Is ‘Wicked 3’ happening? Here’s what’s next for Elphaba, Glinda

The emerald dust has barely settled from the release of Wicked: Part One and already, the whispers are swirling like a Kansas cyclone. Will there be a Wicked 3? The sheer scale and ambition of the initial two-part adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical have understandably left fans hungry for more. Imagine: stepping out of the cinema after witnessing Elphaba’s defiance and Glinda’s ambition, and immediately craving another journey back to Oz. It’s not just about the spectacle; it’s about the characters. Their complexities, their flaws, their enduring friendship (or is it more?). The thought of not seeing their stories continue is, frankly, unbearable. (I overheard someone in the lobby say they’d start a petition!). But is a third installment even feasible? Is there enough story left to tell? And what about the cast? The production team? Let’s delve into the swirling rumors, analyze the source material, and explore what the future *might* hold for Elphaba, Glinda, and the land of Oz. Considering the financial commitment from Universal already, a Wicked 3 might not be as far-fetched as we initially think. The studio is probably already crunching numbers, gauging audience reaction, and considering how much more green (pun intended) they can squeeze out of this franchise.

The original Broadway production of Wicked, based on Gregory Maguire’s novel *Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West*, provides ample material, but also deviates in key ways from the source. The two-part film adaptation is already expanding on the stage version, adding new scenes and perspectives. So, where could a third film realistically go? Could it delve deeper into the political landscape of Oz? Could we see the rise of the Wizard’s regime in more detail? Perhaps explore the untold stories of other characters like Fiyero or Nessarose? The possibilities are vast, limited only by the imagination of the writers and the willingness of Universal to invest further. “I’m just hoping they don’t mess it up,” a friend who’s a die-hard Wicked fan texted me last night. “They’ve got something special here; they need to treat it right.” It’s a valid concern. A Wicked 3 needs to be more than just a cash grab; it needs to be a worthy continuation of Elphaba and Glinda’s journey.

The success of Wicked: Part One and the anticipation for Part Two are crucial factors. Box office numbers will undoubtedly play a significant role in Universal’s decision. A lukewarm reception to either film could effectively shut down any plans for a trilogy. However, if audiences embrace the films with the same fervor they’ve shown for the stage musical, then a Wicked 3 becomes a much more viable prospect. (Picture this: opening weekend, lines stretching around the block, sold-out screenings… that’s the kind of buzz that gets sequels greenlit!). And it’s not just about the money; it’s about the cultural impact. Wicked has resonated with audiences for years, touching on themes of prejudice, acceptance, and the complexities of good and evil. A third film could further explore these themes, solidifying Wicked‘s place in cinematic history. We need this, right?

Potential Plot Lines for Wicked 3

So, assuming a Wicked 3 gets the go-ahead, what could it actually be about? Here are a few possibilities, ranging from the plausible to the wildly speculative:

* The Aftermath of Defiance: Part Two is likely to end with Elphaba’s apparent death (or at least, her disappearance). A third film could explore the consequences of her actions, both for Glinda and for the people of Oz. How does Glinda cope with the loss of her friend? How does Oz rebuild after Elphaba’s rebellion? This could be a darker, more introspective film, focusing on the political and emotional fallout. “I think it would be interesting to see how Oz changes after Elphaba,” a Redditor commented on a Wicked fan forum. “Like, does her sacrifice actually make a difference?”
* The Return of Elphaba: Of course, Elphaba might not be truly gone. A third film could reveal that she faked her death and is working in the shadows to bring down the Wizard. This would allow for a more action-packed storyline, with Elphaba leading a resistance movement against the oppressive regime. Think *The Hunger Games* meets Wicked. It is a possibility, even if a little bit far-fetched.
* The Untold Stories of Oz: A Wicked 3 could shift its focus to other characters and corners of Oz. We could see a prequel focusing on the Wizard’s rise to power, or a spin-off exploring the history of the Munchkins. This would allow the franchise to expand beyond Elphaba and Glinda, creating a richer and more complex world. However, I suspect, fans are mostly interested in the stories of Elphaba and Glinda.
* Beyond Oz: Gregory Maguire has written other books set in the world of Oz, including *Son of a Witch*, *A Lion Among Men*, and *Out of Oz*. A Wicked 3 could adapt one of these novels, introducing new characters and storylines to the cinematic universe. This would be a bold move, but it could also revitalize the franchise and attract a new audience. It really depends on whether Universal wants to move beyond what made the first film so popular.

