Back to Oz: Schwartz and Holzman Are Working on a New ‘Wicked’ Project

by

Fans of the musical Wicked might be getting more content soon, though it won’t be a traditional sequel. Stephen Schwartz, who wrote the music for the show, says he and writer Winnie Holzman are developing new stories set in the world of Oz.

After the New York premiere of Wicked: For Good, composer Stephen Schwartz said he’d consider revisiting the story, but only if there was a compelling reason to do so. He feels the story of Glinda and Elphaba is already complete and doesn’t want to revisit it without a good purpose.

Schwartz, 77, admitted he wasn’t certain if a good idea even existed. He and Holzman are considering ideas related to the world of Wicked, but stressed they aren’t working on a follow-up story.

Winnie Holzman and I are currently brainstorming some new ideas related to the world of Wicked, but it won’t be a direct sequel. We feel like Glinda and Elphaba’s story has reached a natural conclusion, though there are still other parts of that universe we could develop.

Schwartz pointed out that the world of Oz extends beyond the original story, encompassing several books by author Gregory Maguire, including the one that became the basis for the musical. He also suggested that he and Holzman are considering a related project, not a direct continuation of the current narrative. As he explained, they’re exploring an addition to the story, rather than a sequel.

He stated he’s not interested in continuing the story unless there’s a compelling reason to do so. He explained that he’d consider a continuation only if it had a purpose beyond just financial gain, but so far, no one has presented him with an idea that meets that standard.

The new movie, Wicked: For Good, continues the story from the popular Broadway musical. It covers the second half of the story and features many of the original stars, like Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Colman Domingo is also joining the cast. Director Jon M. Chu returned to complete the two-movie project, which started filming in 2022 and finished in early 2024 after being delayed by labor disputes.

The movie first launched in Brazil on November 4th and then came to U.S. theaters later in the month. It’s made $36 million globally, and while reviews have been mixed, the franchise is already expanding. Universal is planning theme park rides based on the Wicked movies, indicating a larger series is in development.

Schwartz and Holzman revealed last year they’d discussed expanding the film’s universe, but clarified they weren’t planning direct sequels like a third or fourth movie. Currently, they’re exploring spin-off stories and fresh perspectives within the existing world.

Read More

2025-11-21 23:44