story of Wicked is being split into two movies, with Part One now playing in theaters, while Part Two will arrive on November 21, 2025. The budget for the first installment has been reported as anywhere between $145 million to $150 million, indicative of a similar budget being spent on the sequel. However, the exact cost of both films combined hasn't been officially reported.

Now, according to Matt Belloni's Puck, Universal spent $350 million on both Wicked movies combined, the most the studio has ever invested up-front on any movie project under their umbrella. This shows an incredible amount of faith in the film, something the reporter points out given the massive ad campaign it's had leading up to its release. He's also confident in its ability to succeed at the box office, signifying Universal's investment will have been worth it. Check out what Belloni had to say below:

when the Wicked movie came out six weeks ago? I’m kidding, but however the film does in theaters—I’ve got it in The Town’s box office draft, so I’m rooting for it—the months-long marketing onslaught will go down as a campaign for the ages. Yes, Universal spent more than $350 million to make a lavish two-part fantasy-musical, the studio’s largest-ever up-front investment in a project.

What Wicked's Massive Budget Means For The Wizard Of Oz Prequel

The Novel & Stage Play Are Getting The Blockbuster Treatment

The novel and stage play adaptation's price tag is no surprise, given the stellar set design and high levels of CGI seen across the film's marketing. The cast of Wicked also no doubt added to the price, with stars Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) and Ariana Grande (Galinda) being just two of many recognizable faces in the film. This includes Jonathan Bailey as Prince Fiyero Tigelaar, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, and Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard of Oz himself. Coupled with a runtime of 160 minutes for Part One alone, and it's easy to see why the budget is so massive.

The visuals in the movie were likely the most expensive element, though, with everything from Shiz University to the Emerald City blending practical effects and CGI in various creative ways. This will extend to the Part Two, which the ending of Wicked set up and will feature even more creative, expensive sequences. Universal's price tag is already paying off, though, with the movie making $19.2 million in previews. This helped it soar past this weekend's other big feature, Gladiator II, which only sported $6.5 million.

Wicked's previews include advanced showings on Monday and Wednesday, but even ing for its $11 million on Thursday, it's still poised to top the box office on opening weekend.

Our Take On Wicked's Huge Combined Budget

Universal Is Taking A Risk That Might Pay Off

Given its box office performance already, Wicked is already proving Universal was right to take a risk on it by putting so much money behind it. Not only is the film adapting a well-known musical, but its setting within The Wizard of Oz universe makes it appeal to everyone, from young children to nostalgic adults. Such a massive budget also bodes well for the visuals in Part Two, alongside the accompanying music, writing, and acting that will make it just as memorable - and financially successful.

Source: Puck