The Cast: Will They Return?

The success of the Wicked films hinges on the performances of its lead actors. Assuming a Wicked 3 moves forward, the question on everyone’s mind is: will Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande reprise their roles as Elphaba and Glinda?

While nothing is confirmed, their involvement would undoubtedly be a major draw for audiences. Both actresses have the talent and star power to carry the franchise forward. However, their schedules and creative interests will also play a role in their decision. “I would love to see Cynthia and Ariana back,” said a user on Twitter. “They’re perfect for the roles.”

Beyond the leads, the supporting cast will also be important. Will Jonathan Bailey return as Fiyero? Will Michelle Yeoh reprise her role as Madame Morrible? The answers to these questions will help shape the direction of the third film.

It’s worth noting that the original Broadway cast, Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, have expressed their support for the film adaptation. Their blessing could also influence the decision-making process. I think that’s a clever move. The original Broadway cast, even just a cameo, would be a fantastic boost for the film.

Release Date Speculation

Predicting the release date of a potential Wicked 3 is purely speculative at this point. However, we can make some educated guesses based on the production timeline of the first two films. Wicked: Part One is scheduled for release in November 2024, while Part Two is slated for November 2025. Given the scale and complexity of these films, it’s likely that a third installment would require at least two to three years of development and production.

Therefore, a realistic release window for Wicked 3 would be late 2027 or early 2028, assuming it gets the green light relatively soon. Of course, this is just an estimate, and the actual release date could be affected by various factors, including cast availability, script development, and post-production.

Here’s a possible timeline:

* Late 2025/Early 2026: Official announcement of Wicked 3
* 2026: Scriptwriting and pre-production
* Late 2026/Early 2027: Filming begins
* Late 2027/Early 2028: Post-production and release

Of course, this is all contingent on Universal’s decision. But if the first two films are successful, it’s hard to imagine them passing up the opportunity to complete the trilogy. The world of Oz is so rich and fascinating that there is potential for more stories and more films. It all depends on the success of the two films, doesn’t it?

The Business of Oz: Why a Sequel is Likely

Let’s be honest, the decision about Wicked 3 isn’t just about artistic merit; it’s about money. Hollywood is a business, and studios are always looking for the next big franchise. Wicked has all the ingredients for a successful franchise: a beloved source material, a dedicated fanbase, and a visually stunning world.

The success of the Broadway musical is a testament to the enduring appeal of the story. The show has grossed over $5 billion worldwide and continues to be a major draw for audiences. This success has undoubtedly influenced Universal’s decision to adapt the musical into two films.

If the films are successful, a Wicked 3 would be a logical next step. It would allow Universal to capitalize on the existing fanbase and expand the Wicked universe. The studio has already invested a significant amount of money in the franchise, so it would make sense for them to continue the story and reap the financial rewards.

However, the financial success of the franchise isn’t just about box office numbers. It’s also about merchandise, licensing, and other ancillary revenue streams. A Wicked 3 would generate even more opportunities for these revenue streams, making it a lucrative investment for Universal.

It’s hard to imagine Universal not wanting to push ahead with a third film, especially considering the fanbase and the cultural phenomenon that is Wicked. But, of course, it’s not a sure thing, is it?

Alternative Scenarios

What happens if Wicked: Part One and Wicked: Part Two don’t perform as expected? While a Wicked 3 would be unlikely in that scenario, there are other possibilities for the franchise.

* Television Series: A Wicked television series could explore the world of Oz in more detail, focusing on different characters and storylines. This would allow for a more serialized approach, with each season telling a self-contained story.
* Animated Film: An animated Wicked film could appeal to a younger audience and expand the franchise’s reach. This would also allow for a more whimsical and fantastical approach to the story.
* Broadway Revival: A Broadway revival of Wicked could re-ignite interest in the musical and pave the way for future adaptations.

These are just a few of the possibilities. The future of the Wicked franchise is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the story of Elphaba and Glinda will continue to resonate with audiences for years to come. I think it might be a while before we see a broadway revival, but who knows?

Conclusion

The question of whether or not a Wicked 3 will happen remains unanswered. The success of the first two films will be the deciding factor. But regardless of what the future holds, the story of Elphaba and Glinda has already captured the hearts of millions. Their journey of friendship, betrayal, and self-discovery is a timeless tale that will continue to be told and re-told for generations to come. I, for one, am hoping to see more of Oz on the big screen. What about you? The anticipation is killing me!