The Wicked universe could get bigger as Universal plans next steps
Following the strong box office success of Wicked: For Good, Universal Pictures is considering expanding the Wicked franchise, and potential new film or television projects are under discussion.
Universal Pictures already has its eye on the future Wicked Given the universe, and its latest box office triumph, the move seems inevitable. Wicked: for good has not only broken franchise records, but is now on track to cross the $1 billion global mark by its second weekend.
The film grossed an impressive $147 million in the US and $226 million worldwide. Universal appears to be committed to growing the franchise, having invested approximately $550 million in the production and marketing of the two most recent installments.
Universal’s chief marketing officer Michael Moses confirmed that internal discussions were ongoing. “Because of the success of Wicked, as well as the fanship, the onus is almost on us to figure out how we can continue to exist in this universe,” he said, admitting that plans are still in the early stages. Diversity,
Stephen Schwartz, who composed the original music, hinted that the story may expand in new directions. While he believes Glinda and Elphaba’s arc feels complete, he revealed ongoing conversations with writer Winnie Holzman about “not a sequel, but a spinoff.”
The literary roots of the franchise provide an abundance of material. Gregory Maguire, author of the 1995 novel WickedI have since written eight follow-up books. His latest, Alfie: A Wicked ChildhoodWill be released this year, to be followed Galinda: a fascinating childhood In 2026.