Long before Cynthia Erivo defied gravity on the big screen, Wicked had already soared into pop culture. The Broadway sensation inspired by The Wizard of Oz has captivated audiences for two decades—and with Universal’s two-part film adaptation breaking box office records, the demand for more Wicked is hitting a fever pitch.
Now, signs are pointing toward a new kind of celebration: one that might take root not on stage or screen, but in the heart of a theme park.
Following the 2024 release of Wicked, starring Erivo and Ariana Grande as Elphaba and Glinda, respectively, the film has grossed more than $750 million globally and earned Oscar nominations for its leads. Universal has already filmed its sequel, Wicked: For Good, set to hit theaters in November. Excitement for the next chapter is already building – but a recent update has fans looking beyond the big screen for their next Oz fix.
A Curious Guest List Fuels Expansion Rumors
Next month, NBC will air Inside the Worlds of Epic Universe, a one-hour television special showcasing the newly opened Florida theme park. Hosted by Joe Manganiello, the program promises behind-the-scenes access and celebrity commentary.
Names like Steven Spielberg (who has a long, storied history with Universal Studios theme parks), Warwick Davis, and Bryce Dallas Howard are among the guests. But one inclusion has fueled rampant speculation: Wicked director Jon M. Chu.
Adding to the intrigue, Bowen Yang and Michelle Yeoh—who play Pfannee and Madam Morrible in Wicked—will also appear.
Unlike the other stars featured, the Wicked cast or creatives have an overt connection to Universal Orlando Resort (with the exception of Yang, who is the Prince of Celestial Park). So why are they part of a special focused entirely on the new theme park?
‘Inside the Worlds of Epic Universe’ will air Wed., Aug. 20 at 9pm on NBC and next day on Peacock. One-hour speical featuring Bowen Yang, Bryce Dallas Howard, Jon M. Chu (!), Steven Spielberg and more.
‘Inside the Worlds of Epic Universe’ will air Wed., Aug. 20 at 9pm on NBC and next day on Peacock. One-hour speical featuring Bowen Yang, Bryce Dallas Howard, Jon M. Chu (!), Steven Spielberg and more. pic.twitter.com/O32uydZdGo
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) July 29, 2025
“They gonna announce Oz as the next portal here i can feel it,” one user posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. Another wrote, “Now why would they have multiple Wicked stars in their special on Epic Universe? Hmmmmm…”
Universal Destinations & Experiences CEO Mark Woodbury has previously voiced enthusiasm for Wicked as a park property. “When I saw it, my first reaction was, ‘This is a theme park waiting to happen,’” he said earlier this year. With expansion plans already in place and dedicated land available at Epic Universe, the timing might be more strategic than it seems.
Yellow Brick Rumors Hit Universal
Epic Universe debuted in May with five themed lands, including new worlds based on How to Train Your Dragon, Harry Potter, and the world of Nintendo. Though the park only just opened, Universal is already eyeing future additions. Reports suggest up to five expansion pads are available, and if the timeline aligns with marketing for Wicked: For Good, a themed land announcement could make sense—even if it’s months or years away from breaking ground.
Universal has also dabbled in Wicked offerings across its global properties. At Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, guests have encountered a Wicked Experience, which includes themed photo ops, costumes, and merchandise. In Singapore, a pop-up Emerald City welcomed visitors for a limited-time celebration. Universal Studios Japan, meanwhile, launched a Wicked event this spring to coincide with the film’s delayed premiere there.
The property even has historical precedent: a now-closed Land of Oz at Universal Studios Japan featured a condensed, 35-minute version of the Wicked musical – minus characters like Fiyero and Morrible to fit a theme park format.
As the global hype machine gears up for round two, we’re feeling pretty optimistic that Universal’s next take on Wicked will reach even more impressive heights.
Do you think Epic Universe should add a Wicked land?
