Wicked: For Good has barely hit cinemas but there’s already talk of a third film in the works, causing a stir among fans of the Broadway classic.
According to ongoing reports, there are more stories set for the big screen, with Universal Pictures’ chief marketing officer, Michael Moses, hinting to Vulture that planning is already “underway”.
“Because of Wicked’s success but also the fanship, we have almost a responsibility to figure out how we can continue in this universe,” he told the publication.
“Have we figured it out yet? No. But there are things underway.”
MORE: Inside Wicked cast’s outrageous home fortunes
Of course, the biggest question of all is: Will Glinda and Elphaba be returning? And will stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo be given the opportunity to reprise their roles?
While Universal has not confirmed any details of a follow-up film, in perhaps the biggest clue of all, Ariana and Cynthia have issued a pretty solid hint that they will be not be returning. And it can be found buried in two simple posts they shared individually on social media.
Shortly after the global premiere, Ariana took to her Instagram to bid a final farwell to her character, Glinda.
“Thank you, my sweet Glinda, for everything. I will love you always …” the star, 32, shared, along with a series of behind the scenes snaps from working on the film, including one of her clutching the Grimmerie spell book.
MORE: Ariana Grande’s wild gesture to Wicked co-star
Cynthia’s almost identical farewell to her character Elphaba took fans on the same path.
“I could write you an essay, a poem, Shakespearean prose, to describe what this journey has meant to me, what lessons this time has taught me, bought me. I could try to give a metric to the love I have felt and experienced. I could give a number to the stories I have heard,” the 38-year-old shared, along with her own highlights.
“The truth is the numbers are too small and the words are not enough. So I’ll simply say this. Take my hand and walk with me to the end of this road paved with gold and hopefully, the things that I’ve found, might find you too. Thank you for letting me be your Elphaba.”
For fans around the globe, the posts all but confirmed the question.
So if the franchise was to continue on the big screen, what will the sequel centre around?
Renowned Wicked composer, Stephen Schwartz, recently admitted to working closely with original author, Winnie Holzman, for a follow-up story that will unlikely include our beloved Glinda and Elphaba and pick up on other story points from the novels.
“I think the Glinda and Elphaba story feels complete – but there are other aspects that could be explored,” he told The Ankler.
“Gregory Maguire, the original Wicked novelist, has several books, for example. But there’s another idea that Winnie and I are discussing: not a sequel, but an adjunct. Let me put it that way.”
