Universal Pictures seeks opportunities to keep the 'Wicked' universe alive
TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | Nov 26, 2025, 00:36 IST
Based on the phenomenal success of Wicked: For Good, Universal Pictures is plotting its next moves in the Wicked world. This has been confirmed not only by the studio executives but also by the creators, who reveal that the conversations and the very first stages of the development are already happening.
TL;DR
As a result of the film Wicked: For Good's great success, Universal Pictures is willing to explore new stories in the Wicked universe. Chief Studio and the first team of the franchise have confirmed that the concepts are being worked out, and the following projects might also be a new source of inspiration for Gregory Maguire's novels.
In the wake of the phenomenal success of Wicked: For Good, the studio executives at Universal Pictures are figuring out how most effectively they can continue the Wicked franchise. The news was confirmed by the company leaders who said that the initial stages of work on new stories in Oz have already been triggered in response to the record-breaking opening weekend of the film both domestically and internationally.
To Vulture, Michael Moses, Universal Pictures’ chief marketing officer, disclosed that the company is keen to sketch out a broader horizon for the series. He specified that efforts are being made to pinpoint the idea of a continuation that would result either in a new cinematic project or a series for television. Though the matter is at a very early stage, he made it clear that the studio would not be there if it were not for the audience’s want of more names in the series.
“We are almost forced because of the success of Wicked but also the fanship to figure out how we can go on in this universe,” Moses stated. Moses also stated that the transition from concept to script was still underway and hence a verdict had not yet been reached.
Moses’ declaration seems to be inspired by the words of Stephen Schwartz, the composer, and lyricist of the original stage musical. He revealed to The Ankler that he and the book writer of the musical, Winnie Holzman, had been working on a new idea. While he himself saw the story of Glinda and Elphaba as one that had been resolved, Schwartz still felt there were some undiscovered dimensions in Oz.
Schwartz said, "I understand very well that Glinda and Elphaba are not the main characters of the story, but there are different sides of them that could be shown." In addition, he referred to one focused literary source from Gregory Maguire, the writer of the 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West.
Besides, Maguire has quite a few sequel novels, which indicates a great number of ways for the potential adaptations to be led. His latest book, Elphie: A Wicked Childhood, released this year, is the depiction of the early life of Elphaba. The upcoming book, Galinda: A Charmed Childhood, set for 2026, will be Glinda's origin story.
It is not known whether Universal is planning to convince both Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande to reprise their roles in some new projects. Schwartz’s remarks seem to indicate that the next installments might focus on different characters or different times. Regardless of that, the two actors’ performances have been one of the main reasons behind the huge commercial success of the franchise.
Wicked: For Good has set a new record for the highest-grossing opening weekend of a Broadway adaptation, earning $147 million in domestic theaters and $223 million globally. The two films in the franchise are projected to surpass $1 billion in combined box office revenue during the second weekend of Wicked: For Good. According to rumors, Universal put up about $550 million for the production and marketing of both films, so the strong returns are really good news for the studio.
As long as the reactions keep being positive, it is very likely that Universal will want to extend the Wicked world even further. The studio has not issued any schedule for when they will make the decisions regarding future projects.
FAQs
As a result of the film Wicked: For Good's great success, Universal Pictures is willing to explore new stories in the Wicked universe. Chief Studio and the first team of the franchise have confirmed that the concepts are being worked out, and the following projects might also be a new source of inspiration for Gregory Maguire's novels.
In the wake of the phenomenal success of Wicked: For Good, the studio executives at Universal Pictures are figuring out how most effectively they can continue the Wicked franchise. The news was confirmed by the company leaders who said that the initial stages of work on new stories in Oz have already been triggered in response to the record-breaking opening weekend of the film both domestically and internationally.
To Vulture, Michael Moses, Universal Pictures’ chief marketing officer, disclosed that the company is keen to sketch out a broader horizon for the series. He specified that efforts are being made to pinpoint the idea of a continuation that would result either in a new cinematic project or a series for television. Though the matter is at a very early stage, he made it clear that the studio would not be there if it were not for the audience’s want of more names in the series.
“We are almost forced because of the success of Wicked but also the fanship to figure out how we can go on in this universe,” Moses stated. Moses also stated that the transition from concept to script was still underway and hence a verdict had not yet been reached.
Moses’ declaration seems to be inspired by the words of Stephen Schwartz, the composer, and lyricist of the original stage musical. He revealed to The Ankler that he and the book writer of the musical, Winnie Holzman, had been working on a new idea. While he himself saw the story of Glinda and Elphaba as one that had been resolved, Schwartz still felt there were some undiscovered dimensions in Oz.
Schwartz said, "I understand very well that Glinda and Elphaba are not the main characters of the story, but there are different sides of them that could be shown." In addition, he referred to one focused literary source from Gregory Maguire, the writer of the 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West.
Besides, Maguire has quite a few sequel novels, which indicates a great number of ways for the potential adaptations to be led. His latest book, Elphie: A Wicked Childhood, released this year, is the depiction of the early life of Elphaba. The upcoming book, Galinda: A Charmed Childhood, set for 2026, will be Glinda's origin story.
It is not known whether Universal is planning to convince both Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande to reprise their roles in some new projects. Schwartz’s remarks seem to indicate that the next installments might focus on different characters or different times. Regardless of that, the two actors’ performances have been one of the main reasons behind the huge commercial success of the franchise.
Wicked: For Good has set a new record for the highest-grossing opening weekend of a Broadway adaptation, earning $147 million in domestic theaters and $223 million globally. The two films in the franchise are projected to surpass $1 billion in combined box office revenue during the second weekend of Wicked: For Good. According to rumors, Universal put up about $550 million for the production and marketing of both films, so the strong returns are really good news for the studio.
As long as the reactions keep being positive, it is very likely that Universal will want to extend the Wicked world even further. The studio has not issued any schedule for when they will make the decisions regarding future projects.
FAQs
- Will there be new Wicked films for sure?
Not quite. Universal Pictures released a statement saying that they are discussing it, but there is no indication of a project. - Will the next project be a TV series?
Maybe. The studio is considering both options: film or television. - Is there source material for future Wicked stories?
There is. Gregory Maguire has written several sequels that could be the source of future.