Cynthia Erivo has responded to ongoing speculation about a possible Wicked 3. The actor recently made it clear that she wants to move beyond constant discussion surrounding the franchise.
During an appearance on Variety’s “Know Their Lines” video series, Erivo declined several prompts related to the Wicked movies. Producers asked her to revisit lines and musical moments from the films, but she refused some of the requests. Erivo explained that she had spent the last two years talking about the project and wanted to focus on other work.
She said that, as far as a sequel, “It’s too soon to even begin to have the conversation about it,” and “It would take a lot to get me back to do it. It has to make sense.”
The comments quickly sparked fresh discussion online about whether Universal Pictures could continue the series with another sequel. Rumors about “Wicked 3” have circulated since the release of the first movie adaptation.
Others on a Wicked 3
Despite the speculation, filmmakers and cast members have repeatedly described “Wicked” as a two-part adaptation. Director Jon M. Chu addressed the topic in late 2025 and said the story ends in the same place as the Broadway musical. He did not suggest that a third installment was in development.
Elphaba and Glinda in Wicked – Peacock
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Bowen Yang, who appeared in both films, also pushed back on the idea of continuing the story. In a November 2025 interview with Variety, Yang said, “I think we leave it here,” while discussing the franchise’s conclusion.
Erivo’s Comments
Erivo has spent years promoting the film adaptation of the long-running stage musical. The first movie debuted in 2024 and performed strongly at the global box office. Erivo received critical attention for her portrayal of Elphaba, while Ariana Grande played Glinda. The follow-up film, “Wicked: For Good,” arrived in 2025.
Instead of continuing conversation about her role as Elphaba, she shifted attention to other projects, including her one-woman stage adaptation of Dracula currently running in London.
Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba in the trailer for the Wicked movie, YouTube – Universal Pictures
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Erivo also spoke of her experience playing Elphaba, specifically her frustration with online comments. “It’s very interesting, watching what people’s perception is versus what the reality actually is. Lots of psychologists seated at home deciding who we were, what we were going through, what we were doing and why.”
During the promotional tour for the Wicked films, fans and non-fans alike took concern with Erivo and Grande’s behavior, noting the duo seemed to have potentially codependent behavior and Grande appearing increasingly thin.
At the same time, Erivo denied rumors that she and Grande had become distant after filming ended. She said the pair remain close friends and still touch base with each through text almost every day. “I think that people didn’t really believe that we were actually friends. But that’s also because people don’t know me very well. If I’m a friend, then I’m a friend. If I’m not, then I’m not.”
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande pose for photos, Youtube, SLOAN
While speculation about future projects connected to Oz continues, no studio has announced plans for “Wicked 3.” Composer Stephen Schwartz suggested in late 2025 that there could be “other visits to Oz” in the future. However, he did not confirm any continuation involving the current cast or storyline.
For now, Cynthia Erivo appears focused on projects outside the “Wicked” franchise. She has emphasized her desire for audiences and interviewers to recognize the broader scope of her career after years of discussing the musical adaptation.
What do you think about Cynthia Erivo’s pushback against a Wicked 3? Do you agree? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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