WICKED: MORE SEQUELS ON THE WAY?

The world of Wicked may be about to get even bigger. Fans of the beloved musical-turned-blockbuster franchise were thrilled this week after a senior figure at Universal hinted that more sequels could be heading to the big screen. The news comes as Wicked: For Good, the latest instalment in the cinematic adaptation, continues to dominate the global box office.

Speaking to Vulture, Universal’s Chief Marketing Officer Michael Moses teased that discussions for extending the franchise are already in motion. While he avoided giving away specifics, he confirmed that “things” are “underway”, a word choice that has sent fans into a frenzy. Although nothing is officially announced, the studio’s excitement about the franchise’s performance suggests they are seriously considering expanding the story beyond its current two-part structure.

The reaction comes after a hugely successful run for the first film, Wicked, released in 2024. The movie, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as Elphaba and Glinda, was met with rave reviews and achieved staggering commercial success. Grossing over $500million (£377million) at the worldwide box office, it comfortably surpassed its already ambitious $150million (£113million) budget. The film’s blend of spectacular visuals, musical excellence, and heartfelt storytelling renewed global fascination with the magical land of Oz, opening the door for the franchise to become one of Universal’s crown jewels.

This month’s release of the second film, Wicked: For Good, has only strengthened that momentum. Premiering on November 21, the sequel has already secured the number one spot at the box office, pulling in enormous crowds eager to follow the next chapter of Elphaba and Glinda’s journey. If the upward trajectory continues, it would place the Wicked films among the most successful musical adaptations in cinema history.

The original Broadway musical, based on Gregory Maguire’s novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, has been a phenomenon for over 20 years. With a passionate fanbase and a legacy that spans stage, literature, and now film, the potential for further stories is strong. While the first two films cover the narrative from the musical’s stage version, expansion into spin-offs, prequels, or even original storylines could offer endless possibilities.

Fans have already begun speculating online. Could a new film explore the origins of Oz’s political turmoil? Might we see a story centering on characters like Fiyero, Nessarose, or the Wizard? Or could Universal surprise audiences with a completely new tale from within the same universe? With the studio keeping details tightly under wraps, speculation continues to swirl.

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Universal, known for franchises such as Jurassic World and Fast & Furious, has a strong track record of extending popular worlds when demand is high, and right now, demand for Wicked is soaring. The musical’s themes of friendship, identity, and defying expectations remain as relevant as ever, making the timing ideal for expanding the franchise.

For now, fans can continue enjoying Wicked: For Good as it storms cinemas worldwide. But if Moses’ cryptic tease is anything to go by, audiences may soon be returning to Oz once again, and perhaps more often than expected.