More Wicked sequels could be on the way, according to a representative for the studio behind the films, Universal.
Speaking to Vulture, Michael Moses, the studio’s chief marketing officer, said “things” are “underway” to bring more Wicked films to the big screen.
The first film in the series, Wicked, was released in 2024 and grossed over $500million (£377million) at the box office, comfortably surpassing its $150million (£113million) budget. The latest film in the series, Wicked: For Good, hit cinemas on November 21.
Directed by Jon M. Chu, the musical fantasy film adapts the second half of the acclaimed stage show, and explores the relationship between Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) as they embrace their new identities as the Wicked Witch Of The West and Glinda the Good.
Along with Erivo and Grande, other returning cast members include Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Marissa Bode, Ethan Slater, Michelle Yeoh, and Bowen Yang.
“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 said when asked about plans for a sequel to the two films. “Have we figured it out yet? No,” he continued. “But there are things underway.”
Grande and Erivo recently bid an emotional farewell to their characters in the film.
Grande wrote in a post, directed toward her character Glinda: “thank you, my sweet Glinda, for everything. i will love you always…”, while Erivo said: “Thank you for letting me be your Elphaba.”
Meanwhile, Grande announced that she’d tested positive for COVID-19 a day before Wicked: For Good hits cinemas worldwide. As a result of her positive diagnosis, Grande was forced to cancel several Wicked: For Good obligations, including an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show with co-star Cynthia Erivo, and several upcoming Q&A panels to discuss the film.
Wicked: For Good scored a three-star review from NME, with Nick Levine writing: “The one truly showstopping moment is Elphaba and Glinda’s climactic rendition of ‘For Good’, a big, blustery show tune that sums up their entire relationship. Wicked: For Good doesn’t defy gravity like its predecessor but fans will want to hold space for a sequel with a very poignant payoff.”