Wicked breaks $500 million and sparks sequel frenzy

In the United States, Universal's film adaptation of Wicked has achieved significant commercial success, surpassing $500 million at the global box office since its release. This success has prompted the studio to announce a new title for the sequel, which was initially referred to as Wicked: Part 2. The updated title, Wicked: For Good, was shared via a promotional video on Instagram, which quickly garnered over 760,000 likes, highlighting the anticipation surrounding the film's follow-up. The title is a nod to a song from the original Broadway musical, emphasizing its connection to the source material. The sequel is currently scheduled for a release date of November 21, 2025, placing it in competition with the highly anticipated remake of The Running Man by Paramount. The original Wicked film featured notable performances from Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, who are set to reprise their roles as Glinda and Elphaba, respectively. Their dynamic portrayed a powerful friendship that resonated with audiences, and they are determined to capture that essence once again in the sequel, much to the excitement of fans. Despite the success, the film has stirred some controversy among theater chains, particularly AMC, who have advised against audience participation in the form of singing along to the film's iconic songs. The chain's decision sparked debates among fans eager to engage with the musical's rich history, which includes over 21 years of performances on Broadway. However, in response to this desire, special sing-along screenings will be held from December 25 through January 2 to allow fans to experience the music collectively. As preparations for the sequel ramp up, Erivo has shared insights about the process of taking on such an iconic role. She expressed how challenging it has been to perform while wearing a harness and corset, necessitating extensive training and adjustment to find her voice in this unique setting. Her connection with co-star Grande has grown profoundly since they began working together, fostering a close-knit partnership both on and off screen. With numerous talents joining the cast, including Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum, the anticipation for Wicked: For Good continues to rise as fans await its release.