Epic Universe Expansion Speculation

[TheUniC6]

It seems most people think of a coaster for a Wicked land, but I actually had in mind a Glinda bubble ride. Indoor dark ride, maybe an overall tour of Oz led by Glinda and featuring Elphaba and other characters? There are so many possibilities for Wicked though: a hot air balloon, broomstick, boat, coaster, flying monkey…

This could be an opportunity for Universal to do a large scale family dark ride with no height requirement.

Wicked is clearly happening. No question about that anymore. The question now is where. I still am unsure on it going to Epic. I think it'd fit wildly well within USF myself, but the fact that it is an internal IP might be enough for them to greenlight that final major portal. We'll just have to see.

To me if Universal wants to get Wicked into their parks in the next few years, it's going in USF as the Simpsons replacement. Since their goal is to likely fill out all the existing expansion pads in EU before adding that new portal, they will miss the boat to capitalize on Wicked if they go that route.

 

[illumination]

Wicked is clearly happening. No question about that anymore. The question now is where. I still am unsure on it going to Epic. I think it'd fit wildly well within USF myself, but the fact that it is an internal IP might be enough for them to greenlight that final major portal. We'll just have to see.

I just saw this on Facebook from “Kingdom Insider”. It’s clearly a rumor post but it does have a good idea of having a cyclone themed Epic portal entrance.

“A WICKED LAND MIGHT BE COMING TO UNIVERSAL

A Wicked-themed land at Universal Studios Florida or Epic Universe is rumored, and it most likely would immerse guests in the world of Oz with an emerald-inspired entrance leading into the bustling Emerald City.

A main attraction might be a trackless dark ride following Elphaba and Glinda’s stories, supported by effects that recreate moments like “Defying Gravity.” Additional rides—such as a broomstick-flight simulator or a tour through Shiz University—could make the land appealing to all ages. Imagine taking a boat to Shiz (kind of like taking the Hogwarts Express to either Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley)

If this land is at Epic Universe, the land could use a cyclone-themed portal to transition guests into Oz. Dining and shopping could include the Ozdust Ballroom as a lively restaurant or a potion-themed café. At night, the Emerald City skyline could come alive. The possibilities for this land are ENDLESS

While nothing has been confirmed yet, it’s almost a certainty that a Wicked/Oz themed land WILL HAPPEN at Universal ”

 

[AustinT]

I just saw this on Facebook from “Kingdom Insider”. It’s clearly a rumor post

That's just baseless speculation that anyone could do. A big ol' nothing burger of news. I do think a Wicked/Oz land is coming somewhere....eventually. But I'm not sure if it fits better in Epic or USF for many reasons. USF needs new stuff beyond the coaster and a potential Supercharged re-theme badly.

We'll see how the BO for this second one is shaping up in a few weeks. Reception is worse than the first one and a lack of repeat viewing could hurt its legs over the holiday movie season. But march sales and audience demos for the film and in-park data will probably be what is driving the inclusion of future attractions.

 

[illumination]

That's just baseless speculation that anyone could do. A big ol' nothing burger of news. I do think a Wicked/Oz land is coming somewhere....eventually. But I'm not sure if it fits better in Epic or USF for many reasons. USF needs new stuff beyond the coaster and a potential Supercharged re-theme badly.

We'll see how the BO for this second one is shaping up in a few weeks. Reception is worse than the first one and a lack of repeat viewing could hurt its legs over the holiday movie season. But march sales and audience demos for the film and in-park data will probably be what is driving the inclusion of future attractions.

regarding reception being worse:

Early Rotten Tomatoes scores tell two different stories. Critics sit at 70%, which is notably below the first film’s 88%. Audiences? A very loud 96%. It’s already setting box office records for the previews.

Source: Wicked: For Good Sets Box Office Record, Joins Avengers and Star Wars Elite

They just announced an Oz movie is in development. A continuation of the stories of Oz, but not about the witches, as Glinda and Elphaba’s story arc is complete.

Sources:

Will the New Wicked Spin-Off Not Star Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo? Stephen Schwartz’s Statement Explained

Stephen Schwartz says a Wicked sequel with Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo isn’t likely, but a new Oz spinoff could still happen.

fandomwire.com

Wicked 3 Takes Flight: New Oz Movie In Development After For Good Release

Defy gravity again: Wicked 3 is reportedly in development, with a fresh trip to Oz poised to follow For Good’s release and push the hit musical’s reimagined Wizard of Oz saga into a new chapter.

scorpiolikeyou.com

 

[Andysol]

I'm still not sold on this being the next big IP and enough to warrant one of the precious Epic plots. The second movie may very well under perform as the last half of the musical was never as good as the first, and most the reviews for the movie are saying the first was better. If this does less at the box office, I wonder if that'll give them some pause.

I think the IP's core demo being much more female leaning than any of Universal's other IPs is the biggest thing it's got going for it. That may be enough in their eyes if it helps persuade mommy to book a stop at Universal on their next vacation though

Even if wicked was never adapted to the big screen; it would make a spectacular land.
Hell, even if wicked never existed, Oz would be a spectacular land.

Oz and LotR are easily the two best IPs available for park adaptation.

I’m ready for that 4th park already. Give me an 80s land with BTTF and Ghostbusters, plz.

 

[RFRees]

They just announced an Oz movie is in development. A continuation of the stories of Oz, but not about the witches, as Glinda and Elphaba’s story arc is complete.

Sources:

Will the New Wicked Spin-Off Not Star Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo? Stephen Schwartz’s Statement Explained

Stephen Schwartz says a Wicked sequel with Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo isn’t likely, but a new Oz spinoff could still happen.

fandomwire.com

Wicked 3 Takes Flight: New Oz Movie In Development After For Good Release

Defy gravity again: Wicked 3 is reportedly in development, with a fresh trip to Oz poised to follow For Good’s release and push the hit musical’s reimagined Wizard of Oz saga into a new chapter.

scorpiolikeyou.com

This is very strong wording for what was actually said. Stephen Schwartz (composer) is looking at what they can do next. This doesn't mean they have the greenlight from Universal.

That being said, I think is a given that something like an Oz movie happens to expand Universal's branding of the IP.

 

[maxairmike]

What if they did something along the lines of those OG MarioKart concepts with a thrilling Darkride down low and a slow moving dark ride up high. I say that cause given the size of the building and needs for capacity I 100% agree 2 is better than 1 even if that means sacrificing an e ticket.

That would be a great use of space, and with the size of the building footprint I would hope they could give us a useful indoor guest area like Knockturn beyond just queue space.