'Wicked: For Good' Title Change Gets Praise from Director Jon M. Chu

The official title for Wicked: Part Two has been revealed as Wicked: For Good, sparking mixed reactions when it was first announced in December. However, director Jon M. Chu stands by the change, calling it a step in the right direction.

In a recent interview with Variety at the National Board of Review Awards in New York, Chu shared that the title "For Good" was always on the script and felt like the natural choice. “Who wants a movie called ‘Wicked: Part Two’?” Chu said. “It was just a point of like, ‘Do we really want to call this ‘Part Two’? And nobody wants that.”

The title For Good refers to a pivotal song from the Broadway musical, where Elphaba (played by Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) reflect on how their friendship has transformed their lives. According to Chu, the title represents the movie’s direction, emphasizing the journey toward closure and resolution.

The Wicked team also received recognition at the National Board of Review Awards, where Chu took home the Best Director award. The film was also honored with Best Film, with stars Erivo, Grande, Michelle Yeoh, and Ethan Slater, along with producers Marc Platt and David Nicksay, accepting the accolade. Ryan Reynolds, who presented the award, praised Wicked for its musical heart. “Music is truly one of the last great opportunities for togetherness,” Reynolds remarked.

Erivo and Grande also received the Spotlight Award for their collaboration in the film. The duo shared heartfelt reflections on their partnership, emphasizing trust, respect, and mutual support. “True collaboration is honest, egoless, and it leads with acceptance,” Grande said. Erivo added, “It’s knowing innately that your scene partner needs your encouragement.”

The film adaptation of Wicked has shattered box office records, becoming the highest-grossing Broadway adaptation in domestic box office history. It is also the second-biggest worldwide stage-to-screen reimagining after Mamma Mia!

With the success of the movie, Wicked has inspired a wave of memes, merchandise, and sing-along screenings. Erivo, though not yet able to join a screening, expressed her excitement to participate. “I really want to,” she said.

Wicked: For Good is set to hit theaters on November 21.