This November, after more than a decade of waiting, audiences will finally be able to venture into the land of Oz with the theatrical release of Wicked. The film will be based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, which was then turned into a hit Broadway musical starring Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth.
Wicked tells the story of Elphaba, a young woman who only wants to belong, but is shunned and made fun of because of her unique green skin. She heads to Shiz University, where she meets her roommate, Galinda (AKA Glinda), and let’s just say things get off to a rough start.
Eventually, Galinda eventually sees who Elphaba really is, and they become close friends. In the end, however, Elphaba must choose her own path, and it is not the easy one.
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A Wicked film adaptation was announced back in 2012 but faced multiple delays, including the COVID-19 pandemic. However, filming finally began in 2022, with Cynthia Erivo playing the role of Elphaba and Ariana Grande playing Galinda/Glinda. Filming was paused due to the 2023 SAG/AFTRA strike, which took place in the summer of 2023 but finally wrapped up in January 2024.
Starting this October, in celebration of the film’s long-awaited release, both Universal Studios Hollywood and the Universal Orlando Resort will be offering a new, immersive Wicked experience!
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According to a press release from Universal, Universal Orlando, and Universal Studios Hollywood will have different experiences, giving guests something truly unique.
Here’s what guests will be able to enjoy at the Universal Orlando Resort:
Starting in late October, Universal Orlando Resort will welcome guests to Wicked: The Experience – housed in the former location of the UNIVRS store and adjacent retail locations steps away from the front gate – where they will have the unique opportunity to step into the fantastical Land of Oz. This exclusive, one-of-a-kind experience will whisk guests along the yellow brick road and into a variety of iconic Wicked locations from Shiz University to the Emerald City. Fanciful costumes and props created by the designers from the film will also be on display as guests become immersed in spectacular scenic and theming that will recreate some of the most memorable moments of the film.
Over at Universal Studios Hollywood, the Feature Presentation store within the theme park and the UNIVRS store in CityWalk will transform into “memorable Wicked experiences.”
Feature Presentation will showcase props from the film, an exciting photo op will debut within the theme park and, later in tandem with the film opening, costumes will be displayed within the Universal Cinema, an AMC Theatre, at Universal CityWalk.
Both the Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood are home to the mouthwatering eatery Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen. During this wickedly fun time, Toothsome, along with Voodoo Doughnuts, will be offering a variety of specialty food and drink options as part of their “Fantabulous-themed” menus.
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Of course, it wouldn’t be a theme park event without some exclusive merchandise! Guests visiting the Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood will be able to purchase everything from sweatshirts to hats, bags, home goods, accessories, and even LEGO sets!
The Wicked logo will don many items from hats and totes to notebooks and mugs, perfect for fans to show their Wicked pride as they dance through life. Those looking for even more products can find a variety of offerings, including beautiful fashion dolls from Mattel, Funko Pops! of fan-favorite characters, LEGO sets featuring the Land of Oz, Loungefly bags as well as cosplay and prop replicas from The Noble Collection.
Universal has not said how long this Wicked experience will last, but it is safe to say that it will most likely run until at least late November, when part one of the movie hits theaters. Universal has also confirmed that similar Wicked experiences will be coming to Universal Studios Japan and Universal Studios Beijing later this year.
In addition to Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, Wicked will also star Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton) as Fiyero, Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones) as Dr. Dillamond, and Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard.
Wicked: Part One will hit theaters nationwide on November 22.
Will you be heading to Universal Studios to enjoy this limited-time Wicked event? What are you most looking forward to? Let us know in the comments!