Hollywood doesn’t usually tiptoe around success, and Universal Pictures certainly isn’t starting now. Fresh off the massive debut of Wicked: For Good, the studio is already laying the groundwork for a sequel — and they’re framing it as something more than a business decision.
According to Universal’s chief marketing officer Michael Moses, the studio feels a “responsibility” to keep the franchise going. That word is doing a lot of heavy lifting here.
Ariana Grande as Glinda in Wicked – Peacock
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If the superhero era taught us anything, it’s that Hollywood never met a profitable universe it couldn’t stretch.
Universal’s Big Word: ‘Responsibility’
In his interview with Vulture, Moses made one of the most revealing comments a studio exec can make in today’s IP-driven landscape.
“Because of ‘Wicked’s’ success but also the fanship, we have almost a responsibility to figure out how we can continue in this universe,” he said. “Have we figured it out yet? No. But there are things underway.”
Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba in the trailer for the Wicked movie, YouTube – Universal Pictures
Translation? They don’t have a plan, but they absolutely have an intention. A Wicked sequel is coming — they just don’t know what shape it’ll take.
Movie? Series? Streaming event? Holiday special? Animated spinoff? Who knows. But Universal is committed to staying in Oz long after the rainbow fades.
Stephen Schwartz Has Ideas — Just Not a Straight Sequel
While Moses is operating from the studio perspective, Wicked’s legendary songwriter Stephen Schwartz is taking a more narrative-driven view.
He told The Ankler that while he feels the classic Glinda and Elphaba storyline is wrapped up, there’s still more Oz to explore.
“I think the Glinda and Elphaba story feels complete — but there are other aspects that could be explored,” he said.
Elphaba and Glinda on a swing in Wicked: For Good – Universal
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He also confirmed he’s cooking up something new with book writer Winnie Holzman.
“Gregory Maguire… has several books, for example,” he said. “But there’s another idea that Winnie and I are discussing: not a sequel, but an adjunct. Let me put it that way.”
So don’t expect Wicked 3: The Even Gooder Good anytime soon. But a side-story? A spin-off? A pocket-timeline? Something set before, during, or after? That’s on the table.
Why Universal Wants More — Spoiler: It’s Money
Let’s not pretend this is purely about “responsibility.” Wicked: For Good opened to $147 million domestic and a global haul of $223 million.
Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba in Wicked: For Good – Universal Pictures
When an IP hits that hard, the talk of “expansion” is inevitable. It’s the same pattern we’ve seen with Frozen, Harry Potter, Despicable Me, The Hunger Games, and every superhero franchise that refuses to die.
Universal has a megahit on its hands. Of course they want Wicked sequel conversation in the air.
The Real Question: Do They Bring Back Erivo and Grande?
Variety pointed out that neither Cynthia Erivo nor Ariana Grande are locked for future films — and if Schwartz believes the Glinda/Elphaba core arc is complete, a direct continuation seems unlikely.
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande on the Wicked Press Tour – YouTube, GLAAD
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But Hollywood likes familiar faces. Universal also likes money. And the fanbase that supports these films financially appears to like this casting.
So the studio is probably exploring every option.
The Oz Library Is Massive
Gregory Maguire has written four novels in the Wicked Years series, plus two prequel novels — with the second arriving in 2026. On top of that, L Frank Baum wrote 14 Oz novels.
Ariana Grande sits among propaganda magazines in Wicked: For Good – Universal
So, if Universal needs lore to mine, the pantry is full.
But whether they go sequel, prequel, sidequel, or “adjunct,” the messaging is now official: A Wicked sequel is coming — the studio just hasn’t committed to the format yet.
Final Take
Universal’s use of the word “responsibility” is clever PR dressing on a very old Hollywood instinct: “This thing made money. Make more of it.”
Fans may hear stewardship. Investors hear momentum. Executives hear the chime of a green cash register.
The poster for Wicked – Universal
Either way, one truth is clear: Oz isn’t closing its gates anytime soon.
Do you want to see a Wicked sequel? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
I feel a strange responsibility not to watch it or spending anything resembling money on it. Just doing my part.
The responsibility he was talking about was in reference to the continued pushing of the homosexual agenda through children’s media. No surprise given his (((name))).