Universal Studios has confirmed plans to bring Wicked to its theme parks – though the exact details of when and where remain unclear.
It's been only three months since Wicked (2024) made its theatrical debut, but the musical's potential as a blockbuster franchise was apparent from the start.
Serving as a prequel, midquel, and semi-sequel to The Wizard of Oz, the film – like the Broadway show before it – chronicles the journey of Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) from their days at Shiz University to foes on two opposing sides of Oz.
Fans and critics alike have embraced the story, with Erivo and Grande both receiving Academy Award nominations for their performances.
Now, Universal is setting the stage for a major expansion of the Wicked universe in its parks.
Universal Chooses to Defy Gravity
Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, confirmed in a recent interview with The New York Times that Wicked is being considered for the parks.
“When I saw it, my first reaction was, ‘This is a theme park waiting to happen,’” he said, revealing his secret plans to create Wicked-inspired experiences.
While rumors of Wicked making its way to Universal parks had been circulating for some time, this marks the first confirmation that it's a reality. However, specifics about the nature of the attractions remain under wraps.
‘Wicked' At Universal Parks So Far
So far, Universal has begun celebrating the film at its parks, albeit in smaller-scale ways. Both Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort currently host the Wicked Experience, an immersive shopping and photo-op experience featuring costumes and props from the film.
Over in Singapore, Universal Studios recently unveiled a pop-up Emerald City, complete with appearances from Elphaba and Glinda. Meanwhile, Universal Studios Japan will kick off its Wicked Celebration on March 7, offering guests the chance to snap photos with the two witches and enjoy special food, merchandise, and a costume exhibit.
While these offerings are exciting, they are just the beginning. If Wicked becomes a permanent fixture at more Universal destinations, it would not be the first time Universal has featured the musical at its parks. Universal Studios Japan once hosted a 35-minute version of the Broadway show in its now-defunct Land of Oz area, cutting several characters and songs to accommodate the theme park format.
But considering the scale of Universal's ongoing expansion efforts – including its upcoming third park in Orlando, Epic Universe, and its much-hyped (but not quite confirmed) theme park in the UK – we'd hazard a guess that future Wicked attractions will be much grander.
With space opening up at Universal Studios Florida once Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit departs, it’s not hard to imagine an immersive Emerald City dark ride or even a “Defying Gravity” roller coaster. Whether a roller coaster or something entirely new, we're ready for whatever Universal decides to throw our way.
What kind of Wicked attraction would you most want to see at Universal?
