Universal Eyes More Oz Adventures After Wicked: For Good’s Box Office Triumph
Wicked: For Good’s opening weekend smashed expectations, raking in $223 million on a $150 million budget. Universal is now weighing up further sequels set in Oz.
Wicked: For Good has stormed into cinemas, pulling in a staggering $223 million over its debut weekend and leaving its $150 million budget in the dust. The sequel to Jon M. Chu’s 2024 musical adaptation has quickly become a hit with punters, and Universal is already mulling over what’s next for the Land of Oz. The original Wicked film managed to haul in around $750 million worldwide, but early signs suggest this new chapter could well outpace its predecessor.
Universal’s marketing chief, Michael Moses, has hinted that the studio feels a certain duty to keep the Oz universe ticking along, given the sheer scale of fan enthusiasm. While nothing’s set in stone just yet, he’s confirmed that there are already some ideas bubbling away behind the scenes.
Mixed Reviews, But Fans Still Flock In
Despite the impressive box office numbers, the second instalment has copped a bit of a drop in critical reception. It’s currently sitting at 68% on Rotten Tomatoes, a fair bit lower than the first film’s 88%. Even so, the response from audiences has been strong, with many keen to see how the story unfolds.
This latest outing draws from the final act of the much-loved Broadway musical, with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande reprising their roles as Elphaba and Glinda. The plot follows the two unlikely mates as they’re torn apart when Elphaba stands up to the Wizard’s regime, earning herself the title of Wicked Witch of the West. The film’s events lead right up to the iconic moment from The Wizard of Oz, where Dorothy’s house lands on Elphaba.
Plenty More Oz to Explore
With the world of Oz offering heaps of untapped stories, Universal sees plenty of potential for future films. From a marketing perspective, the possibilities are wide open, and there’s no shortage of directions the franchise could take. Whether it’s spin-offs or fresh sequels, the studio seems keen to keep the magic alive for fans old and new.
Wicked: For Good is currently showing in cinemas across the country, and with its strong start, it looks like Oz isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.