With the upcoming release of Universal’s Wicked, a film adaptation of the beloved stage musical, now is the prime time to prepare for a surge in retail demand. Wicked has established a 20-year legacy, with audiences worldwide familiar with Elphaba, Glinda and the rest of Oz.
THE POWER OF A 20-YEAR LEGACY
The Wicked musical, based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel, has been a powerhouse in the entertainment world since its 2003 Broadway debut. Seen by over 65 million people worldwide, and grossing billions in ticket sales, this two-decade legacy has cemented its place in the hearts of audiences across the globe. The upcoming film will likely attract both long-time fans and newcomers, with a tentpole pre-Christmas release date.
Retailers who stock Wicked products can tap into this existing and growing fanbase, which is already primed for the film’s release. Whether you stock drinkware gift sets, lighting, craft kits, or another product entirely, the widespread appeal of Wicked will bring customers to your stores.
A UNIVERSAL MESSAGE FOR A GLOBAL AUDIENCE
The themes of Wicked are universally resonant, covering topics like empowerment, equality, integrity, defiance and sisterhood. These messages give the Wicked story a timeless appeal. As a result, the movie adaptation is expected to appeal to a global audience across multiple demographics.
FAN-FAVOURITE CASTING
The casting for Wicked has also generated a huge amount of engagement. Major stars like Ariana Grande and Jeff Goldblum have already drawn attention, with fans eager to see their favourite performers bring iconic roles to the big screen. Cynthia Erivo, Jonathon Bailey, Ethan Slater, Michelle Yeoh and Keala Settle also make up the star-studded cast.
Wicked’s strong pull became apparent with the premiere of its first-look teaser trailer. Generating over 202 million organic global views upon release, this level of interest sets the precedent for a box-office success this November. As the release date draws nearer, now is the perfect time for retailers to prepare their Wicked merchandise offering.
A TWO-PART RELEASE: DOUBLE RETAIL OPPORTUNITY
Don’t forget the major advantage of the two-part release structure. While Wicked: Part One debuts this November, Part Two is slated for release in November 2025. This gives retailers the chance to maintain product momentum and capitalise on sustained interest. Instead of a one-off spike, there will be ongoing demand for Wicked merchandise, with seasonal opportunities like Black Friday and Christmas sandwiched between the two theatrical releases.
Get in touch with us today or visit our trade portal to find out more about our Wicked range.
