Man, waiting for movie news can feel like forever, right? Especially when it's a huge deal like Wicked splitting its story into two massive films. Seriously, every time I check my feeds, someone's asking "when will wicked 2 come out?" or fretting over delays. Let's cut through the noise. I've been tracking this saga like a hawk, digging into every announcement, delay, and scrap of gossip to give you the straight scoop. Forget vague promises; we're talking concrete dates, confirmed filming details, and why the heck it's taking so long. Spoiler: It's partly COVID, partly Hollywood strikes, and partly because making something this epic just takes darn time.

Remember the initial buzz? Universal dropped the bombshell about splitting the musical back in April 2022. Part 1 was set for Christmas 2024, Part 2 for Christmas 2025. Seemed straightforward. Fast forward, and... yeah, not so much. Real life, strikes, and production complexities hit hard. The current official word? Mark your calendars for Wicked: Part One on November 27, 2024. That's Thanksgiving weekend, prime movie-going time. So, when will wicked 2 come out? Officially, Wicked: Part Two is aiming for November 26, 2025. That's a full year apart, almost to the day. Hold that thought, though, because Hollywood schedules are like shifting sand. Let me explain why even those dates feel a bit shaky to some folks.

Why the Wait? Breaking Down the Wicked 2 Release Timeline Delays

Okay, so November 2025 for the second part. Why does it feel like we've been waiting ages already? Let's rewind. The original plan was ambitious: shoot both parts back-to-back in the UK throughout 2022 and into 2023. Director Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights) was all set. They built incredible sets at Sky Studios Elstree and even Pinewood. Filming actually kicked off in December 2022. Glinda's bubble descended, Elphaba practiced her defiance... things were moving!

Then, bam. July 2023. The SAG-AFTRA strike slammed the brakes. Everything stopped dead. No actors on set, no filming, nada. This wasn't some minor hiccup; it completely froze production for months. Before that, the WGA strike had already caused script tweaks to stall. Suddenly, that neat back-to-back filming schedule? Blown apart. The strike finally ended in November 2023, and the crew scrambled back to Elphaba's homeland. But the damage was done. Months lost. This massive delay is the single biggest reason pushing the wicked 2 release date out.

Filming finally wrapped on Part One in January 2024. But here's the kicker: filming for Wicked: Part Two didn't even *begin* until after the strike ended. They started rolling again specifically for Part Two around late 2023/early 2024. So, while Part One is now fully shot and deep into post-production (editing, visual effects, music mixing), Part Two only finished principal photography in... wait for it... January 2025. Yeah, barely a year before its planned release. That's *tight* for a movie packed with complex fantasy visuals, elaborate musical numbers, and Oz knows how much CGI.

Honestly? Seeing those massive sets and knowing the scale of the musical numbers firsthand (I caught it on Broadway twice, years apart – still blows me away), I get why it takes time. But man, it tests your patience. Here's a quick breakdown of the major roadblocks:

• The Double Strike Impact: WGA (Writers) and SAG-AFTRA (Actors) strikes halted everything for over six crucial months. You can't make a movie without writers or actors. Simple as that.
• Back-to-Back Ambition: Shooting two movies at once is a logistical beast. Stopping mid-flow due to the strike messed up the entire rhythm and schedule.
• Post-Production Marathon: Part Two finishing filming so late means the editors, VFX artists, and sound designers are on a serious sprint. Creating flying monkeys, the Emerald City, and that iconic Defying Gravity moment takes hundreds of artists thousands of hours.
• Music is Everything: Recording those iconic Stephen Schwartz songs with cinematic grandeur isn't just sticking mics in front of singers. It's orchestral arrangements, complex mixing, making it feel huge on screen. Time-consuming perfectionism is needed.

So, circling back to the burning question: **when will wicked 2 come out?** While November 26, 2025, is the target, a slight delay into early 2026 wouldn't shock me given the post-production crunch. Studios hate moving big holiday releases, but rushing visual effects is a recipe for disaster (remember some rough CGI in other blockbusters? Yeah, no thanks). Universal will want this looking flawless.

