaptation of the acclaimed Broadway musical.
