Part 7/9:
The film’s underperformance raises questions beyond theaters. There have been longstanding calls for a Wicked-themed land at Universal’s Epic Universe, akin to Wizarding World. But the film’s decline may threaten these plans, especially with waning interest and a now-questionable investment in Oz properties.
Observers note that many prior Wizard of Oz adaptations, including the original film, performed better on television than at the box office. The legend of Oz has historically found its audience through annual TV broadcasts rather than theatrical releases. This suggests that Wicked’s true potential may lie in television or theme park adaptations rather than cinema.