Who's Flying Back to Oz? The Cast Returning for Wicked Part 2

The good news? We don't have to worry about recasting nightmares. The core gang is all signed up for both parts. Seeing Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande reunite as Elphaba and Glinda is half the excitement! Here's the definitive list of who you'll see when Wicked 2 finally hits screens, reprising their roles from Part One:

Seeing Jeff Goldblum's quirky Wizard and Michelle Yeoh's commanding Morrible again is gonna be a treat. The real heart, though, is Erivo and Grande. Their chemistry in the little bits we've seen (and knowing the stage show) promises something special. Erivo's powerhouse vocals are made for Defying Gravity and No Good Deed, while Grande has the perfect blend of sparkle and vulnerability for Popular and (I assume) Thank Goodness. Bailey's Fiyero brings that charm and eventual depth. I am curious how they'll handle Boq's... transformation. Poor Ethan Slater, that's gonna be some intense makeup or CG!

Will there be any surprising new faces? Maybe some classic Oz cameos? They've kept that pretty tightly under wraps for Part Two. Maybe someone like the Wogglebug or Jinjuria? Probably not, but you never know!

Behind the Curtain: Key Production Players Bringing Wicked to Life

It's not just the actors. The creative team is top-notch:

• Director: Jon M. Chu (Known for vibrant musicals and spectacle - Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights). His energy feels right for Oz.
• Producer: Marc Platt (A powerhouse - La La Land, The Little Mermaid live-action, Broadway producer of Wicked itself). He's been shepherding this for years.
• Screenplay: Winnie Holzman (Who wrote the original Broadway book!) and Stephen Schwartz (Who wrote the music and lyrics, obviously). Having them ensures it stays true to the heart of the stage show.
• Music: Stephen Schwartz is deeply involved. Expect the iconic songs, possibly expanded orchestrations, and maybe a new cinematic piece or two?
• Cinematography: Alice Brooks (In the Heights). She knows how to capture movement and color beautifully.

Having Holzman and Schwartz directly scripting is a huge relief. Adaptations can go off the rails, but their involvement means the soul of Galinda's "unadultered adoration" and Elphaba's fierce integrity should remain intact. Chu's challenge is translating the stage magic to screen without losing its intimacy. Those long, dialogue-driven scenes need to crackle.

What Story Will Wicked 2 Tell? Plot Expectations and Musical Numbers

Since they're splitting the stage musical, Wicked Part 2 will pick up right where Part One leaves off. Part One is expected to end with Elphaba's dramatic escape from the Wizard's palace after being framed, culminating in her iconic "Defying Gravity" moment as she rises above Oz, declared "Wicked." Glinda is left below, choosing the path of power within the system.

So, **wicked part two** will delve into the consequences:

• Elphaba's Exile: We see her life on the run, setting up shop in her castle in the West. Expect her signature black hat and broomstick!
• Glinda's Rise: Navigating Ozian politics under Madame Morrible and the Wizard's thumb, becoming the revered "Glinda the Good." But at what cost to her spirit?
• Fiyero's Fate: His transformation into the Scarecrow after helping Elphaba escape is a major arc. How does he adjust? What's his relationship with Elphaba now?
• Nessarose's Tyranny: Elphaba's sister, empowered by the magic shoes, becomes a cruel ruler in Munchkinland (Wicked Witch of the East). Her dynamic with Boq (now the enslaved Tin Man) is tragic.
• The Love Triangle Deepens: The complicated feelings between Elphaba, Fiyero, and Glinda reach their peak, full of regret, longing, and sacrifice.
• Dorothy's Arrival? Will we see her? Probably briefly towards the very end, setting up the famous house-dropping incident and the direct lead-in to the classic 1939 film. Don't expect her to be a main character though.

