Jon M Chu rules out Wicked Part 3, confirms two-movie duology ‘end of an era’

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By: Daniel Harris

Jon M. Chu just shut down Wicked Part 3 speculation. The director confirmed Wicked: For Good stands as a definitive two-movie duology on November 4, 2025. He called it the “end of an era.” Yet he left one tiny door open for the future.

🔥 Quick Facts:

  • Wicked: For Good releases theatrically on November 21, 2025
  • Jon M. Chu confirmed no third film is planned as of now
  • Director stated this was “always meant to be a two-movie experience
  • Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande complete their journey in part two
  • Spinoffs possible but not confirmed; details remain strictly under wraps

What Chu Revealed About the Franchise’s Future

Jon M. Chu made his position crystal clear during the Wicked: For Good Brazil premiere. When asked about a third installment, he said directly: “I am not.” He added emphatically, “As far as I know, this was always meant to be a two-movie experience.”

The Crazy Rich Asians director emphasized that Wicked: For Good represents “the end of an era.” Still, he added a strategic caveat. “You never know,” he said with reservation. “People want that, but they have to see movie two first. Maybe the audience could tell us.”

“Listen, you never know, but yes. As far as I know, this was always meant to be a two-movie experience. This is the end of an era, but you never know.”

Jon M. Chu, Director of Wicked

This statement differs sharply from previous hints. Earlier, composer Stephen Schwartz and screenwriter Winnie Holzman suggested future projects were brewing. Back in November 2024, they hinted at “something under wraps” that wasn’t called Wicked Part 3 or 4.

What This Means for the Wicked Universe

For dedicated fans, Chu’s comments settle the immediate future. The Wicked saga will conclude with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande wrapping up their iconic roles. The two-film structure allows the complete story to breathe without stretching thin.

However, the director’s “you never know” comment leaves room for imagination. Spinoffs remain theoretically possible. Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman have hinted creative teams are discussing alternatives. These might explore other characters or timelines within the Oz universe.

Universal Pictures would likely green-light continuation projects if Wicked: For Good matches or exceeds the first film’s massive success. The original earned $756.4 million globally, making it the highest-grossing musical film adaptation ever.

The Box Office Momentum Behind Wicked: For Good

Box office projections paint an aggressive picture for the sequel. Industry trackers expect Wicked: For Good to open between $115 million and $190 million domestically.

Metric Wicked: Part One (2024) Wicked: For Good (Projected)
Global Box Office $756.4 million Potentially higher
Opening Weekend (US) Approximately $110-114 million $115-190 million
Production Budget $150 million Comparable or higher
Highest-Grossing Musical Adaptation Yes Could extend record

Strong presales suggest audiences are ready. Fandango reported that Wicked: For Good set records for 2025’s best first-day ticket pre-seller, surpassing even major releases like Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.

If the sequel delivers commercially, franchise conversations shift dramatically. Executives would have leverage to push for spinoffs or extended universe projects.

What’s Next After the Duology Closes

Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman remain coy about future projects. They’ve confirmed discussions but provided zero concrete details.

  • Potential spinoff films exploring other Oz characters could emerge
  • The characters or timeline could shift to different eras within the story
  • Theatrical releases might focus on supporting cast members from the musical
  • Streaming projects could expand the universe without theatrical releases
  • Jon M. Chu would likely not direct future projects if they’re greenlit

For now, Chu’s focus remains singular: deliver a satisfying conclusion to Elphaba and Glinda’s friendship and rivalry on November 21. He previously told People Magazine fans would see “both movies as one” rather than separate installments.

Will the Wicked Duology Really End at Two Movies?

Entertainment history suggests franchise declarations warrant skepticism. Directors often claim finality, only to greenlight sequels years later when money flows. Yet Chu seems genuinely committed to this conclusion.

However, the “you never know” comment reveals Hollywood’s golden rule: never shut any door permanently. If Wicked: For Good reaches $1 billion globally, suddenly a third film becomes “essential storytelling.” If it underperforms, the duology naturally becomes the ending.

The real question for fans: Do you want Wicked to continue beyond two films? Or does concluding with Elphaba and Glinda’s story feel right? Chu seems ready to listen.

Sources

  • Elle – Jon M. Chu addresses future of Wicked franchise and potential spinoffs
  • Yardbarker/BANG Showbiz – Director confirms duology structure and end-of-era statement
  • Deadline Hollywood – Box office projections and presale tracking data

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