An article in the New York Times today is fueling more speculation that Universal is working on new Wicked-themed attractions for its theme parks.
We've covered this ground before. The success of the first Wicked movie at the box office (more than $700 million worldwide so far) all but assured a green light from Comcast to proceed with new theme park rides and shows, following the retail activations that Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood have offered since the movie's premiere.
In "Universal’s Theme Parks, Long in Disney’s Shadow, Expand at Dizzying Pace," reporter Brooks Barnes wrote, "Mr. Woodbury [Universal Destinations & Experiences Chairman Mark Woodbury] has still-secret plans for significant attractions themed to 'Wicked,' another Universal movie. 'When I saw it, my first reaction was, ‘This is a theme park waiting to happen,’ he said."
FWIW, voting for this year's Academy Awards just closed and Wicked is not among the front-runners for Best Picture and other major awards. So I am going to count this article as part of Universal's PR push not just for the upcoming Epic Universe theme park (where I think a Wicked land has been planned as an expansion), but also to keep interest going in the Wicked franchise, which continues with the second movie this November.
In case you are curious, the rest of the article is just a laundry list of Universal's upcoming theme park projects, including the new parks in Texas and England, the horror experience in Las Vegas, the Fan Fest Nights in Hollywood, and - of course - Epic Universe.
And the folks at Universal Creative should keep those plans for anything related to Wicked in a theme park as secret as possible and lock them up and never pull them out into the light of day again.
VelocicoasterFan: "Here's what I guess i'd do- I'd build an ambitious emerald city land somewhere in USF".
Me: If they started working on it today, it would open in 2029. Again, that's if the team jumped in starting next Monday morning. Will 'Wicked' still be a draw in four years? Second, it would cost more than a billion dollars ... easily.
On last thing: 'Wonka' is a theme park waiting to happen. 'Hunger Games' is a theme park waiting to happen. 'Pokemon' is a theme park waiting to happen. 'Lord of the Rings' is a theme park waiting to happen. 'A Series of Unfortunate Events' is a theme park waiting to happen.
This is silly.
I gotta show you the two existing hunger games parks. Look, if I owned a universal park, you best believe I'm running that thing into the ground with my stupid ideas. There's a reason I don't work at a theme park.
Also, I'm glad we have two active threads about wicked. Can we retire this one already?
Or how about an Animal House attraction similar to Fantastic Journey where you fly through the Delta House and surrounding town. Be glad I am not in charge!
@VelocicoasterFan - Totally agree. I'm glad that people far more talented than I design and build theme parks.
And for the record, I'm one of those sick people who keeps hoping to see a theme park land based on Terry Pratchett's Discworld.
And we're not going to discuss TH Creative's obsession with the Artemis Fowl series and the lack of representation in theme parks for that IP.
@TH Creative: "Will 'Wicked' still be a draw in four years?"
I think so. Just as Lion King will still be a draw for Disney, Wicked will be a draw for Universal. Wicked (the musical alone) has grossed over $6 billion worldwide, making it one of Universal's largest franchises. It has been running on Broadway since 2003--I think it's safe to say the property (and the larger Oz Universe to which it belongs) will still be relevant in 4 years.
An Oz land practically designs itself: a Shiz University section with a train to the Emerald City attraction, an Emerald City section with the Wizard's office, perhaps a Defying Gravity broomstick attraction. Add in some student uniforms and Emerald City attire based on the Oscar-winning costume design alongside whimsical sets and locations, based on the Oscar-winning production design, and you've got a pretty good recipe for a theme park land.
I don't think it's necessarily about the popularity of the musical, it's about the overall popularity of the IP. There are plenty of other musicals out there that have grossed as much or more than Wicked, and I don't see anyone clamoring for a Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Les Misérables, or Hamilton theme park land. It's about the greater OZ IP that Wicked is a part of that would be needed to create an immersive theme park land on the level of what Universal has reportedly created at Epic Universe. Also, the biggest conundrum with applying a musical into the theme park is the music, and how the emotions and intangibles of music translate into a theme park (see Hard Rock Park and other music-based attractions). A lot of people have criticized Disney for not using classic Star Wars music in Galaxy's Edge even though John Williams reportedly assisted in creating the atmospheric score for the land.
While Wicked presents a unique opportunity given Universal's rights to the film, I think lacking the rights to the greater Oz IP places other IPs up the priority list. Also, given all the rave reviews of the details within Celestial Park, I think Universal could be emboldened to continue developing independent IP (and other IPs in the public domain) for future lands and attractions.
@Russell That's fair. But based on my understanding, Universal is trying to consolidate all the disparate Oz IPs into one franchise/universe through Wicked. After all, the original work is already in the public domain!
MHDS: "But based on my understanding, Universal is trying to consolidate all the disparate Oz IPs into one franchise/universe through Wicked."
Me: Sure they are.
@Russell Meyer I agree with everything you said, but Phantom of the Opera is coming to dark universe, and I'm unironically excited. Maybe at least one person is clamoring for phantom of the Opera.
Here's what I guess i'd do- I'd build an ambitious emerald city land somewhere in USF ( a la warner bros movie park) and have a thrill ride and reskinned simulator or something, then try to theme the whole park to "great cities in cinema" (which fits). I don't think they'll add it to EU or IOA because those parks are pretty stacked in terms of rides and entertainment.