The musical numbers we definitely expect to feature prominently in Wicked 2 include:

• "Thank Goodness" (Glinda's big Act 2 opener, reflecting on her fame and emptiness)
• "The Wicked Witch of the East" (Nessa's power ballad)
• "Wonderful" (Reprise - Likely a darker interaction between Elphaba and the Wizard)
• "As Long As You're Mine" (The intense romantic duet between Elphaba and Fiyero/Scarecrow)
• "No Good Deed" (Elphaba's powerful, angry solo after facing betrayal - Erivo will slay this)
• "March of the Witch Hunters" (The build-up to the climax)
• "For Good" (The iconic, tear-jerking farewell duet between Elphaba and Glinda)

I'm particularly curious how they handle "As Long As You're Mine." It's such an intimate, vulnerable moment amidst the chaos. Getting the tone right between Erivo and Bailey will be crucial. And "For Good"... yeah, bring tissues. That song wrecks me every time on stage. Seeing it realized cinematically could be incredibly powerful, or risk feeling overly sentimental. Fingers crossed Chu nails it.

Wicked 2 Production Status: Filming, Post-Production & The Road to Release

Let's get technical about where things stand *right now* for when will wicked 2 come out:

• Filming (Principal Photography): COMPLETED. Officially wrapped in late January 2025. This happened after the long delay caused by the SAG strike.
• Reshoots/Pickups: Highly probable. Most big films schedule additional filming days to fix shots or add small scenes. Expect this to happen mid-late 2025.
• Post-Production (Current Phase): This is where the film is assembled. It includes:
  • Editing: Piecing together scenes filmed out of sequence.
  • Visual Effects (VFX): Massive undertaking. Creating flying monkeys (lots!), the Emerald City, magical effects, Fiyero's Scarecrow look (potentially a blend of makeup and CG), Elphaba's green skin consistency, flying broomsticks, melting scenes(!). Thousands of VFX shots are needed. *This is the single biggest factor that could push the release date.*
  • Music Recording & Scoring: Finalizing vocal tracks, recording the full orchestra score, mixing everything seamlessly into the film.
  • Sound Design & Mixing: Creating all the ambient sounds of Oz, magical zaps, footsteps, and balancing dialogue, music, and effects.
  • Color Grading: Giving the film its final visual look and feel (emerald greens, yellows of the cornfield, etc.).
• Test Screenings: Likely to happen Summer/Fall 2025. Audiences will see rough cuts, and feedback might lead to minor edits or reshoots.
• Marketing Blitz: Trailer likely attached to Part One (Nov 2024). Expect teasers, posters, and interviews ramping up heavily throughout 2025.

The sheer volume of VFX work required makes that November 2025 date challenging. Creating believable, non-goofy looking flying monkeys alone is a huge task (remember the Winged Monkeys in the 1939 film? They need an upgrade!). Then there's making the magic visually stunning without being cheesy. My gut says the VFX houses are burning the midnight oil. If they hit November 2025, it'll be a testament to some serious overtime. Don't be utterly shocked if it slips a few months to ensure quality, though Universal will fight hard to keep that lucrative Thanksgiving slot.

Your Wicked Part 2 Burning Questions Answered (FAQ)

Okay, let's tackle those specific questions everyone keeps searching for about when will wicked 2 come out and more:

Is Wicked 2 officially confirmed?

Absolutely, 100% yes. It was greenlit simultaneously with Part One as a single, two-part production. Universal is fully committed. Filming is already done!

When exactly is the Wicked 2 release date?

The official release date set by Universal Pictures is November 26, 2025. That's the date currently on all studio schedules and official announcements.

Could the Wicked 2 release date get delayed again?

Honestly? It's possible, though Universal will resist. The massive amount of complex visual effects required and the relatively short post-production window (less than a year from finishing filming) make it tight. Delays in VFX could push it, potentially to early 2026 (like March). Watch for any official announcements around Summer/Fall 2025.

Where was Wicked Part 2 filmed?

Both parts were filmed primarily at two major UK studio complexes:

• Sky Studios Elstree: Near London. This is where the bulk of the massive sets (Shiz University halls, Emerald City interiors, possibly the castle) were built.
• Pinewood Studios: Also near London. Famous for James Bond and Star Wars. Likely used for specific soundstage work and possibly some larger exterior sets or complex VFX stages.

Will Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo be in Wicked 2?

