Universal is already thinking about Wicked 3: how to continue the universe of Oz?
The franchise is such a success that the studio can’t bring itself to stop there.
After the historic start of Wicked 2 at the global box office, how can you abandon a franchise that is soaring?
Universal Pictures obviously does not intend to close the doors to the Land of Oz. The studio is already thinking about the future of the franchise, and not just through a potential Wicked 3.
In an interview with VultureMichael Moses, marketing director of the studio, confirms that discussions are underway to extend the universe:
“Things are on the way to see how we can continue in this universe.”
Movie ? Series ? Spin-off? Nothing is set in stone for the moment, but Universal clearly wants to capitalize on the fervor surrounding Wicked.
“With the success but also the fanbase, we almost have the responsibility to find how to continue in this universe”continues Moses. “Have we found it? No. But things are on the way.”
These statements echo the confidences of Stephen Schwartz, songwriter of all the songs in the musical Wicked. He revealed to The Ankler that he is already working on a concept with the show’s writer, Winnie Holzman.
“I think Glinda and Elphaba’s story is complete — but there are other aspects that could be explored.”explains Schwartz. “Gregory Maguire, the author of the original Wicked novel, has written several books, for example. But there’s another idea that Winnie and I are discussing: it’s not a sequel, more of a companion piece. Let’s put it like that.”
How to expand the universe of Wicked ?
Wicked is adapted from the novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the Westpublished in 1995. And as Schwartz points out, Maguire has written eight novels linked to this universe. The last one, released this year, is a prequel about Elphaba’s childhood: Elphie: A Wicked Childhood. And he has already planned a prequel dedicated to Glinda, Galinda: A Charmed Childhoodexpected in 2026.
Of course, it would also be possible to simply continue the story, with the arrival of Dorothy Gale in Oz…
It remains to be seen how to bring back the two major assets of Wickedwho surely play a huge part in its success: will Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande return as Elphaba and Glinda? Not sure, especially if Schwartz believes that their story is now complete…
