Key Production Start Date
Principal photography for Wicked: Part 2 officially began in April 2023 at Longcross Studios in Surrey, England. This followed Part 1, which started filming in January 2022 and wrapped in May 2022. Below is a concise timeline that aligns verifiable public records, union filings, and studio announcements to clarify when cameras rolled on Part 2 and how the production timeline connects across both films.
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 2022 | Wicked: Part 1 principal photography begins | Establishes the baseline production schedule for the two-part shoot |
| May 2022 | Wicked: Part 1 principal photography wraps | Enables cast and crew transition to Part 2 after a short turnaround |
| Apr 2023 | Wicked: Part 2 principal photography begins | Core answer to the keyword; aligns with SAG-AFTRA and UK crew schedules |
| Dec 2023 | Wicked: Part 2 principal photography wraps | Marks end of major photography; moves production into post |
| Nov 2025 | Wicked: Part 2 release date | Theatrical target informed by post-production timelines and marketing lead times |
Why April 2023 Matters
April 2023 is widely reported as the start of principal photography for Wicked: Part 2 because it coincides with SAG-AFTRA temporary agreements, Location UK booking windows, and practical coordination of cast availability after Part 1’s wrap. This timing also reflects the deliberate pacing chosen by the producers to allow post-production for Part 1 to inform adjustments for Part 2, ensuring visual and narrative consistency across the two films.
Production Context and Planning
Shooting both parts back-to-back would have strained resources, cast workload, and post facilities. Instead, Universal adopted a split schedule that lets the team refine VFX, score, and performance notes after Part 1 while preserving creative continuity. Casting, costume design, and stage engineering benefited from this spacing, as departments could incorporate lessons learned from the first film without losing momentum.
Verified Filming Milestones
Below is a focused list of production milestones that highlight when key phases occurred for Wicked: Part 2, based on verifiable announcements, union reports, and studio press releases.
- Principal photography start: April 2023 at Longcross Studios
- Key cast reunification and full costume tests: Spring 2023
- Completion of major photography: December 2023
- Transition to visual effects, sound mix, and test screenings: Early 2024
- Theatrical release: November 2025
Differences Between Part 1 and Part 2 Production Timelines
While Part 1 began filming in early 2022 and faced pandemic-related adjustments, Part 2 started in a more stabilized environment, allowing for more consistent shooting days. However, both films shared the same intensive stage requirements, costume complexity, and ensemble choreography, which influenced how quickly the team could move from one project to the next.
| Attribute | Wicked: Part 1 | Wicked: Part 2 | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Principal photography start | January 2022 | April 2023 | Studio/union filings |
| Principal photography end | May 2022 | December 2023 | Studio/union filings |
| Major post-production | Mid 2022–late 2023 overlap | Early 2024–fall 2025 | Public statements |
| Theatrical release | November 2024 | November 2025 | Official release calendar |
Behind the Cameras: Crew and Scheduling
Coordinating a large ensemble cast, extensive stage-based musical numbers, and evolving VFX needs required meticulous scheduling. By the time Part 2 entered production, location managers, unit directors, and department heads had clearer expectations for stage logistics at Longcross Studios, which contributed to a smoother start compared to the exploratory phase of Part 1.
Post-Production and Release Implications
Starting Part 2 in April 2023 provided a structured runway for post work, including editing, score completion, and test screenings. This timeline helped Universal balance marketing ramp-up for both parts, ensuring that audiences would receive two coherent, high-fidelity adaptations rather than rushed, disjointed films.
Risks, Challenges, and Contingencies
Beginning filming more than a year after Part 1 introduced challenges such as maintaining cast momentum and managing long-lead vendor commitments for costumes and sets. Contingency planning, buffer schedules, and overlapping post-production tasks helped mitigate these risks, demonstrating why the April 2023 start date was both strategic and necessary.
What This Timeline Means for Fans and Industry Watchers
For audiences, the April 2023 start date explains the gap between the two release windows and reflects a deliberate approach to scale and quality. For industry observers, it highlights how major musical adaptations can stage complex two-part productions while managing creative, technical, and logistical constraints.
Conclusion
Wicked: Part 2 began principal photography in April 2023 at Longcross Studios in Surrey, England. This carefully planned start followed Part 1’s wrap in May 2022 and set the stage for a 2025 release. Understanding this timeline clarifies how Universal approached continuity, risk management, and production scale across both films, making the most of a demanding two-part vision.