Amidst a year of blockbuster releases, Wicked, the highly anticipated film adaptation of the famous Broadway musical, is set to be a major contender. The story, based on The Wizard of Oz, explores the lives of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda the Good Witch, offering a prequel narrative to the classic tale, revealing how they became the characters we know in the original.
The movie is expected to be a huge box office success, and for good reason. Since its debut in 2003, the Wicked musical has remained incredibly popular, and the early trailers for the film have generated significant excitement. With a stellar cast lineup, the film could not only be a hit on its own but also revive interest in The Wizard of Oz franchise, leading to new projects inspired by the classic story.
Wicked Is Projected To Be A Major Box Office Hit & A Sequel Is Already Done
Originally planned as a single film, Wicked was split into two parts during preproduction, mirroring the two-act structure of the stage musical. Both parts were filmed simultaneously, with the second part set to release a year after the first. Given the positive anticipation for the initial release, Universal Pictures is optimistic about having two consecutive successes.
In addition to the two-part Wicked adaptation, there are already discussions of further expansions to The Wizard of Oz universe. One notable project is a modern remake of the 1939 film, directed by Kenya Barris, the creator of black-ish. This reinterpretation aims to update the Depression-era setting of the original with a contemporary 21st-century aesthetic. The outcome remains uncertain, as remakes of iconic films often face mixed reception.
Multiple Other New Wizard Of Oz Projects Are In The Works After Wicked
Another adaptation of The Wizard of Oz is in development at New Line Cinema, directed by Nicole Kassell, known for her work on HBO’s Watchmen. Although updates on this project have been sparse, it remains an officially announced endeavor, hinting at a broader wave of interest in retelling this timeless story.
The success of Wicked could trigger a resurgence of Wizard of Oz-related films, even more than typical modern franchises, due to the fact that the original 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is in the public domain. This allows filmmakers to freely adapt the core story. However, there are limitations, as specific character interpretations from the 1939 film are still copyrighted by Warner Bros., which could influence how new adaptations are approached.
