Splitting 'Wicked' Into Two Movies Was the Right Choice

by Chris Peterson, OnStage Blog Founder

In the spring of 2022, it was announced that Universal would be splitting the Wicked movie into two parts, essentially giving us Act 1 in 2024 and Act II in 2025. It would be months before any casting would be announced, and any conceptual art of the film would be shown.

And I hated the idea of it.

I thought splitting the movie adaptation into two parts was not only a bad idea but said that it was “dumb and will ultimately fail.”

I wrote a piece titled, “Splitting the 'Wicked' movie into two parts is dumb and will fail” in April of 2022. I wrote that director Jon M. Chu’s statement supporting the change made “no sense and tells me that it’s not the real reason behind the change. The fact that a musical that is 2 hours and 45 minutes on stage is somehow too much for one movie is downright laughable.”

Now, to be fair, I did have reasons then for believing this would be a mistake. Box office returns for movie musicals didn’t have a strong history, and if Part 1 of Wicked failed, the studio would have quite the problem heading into Part 2.

But, after seeing the movie last night. I’ve never been more happy to say that I was wrong. Splitting Wicked into two films is not only a financially strategic move but also a creative one that enhances the cinematic experience.

First from a storytelling perspective, the decision to split the movie allows Chu to delve deeper into the rich world of Oz. From the politics that underpin the Wizard’s reign to the emotional evolution of Elphaba and Glinda, the expanded format gives space for these layers to breathe. It also provides an opportunity to explore elements that had to be trimmed for the stage.

The point is, is that we care about these characters and will have a year to think on them before Part 2.

Elphaba and Glinda are two of the most complex characters in musical theater. Their friendship, rivalry, and eventual reconciliation are central to the narrative, but a single film would struggle to fully capture the depth of their relationship. With two movies, the filmmakers can provide each character with the screen time they deserve.

For Elphaba, audiences can witness her transformation from a misunderstood outsider to the powerful, self-assured Wicked Witch of the West. Glinda’s arc—evolving from a self-absorbed socialite to a compassionate leader—can also be explored in greater detail. Supporting characters like Fiyero, Nessarose, and the Wizard(Goldblum is excellent btw) will benefit from this extended storytelling as well, ensuring their narratives feel rich and complete.

From a marketing perspective, splitting Wicked into two parts is a savvy move. It builds anticipation, ensuring that audiences remain engaged with the story for an extended period. Fans will have time to speculate, theorize, and revisit the first part before the sequel arrives. This model has proven successful with other franchises, such as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and Avengers: Infinity War/Endgame.

However, the decision isn’t purely financial. By spacing out the films, the creative team can dedicate more time to perfecting each installment. This approach ensures that neither part feels rushed, resulting in a more polished and satisfying adaptation.

Now, from a financial standpoint, splitting the adaptation into two parts was risky, but it will ultimately be a great movie given the early box office returns. This gives Universal the opportunity to earn box office returns from two films instead of one.

The popularity of Wicked offers incredible merchandising potential, from branded collectibles to soundtracks. By splitting the story into two parts, Universal extends the time frame for merchandise sales, effectively doubling opportunities to capitalize on the franchise's popularity.

Two films mean two separate home releases, each of which will generate income through digital rentals, Blu-ray sales, and eventual streaming deals. Streaming platforms, in particular, could compete fiercely for exclusive rights to such a high-profile property, further driving up profits.

Universal can also now recover initial production costs from the first film before completing and releasing the second. This phased approach reduces financial risk while maintaining cash flow.

In the end, the decision to split Wicked into two parts is more than just a logistical choice; it’s a celebration of the story’s depth and magic. It was also a financially savvy decision that ensured long-term profitability while giving audiences an unforgettable cinematic experience.