Five extraordinary worlds already exist at Universal Orlando Resort, but Wicked fans are convinced the cult franchise might just be the theme park’s next big instalment.
First brought to life in 2003 on Broadway, and debuting later in the West End in 2006, Wicked has become one of the successful musicals in the world, based on a misunderstood, green-skinned girl who becomes the Wicked Witch of the West.
Two decades on, the franchise has exploded into a global phenomenon once more thanks to the blockbuster, two-part film adaptation, starring Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba.
The first Wicked film, released in November 2024, grossed an impressive $758.7 million (£566.7m) globally, while its sequel, Wicked: For Good, has already passed the $450 million (£336.1m) milestone in just its third week in cinemas.
With major retailers and specialist brands such as Primark, Lush, Funko and LEGO racing to release exclusive merchandise and limited-edition collections, it’s no surprise rumours are now swirling about a potential Wicked-themed world at Universal.
The sprawling Florida theme park currently features five distinct themed worlds based on popular franchises and concepts: Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, How to Train Your Dragon, Dark Universe, and Celestial Park.
Since the sequel’s release, fans have been paying careful attention to every potential clue that a Wicked world is next – from film director Jon M. Chu’s appearance in an Epic Universe documentary, to pop-up Wicked experiences inside the parks themselves.
So, could a Wicked Universe really on the cards? While Universal Resorts Orlando has not yet announced plans for a new land, read on to see what has fuelled the speculation.
Wicked has exploded into a global phenomenon thanks to the two-part film adaptation starring Ariana Grande (pictured: right) as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo (L) as Elphaba
Five extraordinary worlds already exist at Universal Orlando Resort, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Dark Universe and Super Nintendo World
With brands like Lush (pictured), Funko and LEGO releasing exclusive merchandise, it’s no wonder rumours are now swirling about a potential Wicked-themed land at Universal
1. Wicked: The Experience
Wicked: The Experience is an immersive, limited-time attraction that has appeared at both Universal Studios Florida and Universal Studios Hollywood.
Featuring screen-used costume replicas, Elphaba and Glinda-themed photo opportunities, exclusive merchandise and interactive displays, the experience allows visitors to step directly into the world of Oz.
Fans have noticed the attraction has reopened twice to coincide with the releases of the two films.
Theme park fanatic Jackie, who goes by @SuperEnthused on YouTube, stopped by Universal Studios Florida in October to check out the experience ahead of Wicked: For Good’s release on 21 November, documenting in a video renewed fan interest.
For many, these pop-ups feel like a strategic ‘test run’ – a way for Universal to gauge demand before committing to a full-scale themed land.
Wicked: The Experience has reopened twice at Universal to coincide with the releases of the two Wicked films
Fans believe these pop-up attractions at Universal (pictured) are a strategy to gauge demand before building a full-scale themed land
2. Jon M. Chu’s documentary appearance
Fans were quick to notice that Jon M. Chu, the director of the Wicked films, recently appeared in ‘Epic Ride,’ Universal’s official documentary about the creation of Epic Universe.
While Chu had no confirmed involvement in the development of the new park, his appearance has raised eyebrows, with many questioning why he would feature at all if Wicked had no future place in Universal’s theme park plans.
Jon M. Chu, the director of the Wicked films, randomly appeared in Universal’s official documentary about the creation of Epic Universe, which has since raised eyebrows
3. Universal Parks CEO’s biggest hint
Earlier this year, Mark Woodbury, CEO of Universal Parks & Resorts, added fuel to the fire when he openly commented on Wicked’s theme park potential.
After seeing the film, Woodbury told the New York Times that his first reaction was that it felt like a ‘theme park waiting to happen’.
For fans, the CEO’s statement was significant, as Universal is known for carefully choosing its words when discussing intellectual property.
Earlier this year, Mark Woodbury (pictured: far right), CEO of Universal Parks & Resorts, openly commented on Wicked’s theme park potential after seeing the film
4. Merch and expansion plans
Over the past two years, Wicked has made its mark across multiple Universal parks.
From theme merchandise, to specialty food items, to character interactions and entire retail sections dedicated to the franchise, the influence of Oz has been documented in parks in Hollywood, Orlando and Singapore.
And despite Epic Universe opening earlier this year, a massive expansion is already in talks.
Karen Irwin, president and chief operating officer of Universal Orlando Resort, was first to tease a potential Epic Universe expansion in a video shared to Universal’s YouTube channel in March, two months before the park even opened.
‘There are already so many things in the works now. We have a slate of new attractions that we’re already developing for every one of our parks. We’re already planning for the next thing at Epic,’ she said.
With the films reigniting global interest and the brand proving to be highly profitable, many fans believe a full-scale land would be a natural next step.
5. Fan theories on Reddit 
Pictured: A Glinda doll from Wicked created by Mattel, makers of Barbie
Pictured: Sign for Greggs in collaboration with Wicked the musical film outside their Mega Greggs in Leicester Square in November
Epic Universe might have only opened to the public earlier this year, but a massive expansion is already in talks… could this be making way for a Wicked-themed land?
On Reddit and other fan forums, speculation has reached an all-time high.
In one recent thread, a user wrote: ‘I think it would fit into the “portal to another universe” theme nicely, and certainly justifies an entire land full of attractions!
‘Plus Epic universe needs an expansion sooner rather than later, guests have been complaining that there aren’t enough rides.’
Another said: ‘Just in the last year they have had pop-up Oz experiences at universal parks in the US as well as Singapore. The franchise is proving to be extremely profitable and more relevant than ever.
‘I think it would be a huge mistake not to fully realize the theme park potential at this time since they have the rights and a huge hit. Guess we will see in a few years.’
A third wrote: ‘Honestly, this would work. Wizard of Oz and Wicked are properties that have transcended generations and are huge in film history. I would really love to see how they would bring it to life.’
A fourth added: ‘This is absolutely happening. It’s so obvious and anyone who thinks it isn’t is in denial. As soon as I saw the Emerald City in the movie I knew exactly what they were doing. It’s so clearly set up to be a theme park land.’