Yes! Both Ariana Grande (Glinda) and Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) are signed for and have filmed both parts of the movie. They are the leads throughout the entire story.

Will Wicked 2 be in theaters only?

Initially, yes. Universal will give it a full, exclusive theatrical release worldwide, aiming for that big holiday box office. A streaming release date will follow much later, likely on Universal's Peacock platform, but probably not until late 2026 or even 2027. They'll want to maximize cinema earnings first.

How long will Wicked Part 2 be?

We don't have an official runtime yet. However, since the stage show runs about 2 hours 45 minutes (with intermission), and Part One is adapting roughly the first half, expect Wicked: Part Two to also be substantial. A good guess would be somewhere between 2 hours 10 minutes and 2 hours 30 minutes. It needs time for the emotional payoff.

Is there a trailer for Wicked 2?

Not yet. The first trailer will almost certainly debut attached to Wicked: Part One in theaters starting November 27, 2024. Expect it to also drop online that same day or week. A second trailer will likely arrive mid-2025.

Why the Split? Understanding the Two-Part Strategy

This was a big question when announced. Why chop a beloved musical in half? It wasn't just a cash grab (though, yeah, two movies make more money). The stage show is dense. Packing the entire epic story of Elphaba and Glinda – their friendship, feud, romance, political intrigue, and the rise of the Witches – into a single coherent 2.5-3 hour film would mean brutal cuts. Important character moments and songs would vanish. Splitting it allows them to:

• Breathe: Spend more time establishing Shiz, the characters' relationships, and the political landscape of Oz in Part One.
• Develop Nuance: Truly explore Elphaba's journey into perceived wickedness and Glinda's into superficial goodness.
• Include More Music: Keep nearly all the beloved songs intact, potentially even adding brief cinematic musical moments.
• Expand the World: Show more of Oz – maybe the Vinkus, the Emerald City underbelly, Munchkinland under Nessa.
• Build Anticipation: End Part One on the massive high of "Defying Gravity," leaving audiences desperate to see the consequences.

Was it necessary? Maybe not strictly, but I understand the desire to do the story justice without feeling rushed. The risk is that Part One feels like half a story (which it is) and if it underperforms, Part Two suffers. But Universal seems confident. They gave it prime holiday slots back-to-back for a reason.

Potential Challenges for Wicked 2

It's not all yellow brick roads. There are hurdles:

• Audience Fatigue: If Part One disappoints or feels incomplete, will people return a year later?
• VFX Quality: Rushing the effects could make Oz look fake. Needs to be immersive.
• Pacing: Part Two has less "setup" but needs to maintain momentum without the big Act 1 numbers. Balancing the darker tone with the musical's heart is tricky.
• Living Up to History: The stage musical is iconic. Film adaptations often stumble under that weight (see Cats, though Wicked has much stronger source material).

Getting Ready for the Green and the Glitter: What to Expect Next

So, while we impatiently wait for when will wicked 2 come out, here's what you can anticipate happening over the next year leading to November 2025:

• November 27, 2024: Wicked: Part One premieres in theaters. SEE IT. This is your first real look and sets up everything for Part Two. Expect the first teaser for Wicked 2 to play before it or be released online immediately after the premiere.
• Early-Mid 2025: Marketing kicks into high gear. Official trailer release, character posters focusing on Elphaba's darker journey, Glinda's rulership, and Fiyero's Scarecrow look. Interviews with the cast will start popping up.
• Summer 2025: Potential first look images or clips released online or at events like Comic-Con. Merchandising begins ramping up.
• Fall 2025: Full press tour with Erivo, Grande, Bailey, etc. appearing on talk shows. Final trailer release. Ticket pre-sales open. Possible premiere event in November.
• November 26, 2025 (Target): Wicked: Part Two opens in theaters worldwide. Prepare for the emotional conclusion!

Mark those dates. Follow the official social media accounts (@wickedmovie). Set Google alerts. The closer we get, the more Oz will fill our feeds. It's been a long road filled with unexpected twists (thanks, strikes!), but the journey back to Oz is almost complete. Just hold on a little longer for that final flight.