Director Jon M. Chu's decision to rename the 'Wicked' sequel to 'For Good' has generated wide-ranging reactions from fans, but he firmly believes it's the right decision.
- January 9, 2025
AceShowbiz - The highly anticipated sequel to the hit Broadway adaptation "Wicked" now bears the official title "Wicked: For Good" after tentatively called "Wicked: part Two". The title generated mixed reactions online. Nonetheless, director Jon M. Chu remains resolute, believing that this title change is a definitive improvement over the more generic "Wicked: Part Two."
"Who wants a movie called 'Wicked: Part Two'?" Chu quipped during an interview with Variety at the National Board of Review Awards gala. From the beginning, the script had referenced "For Good," mirroring the penultimate song in the original Broadway musical where Elphaba and Glinda's relationship culminates. "Do we really want to call this 'Part Two'?" he questioned. "Nobody wants that."
Chu, who has also directed notable films like "Crazy Rich Asians" and "In the Heights," revealed that no other titles were even considered for the follow-up. "That's the destination. 'For Good,' we know, is like, 'Where are we going with this movie? Let's finish this thing,' " he explained.
"Wicked" won big at the National Board of Review Awards, securing the best film award. Jon M. Chu himself was honored with the best director accolade.
Presenting the top honor to the "Wicked" team, actor Ryan Reynolds praised the film, emphasizing the unique power of music as a unifying force in today's fragmented world. "Music: it's a language written by few but felt by many, and there is only one Stephen Schwartz," Reynolds remarked.
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who play the iconic roles of Elphaba and Glinda respectively, are expected to return to the upcoming sequel. Their creative collaboration was spotlighted during the awards event and celebrated over how seamlessly they have worked together.
"True collaboration is honest, egoless and it leads with acceptance," Grande reflected, with Erivo echoing the sentiment by emphasizing their mutual support in scenes requiring both empathy and encouragement.
Since its release, "Wicked" has become the highest-grossing Broadway adaptation in domestic box office history, surpassing 1978's "Grease." The film has evoked widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike, inspiring a wave of memes, merchandise, and sing-along screenings.
