Universal Unveils Major Wicked 3 Update Fans Have Been Waiting For

With Wicked: For Good bewitching U.S. theaters, Universal’s latest update has threequel buzz surging, as Jon M. Chu’s sequel completes the musical’s second half and sets the stage for more Oz.

Wicked 3 isn’t a sure thing yet, but the people in charge are very clearly looking for a way to keep Oz open for business.

Where we are right now

'Wicked: For Good' is out in U.S. theaters. Jon M. Chu directed it, and yes, it’s the continuation of 2024’s 'Wicked' that adapts the back half of the stage musical by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman. That musical, if you need the family tree, is loosely based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel, which reimagines L. Frank Baum’s 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz' — the same book the 1939 Judy Garland movie pulled from. In other words, the two-part film has now covered the full stage show.

Universal isn’t done with Oz (they hope)

Universal Pictures chief marketing officer Michael Moses told Vulture they’re actively figuring out what comes next. He didn’t pretend they have a finished plan, but he did make it sound like the studio doesn’t want to walk away from a hit.

"Because of Wicked’s success but also the fanship, we have almost a responsibility to figure out how we can continue in this universe... Have we figured it out yet? No. But there are things underway."

Schwartz and Holzman are brainstorming too

Composer-lyricist Stephen Schwartz echoed that sentiment to The Ankler, with a key caveat: don’t expect a straight-up 'Wicked 3' that just picks up with Glinda and Elphaba. He and original book writer/co-screenwriter Winnie Holzman are kicking around other angles.

"The Glinda and Elphaba story feels complete — but there are other aspects that could be explored... not a sequel, but an adjunct."

Translation: they’re looking at side stories or different corners of the same world. Maguire wrote multiple Oz novels beyond 'Wicked', so there’s source material to mine if they want it.

So is Wicked 3 actually happening?

Not officially. The source note says Paramount hasn’t greenlit a third movie or any other Oz projects. That’s odd on its face, since the Wicked films are Universal releases. Either way, the gist is the same: no formal greenlight yet, even if the wheels are turning behind the scenes.

What to expect next (reading the tea leaves)

• The current two-movie adaptation has wrapped the original stage storyline.
• Universal executives are exploring ways to extend the franchise, but nothing is locked.
• Schwartz and Holzman are developing ideas that expand the universe without redoing Glinda/Elphaba’s arc.
• Maguire’s additional Oz books are on the table as potential inspiration.
• No official greenlight for a third film or spin-off yet.

Bottom line: the main Wicked saga is complete, but the studio and creators are openly trying to keep Oz alive — just not with a simple Part 3. If they crack the right idea, don’t be surprised when we’re back in Emerald City sooner than later.