Wicked: For Good hits theaters November 21, 2025 with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande in the spellbinding finale. The Wizard of Oz universe is expanding beyond the screen. Leonardo DiCaprio is producing a documentary about the making of the original 1939 classic.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Wicked: For Good opens in theaters nationwide on November 21, 2025
- The Wizard of Oz documentary releases in 2026 through Leo DiCaprio’s Appian Way
- Director Tom Donahue helms the documentary with Verdi Productions
- Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande lead the cast of the Wicked film
- The franchise expands as both projects tie to the beloved Oz mythology
Hollywood’s Oz Explosion: Two Massive Projects Arrive
Wicked: For Good completes the two-part musical saga started last year. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande deliver show-stopping performances as Elphaba and Glinda. The film concludes their transformative friendship and sets up the arrival of Dorothy. Supporting stars include Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum.
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Meanwhile, Leonardo DiCaprio‘s production company just announced a major documentary project. “Oz,” directed by Tom Donahue, explores the turbulent creation of the 1939 film masterpiece. The project pairs Appian Way with Rhode Island‘s Verdi Productions. Expect a 2026 release date.
These projects capitalize on unprecedented Oz mania sweeping pop culture. The timing couldn’t be better for the studio. Fans hungry for more emerald city content will have multiple options within months.
The Documentary Nobody Expected
DiCaprio’s documentary digs deep into behind-the-scenes drama. The 1939 production faced massive challenges on set. Judy Garland endured grueling hours working under studio pressure. Special effects were groundbreaking but dangerous technology.
Director Tom Donahue brings extensive documentary experience to the project. He’s known for meticulous research and compelling storytelling. The partnership between Appian Way and Verdi Productions suggests major funding and distribution plans. This isn’t a small film—it’s a prestige documentary with broader implications for Hollywood history.
The documentary explores how a film made during wartime America became the most watched movie in television history. It traces the cultural legacy that influenced generations. Cynthia Erivo herself has connected the dots between the original and the new musical adaptations.
Cast & Production Details Confirmed
| Film | Details |
| Wicked: For Good | Releases November 21, 2025 in US theaters |
| Lead Cast | Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum |
| Oz Documentary | Targets 2026 release date |
| Director | Tom Donahue |
| Producers | Leonardo DiCaprio’s Appian Way, Verdi Productions |
The collaboration between studios signals serious ambition. Both projects tackle different angles of the Oz mythology. Wicked: For Good offers contemporary musical spectacle. The documentary provides historical context and insider access.
Production values on the Wicked sequel reached new heights. Filming took place across multiple continents. Visual effects enhance the fantastical Emerald City landscape.
What’s Next for the Oz Universe?
- Immediate: Wicked: For Good dominates box offices through holiday season
- Q4: Box office projections suggest billion-dollar franchise potential
- 2026: Documentary arrives with major theatrical distribution
- Franchise Future: Additional Oz projects likely in development at major studios
- Awards Season: Expect multiple nominations and recognition campaigns
The Wicked franchise already proved massive appeal exists. Part One shattered box office records. Part Two enters theaters with enormous cultural momentum. Marketing campaigns emphasize the emotional conclusion fans have anticipated.
The timing of the documentary announcement couldn’t be more strategic. DiCaprio’s Appian Way benefits from heightened interest in all things Oz. Casual viewers discovering Wicked will become curious about the source material’s history. Serious film enthusiasts will appreciate the documentary’s depth.
Can Two Oz Projects Coexist Successfully?
Absolutely. They serve different audiences and purposes. Wicked: For Good caters to musical theater fans and pop culture enthusiasts. The documentary attracts film historians and prestige viewers.
The staggered release strategy proves brilliant. Wicked launches now. Documentary comes later when interest peaks. Together they create sustained attention across 2025 and 2026. Each project reinforces the other’s cultural relevance.
Will you catch Wicked: For Good this weekend? Are you equally excited about the documentary? The Wizard of Oz universe never felt so alive.
Sources
- Variety – Breaking news on Leonardo DiCaprio Oz documentary deals
- Universal Pictures – Official Wicked: For Good theatrical information
- Playbill – Arts and entertainment coverage of both projects
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.