Will There Be A Wicked 3?

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Universal Pictures and director Jon M. Chu released the movie adaptation of the popular Broadway musical Wicked in two parts: Wicked and Wicked: For Good. Now that both films are out, the story of Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) feels complete. However, fans are wondering if a third Wicked movie might still be possible.

While the musical hasn’t continued the story, the books that inspired Wicked actually go further than where the stage show leaves off. The ending doesn’t guarantee a Wicked 3, but it doesn’t rule it out completely. Here’s an update on the possibility of a third movie.

Wicked 3 Has Not Been Officially Announced

Currently, a third “Wicked” movie isn’t confirmed. Universal Pictures hasn’t announced any plans for it, and hasn’t hired writers or producers to start working on it yet.

Since 2022, the studio understood that adapting the musical into a movie would require two films to be done well. Even with plenty of time to develop the first two installments, Universal and director Chu wisely waited for audience interest before considering a third movie – they didn’t rush into announcing it prematurely.

Although a third Wicked movie isn’t officially confirmed yet, it’s still possible. The first Wicked film was a huge success, earning $758 million worldwide. Early predictions suggest Wicked: For Good could perform even better at the box office.

Now that this film series has proven so successful with two movies, the studio will probably explore making more. A sequel could happen if they can develop new stories that feel genuine and not just like attempts to make more money. Whether the original filmmakers and stars are interested in returning will also play a big role.

What The Wicked Cast & Crew Have Said About Making Wicked 3

Although many actors have played these roles in Wicked, the current cast – Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, Ariana Grande as Glinda, and Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero – truly define the story for audiences worldwide. Whether a third film succeeds depends heavily on their performances, along with the direction of Jon M. Chu and the continued involvement of lyricist and composer Stephen Schwartz.

Ariana Grande has hinted more strongly than anyone else that she’d reprise her role as Glinda in a potential Wicked 3. While promoting Wicked: For Good, she suggested no one involved was finished with the project, saying, “I don’t think anyone’s going anywhere.” When asked directly if this meant a third movie was confirmed, she playfully responded, “No, no, I don’t know,” and then mentioned feeling a sense of relief now that the second film is out.

I was so relieved to hear her explain that her comment wasn’t about Wicked 3 being over! She quickly added, “We’re not saying goodbye to anything. These characters will be a part of our hearts always,” which meant the world to me. But then she said, “I will miss this particular work,” and it really felt like she’s hinting she’d jump at the chance to return for another film. It’s a hopeful sign, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed!

Neither Erivo nor Bailey has said anything about possibly filming another movie. However, Bowen Yang, who starred in ‘Mean Girls,’ was clear about his feelings on a potential Wicked 3, stating, “I think we should stop here.”

Interestingly, Chu hasn’t ruled out the possibility of a Wicked Part 3, and even hinted that conversations about it are already starting. He said, “There are a lot of ideas being discussed right now… We’ll see. Let’s enjoy this movie first.”

The director has suggested they won’t decide about making a third film until after Wicked: For Good comes out. This is logical, as it would allow Universal to see how well the movie performs at the box office, give the cast some time off, and prevent all the publicity from focusing on potential sequels instead of the current film.

What Wicked 3’s Story Could Be

While there’s plenty of content in Gregory Maguire’s novels for a third Wicked movie to use, accurately adapting any one of them would be a challenge. The stage musical took significant liberties with the books, but the films have been more closely based on the story from the popular Broadway show.

Gregory Maguire’s follow-up novel, Son of a Witch, tells the story of Liir, the son of Elphaba and Fiyero, as he journeys through Oz following his mother’s death. The book also brings back familiar characters Glinda and Scarecrow, though Glinda is no longer in charge of Oz, and Scarecrow is a separate character from Fiyero.

The ending of Wicked: For Good opens the possibility of adapting the story of Son of a Witch. Because Elphaba and Fiyero become a couple, she could be pregnant with Liir by the end of the sequel. If a third movie were made, it would likely continue Elphaba’s story, giving filmmakers the chance to create a completely new narrative for her.

There’s also a possibility that Wicked 3 will tell a completely original story. Marc Platt and Stephen Schwartz could collaborate to develop the next part of the tale, building on the world established over the past two decades since the Broadway show first debuted. It’s likely the original lyricist has plenty of ideas about what happens to Elphaba and Glinda next.

Having seen Wicked: For Good, I can tell you the possibilities for Wicked 3 are wide open. Honestly, the story could go in a lot of different directions. But whether we get a third film really depends on if Universal decides it’s worth making. They’ve set up a lot of potential storylines, but it’s up to them to choose the best one – if they choose one at all.

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2025-11-21 16:29