The magic of Wicked refuses to fade—and now, Universal wants to cast an even bigger spell. Ever since the Broadway debut of Wicked back in 2003, audiences have been captivated by what was billed as “The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz.” That story has since leapt from stage to screen with not one, but two feature-length films. Now, Universal Pictures seems eager to keep exploring fresh tales from within this magical world—what many are calling the growing "Wicked universe." But here's where things get interesting: how exactly do you expand a universe that already feels complete?
According to a recent report from Vulture, momentum is on Universal's side. The release of Wicked: For Good brought in a wave of excitement—and about 450 different tie-in products—which helped the film secure the second-highest box office debut of 2025. It’s no wonder the studio isn’t ready to close the curtain just yet. As Michael Moses, Universal’s chief marketing officer, explained, “Because of Wicked’s success but also the fanship, we have almost a responsibility to figure out how we can continue in this universe. Have we figured it out yet? No. But there are things underway.” Translation: ideas are brewing, and Universal clearly smells opportunity.
That’s not too surprising, given the wealth of existing source material. The Land of Oz is vast—there are dozens of novels set there, including several by Wicked author Gregory Maguire himself. His follow-up to Wicked, Son of a Witch, for instance, explores the story of Liir, the son Elphaba has while in a coma after her failed assassination attempt on Madame Morrible. It’s a darker, more complex continuation—one that never made it into the stage version or films. However, there’s a legal wrinkle: Universal doesn’t actually own the rights to The Wizard of Oz. The iconic 1939 movie was produced by MGM, and Warner Bros. still controls its distribution rights. This means any future Wicked projects will have to tread carefully, crafting an Oz that’s familiar but distinct from the original Hollywood classic.
Interestingly, it’s not just the studio executives who are thinking about new directions. Composer Stephen Schwartz and writer Winnie Holzman—the creative duo behind Wicked—are also brainstorming. Schwartz told The Ankler that while the original Glinda-and-Elphaba story feels complete, there are “other aspects that could be explored.” He hinted that they’re toying with an idea that’s not a straightforward sequel but more of a companion piece—“an adjunct,” as he called it. Still, Schwartz emphasized that any new project would need a reason to exist beyond financial motivation. He’s not shy about drawing comparisons, noting how franchises like Star Wars have shifted from theatrical films to rich, world-building television series. Could the same happen for Wicked—maybe a limited series on Peacock?
And here’s the part most fans might debate: should Wicked really expand further, or should the story be celebrated as complete? Moses talks about brand stewardship and fan demand, while Schwartz insists on artistic purpose. These two visions don’t perfectly align—and that’s precisely why this conversation is worth having.
So, what do you think? Should Universal keep flying high on Wicked’s success and build out an entire cinematic universe? Or is it better to let Elphaba’s broom finally rest? Share your thoughts—because this is one creative crossroad where every fan’s opinion could shape what magic comes next.
