Gregory Maguire Reflects on the Expanding Future of the 'Wicked' Franchise

With the highly anticipated release of "Wicked: For Good," Universal Pictures is poised to conclude its two-part cinematic adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, itself inspired by Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel, "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West" . The split adaptation, directed by Jon M. Chu, has closely mirrored the musical’s structure, leading many to believe that the story’s arc would be neatly wrapped up with the second film .

Yet, as the film’s release date approaches, rumors have intensified around the possibility of further sequels or spin-offs—raising questions about the future of the "Wicked" cinematic universe and the degree to which Maguire’s broader literary world might be adapted for screen .

In a recent interview with Out, Gregory Maguire was asked directly about ongoing conversations regarding new movies or TV shows set in the "Wicked" world he has developed over the past thirty years. Maguire responded with characteristic candor: “If there are conversations—and I’m not saying that there aren’t—they’re not conversations that involve me directly. So I don’t know, really. I don’t know” .

He elaborated on his relationship with Universal Pictures, clarifying that he has only sold the film rights to his original novel, "Wicked." “To date, I have sold the rights to one novel and one novel only, and that’s "Wicked." And if I never sell the rights to anything else, so be it. The truth is, of course, as you know, the novel of "Wicked" ends very differently from the play and from the movie. All the characters are in different places at the end of my novel than they are at the end of the play” .

Maguire further explained, “What I gave were the rights to use my original novel as inspiration for their project, and they’ve used that. ” When asked if he would be open to expanding the franchise if approached, Maguire responded, “I might be” .

The potential for the "Wicked" franchise to expand beyond its current cinematic arc is complicated by the differences between Maguire’s novels and the Broadway musical. The musical, and by extension the films, have taken significant creative liberties, resulting in different character outcomes and overall tone. For instance, Elphaba’s fate diverges significantly in the novel compared to the play and film .

Maguire’s original work, which initiated "The Wicked Years" series, consists of four novels: "Wicked," "Son of a Witch," "A Lion Among Men," and "Out of Oz." These sequels explore the aftermath of the "Wizard of Oz," introducing new characters such as Liir (the love child of Elphaba and Fiyero) and presenting a more complex, darker narrative . Adapting these stories would require substantial changes to maintain continuity with the established film universe, as the tone and character development in the books are markedly different from the family-friendly approach of the musical and films .

While Maguire remains at a distance from current conversations, others involved in the franchise have hinted at ongoing discussions about the future. Composer Stephen Schwartz and screenwriter Winnie Holzman, both central to the original Broadway production and the films, recently confirmed in a public interview that talks about expanding the "Wicked" film universe are underway. “We’re actually talking about something. It’s under wraps, and we can’t say much,” Schwartz remarked. Holzman clarified, “But it’s not "Wicked" part three or four” .

Rumors reported by entertainment outlets suggest that Universal may be considering a third film, with the working title "Wicked 3," although nothing has been confirmed publicly . The subtitle change of the second film to "For Good" has been interpreted by industry analysts as a strategic move, keeping the door open for future entries under the “Wicked: " naming convention .

Beyond films, Universal’s enthusiasm for the property is evident in other ventures, such as plans for "Wicked"-themed areas in Universal theme parks and a growing range of merchandise . These commercial expansions demonstrate the franchise’s enduring cultural resonance and the studio’s interest in further capitalizing on its popularity.

Since its debut, "Wicked" has held a special place in LGBTQ+ culture, with themes of otherness, chosen family, and self-acceptance resonating deeply with queer audiences. The musical’s celebration of difference and its subversive reframing of “wickedness” have made it an enduring favorite at Pride events, in drag performances, and among LGBTQ+ fans worldwide .

Gregory Maguire himself has spoken in the past about the importance of inclusive storytelling and the necessity of creating space for marginalized voices within the fantasy genre. While he has not been directly involved in recent film conversations, Maguire’s literary legacy continues to inspire both fans and creators to imagine new possibilities for the "Wicked" universe—possibilities that, if realized, could further expand the visibility and complexity of LGBTQ+ representation on screen .

If Universal Pictures seeks to adapt more of Maguire’s novels, it would require new negotiations for film rights. Maguire has made clear that he retains the rights to his sequels and would need to be approached anew for each potential adaptation .

The success of "Wicked: For Good" and continuing audience demand will likely determine whether the franchise moves forward into new territory. Should future films draw from "Son of a Witch," "A Lion Among Men," or "Out of Oz," audiences could see the introduction of new protagonists and a shift in tone—transforming "Wicked" from a retelling of the "Wizard of Oz" into a multi-generational saga about identity, legacy, and resistance .

For now, Gregory Maguire’s stance is one of cautious openness. While he has not been formally involved in current franchise expansion discussions, he remains the architect of a world that continues to enchant and challenge audiences—and he appears willing, if approached, to consider new ways his stories might reach the screen .