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Universal's Exciting Plans for 'Wicked' at Epic Universe
Universal Pictures is buzzing with anticipation about expanding its theme park experiences, particularly with the upcoming Epic Universe scheduled to open on May 22, 2025. At the forefront is the beloved musical 'Wicked,' currently thrilling audiences in theaters. The idea of a dedicated attraction emerged during an episode of the Las Culturistas podcast, where Ariana Grande, who stars as Glinda, engaged in a lively brainstorming session with her co-star Bowen Yang and co-host Matt Rogers.
Ariana Grande's Creative Vision
Grande, along with Yang and Rogers, pitched a whimsical concept that captures the enchantment of 'Wicked.' They envisioned an immersive area themed around Emerald City, situated between the Super Nintendo World and Dark Universe sections of Epic Universe. The concept hints at an experience that would allow park-goers to feel like they have stepped directly into the magical world of Oz.
A Peek into the Proposed Ride
According to Rogers, the area could feature signs proclaiming “Get the witch!” with live performances from Grande as Glinda. Enhancements could include dynamic rides that begin with a speech from Glinda, which quickly takes a twist towards chaos reminiscent of the narrative’s dramatic tension.
Momentum from Hollywood's 'Wicked' Success
The hype surrounding 'Wicked' is more than fan excitement. Universal executive Mark Woodbury expressed confidence in the franchise’s potential when he stated, “When I saw 'Wicked,' my first reaction was, ‘This is a theme park waiting to happen.’” The overwhelming success of both the musical and its film adaptation has created a ripe opportunity for Universal, aligning with their efforts to expand their theme parks.
Looking Ahead: More Than Just a Dream
While Grande and her collaborators’ discussions were casual, the significant insights from Universal executives suggest that plans may indeed be in the works. This could mean thrilling developments for 'Wicked' beyond the existing walkthrough experiences at Universal’s parks.
As anticipation builds around Epic Universe, the addition of 'Wicked' could create an enchanting attraction that not only celebrates the story of Elphaba and Glinda but also captivates visitors with innovative ride experiences. Adventure awaits in Orlando!
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