Universal’s Wicked cinematic universe may not be stopping at Wicked: For Good. According to a new statement by composer-lyricist Stephen Schwartz, he and longtime collaborator Winnie Holzman are already developing what he calls “another idea” set in the world of Oz. The revelation has fueled growing questions about whether audiences could see more Wicked movies in the years ahead.
Speaking after the New York premiere of Wicked: For Good, Schwartz made it clear the project is not a continuation of the Glinda–Elphaba arc audiences know.
Ariana Grande as Glinda in Wicked – Peacock
“If there were a right idea, but I’m just not sure that that right idea exists,” Schwartz said when asked directly about a sequel.
He clarified: “Winnie Holzman and I are doing some work right now on ideas that aren’t a sequel to Wicked, because I think the Glinda and Elphaba story feels complete — but there are other aspects that could be explored… But there’s another idea that Winnie and I are discussing: not a sequel, but an adjunct. Let me put it that way.”
The exterior of the Wicked Merchandise store at Universal Studios Orlando – Photo Credit: M. Montanaro
When pressed on whether any expansion could justify itself creatively for more Wicked movies, he added: “If someone could think of a continuation of the story that seemed to have a justification beyond simply making money, of course. As far as right now, no one has yet presented an idea that I’ve heard that would justify such a thing.”
The comments come just days ahead of the premiere of Wicked: For Good, the second half of Universal’s two-film adaptation. Executive music producer Stephen Oremus echoed Schwartz’s sentiment, stressing that For Good is not intended as a traditional franchise installment.
“This is not a sequel. It’s just the second part of the story,” Oremus said.
A New Oz Story — Without Glinda and Elphaba?
Schwartz went on to note that author Gregory Maguire’s extended Oz novels contain several potential story avenues, but his current project with Holzman appears to be something different — their own concept, set adjacent to, but not continuing, the central Wicked saga.
A screenshot from the trailer to Wicked, YouTube
Schwartz compared the world of Oz to Star Wars, explaining how a rich fictional setting can support multiple narratives.
“It is a vibrant world,” he said. “Like the Star Wars universe has yielded so many adjacent projects, some of which are truly excellent in their own right.”
A Screenshot of Ariana Grande From the Wicked Movie Trailer, YouTube – Universal Pictures
At present, the new idea for more Wicked movies has not been formally announced by Universal. There is no title, no logline, and no timeline for development — only confirmation that Schwartz and Holzman are actively exploring an expansion beyond the two-part film.
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For now, Schwartz’s remarks stop short of confirming anything definitive — but they do confirm that the creative team behind one of the biggest musical franchises in history is already working on an Oz expansion.
Universal, which scored more than $758 million worldwide and 10 Oscar nominations with the first Wicked, will undoubtedly watch the performance of For Good closely. If audiences respond strongly, the incentive for more Wicked movies grows even stronger.
Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba in the trailer for the Wicked movie, YouTube – Universal Pictures
But Schwartz insists that any future film must earn its existence creatively — not just financially.
Until then, fans now know the yellow brick road may still have more twists ahead.
Do you think we’ll see more Wicked movies? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
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