Following the spectacular box office performance of Wicked: For Good, studio executives are actively developing plans to expand the magical cinematic universe.
Box Office Magic Sparks Franchise Expansion
The musical sequel, starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, has proven to be an undeniable hit since its release last week. The film has already grossed more than $255 million (£193 million) globally, cementing its status as a major commercial success.
In a revealing interview with Vulture, Michael Moses, chief marketing officer for Universal, the studio behind the Wicked films, indicated that the possibility of further exploring this universe is now being seriously considered.
"Because of Wicked's success but also the fanship, we have almost a responsibility to figure out how we can continue in this universe," Moses stated. "Have we figured it out yet? No. But there are things underway."
Creative Minds Explore New Directions
This expansion sentiment is shared by the original musical's creative team. Stephen Schwartz, the composer-lyricist, confirmed to newsletter The Ankler that he and co-writer Winnie Holzman are actively developing new ideas.
Schwartz clarified that these concepts would not be a direct sequel to the Elphaba and Glinda story, which he feels is complete. Instead, they are exploring what he describes as an "adjunct" to the main narrative.
"Gregory Maguire, the original Wicked novelist, has several books, for example," Schwartz noted, hinting at potential source material. "But there's another idea that Winnie and I are discussing: not a sequel, but an adjunct. Let me put it that way."
Critical Reception Contrasts Commercial Triumph
Despite its financial achievements, Wicked: For Good has received a mixed response from film critics. The Independent's Clarisse Loughrey awarded the film just two stars in her review.
Loughrey criticised the film's direction, writing that it failed to find a "satisfactory fix" for what she described as the "slog" of the musical's second half. She particularly noted the absence of the visual spectacle present in the first instalment.
The film serves as the second half of a two-part adaptation of the hit Broadway musical, which itself was inspired by Gregory Maguire's novel that reimagined The Wizard of Oz from the perspective of the Wicked Witch of the West.
Wicked: For Good is currently showing in cinemas across the UK and worldwide.
