Filming for Wicked: Part 2 began in June 2023 at Shepperton Studios in the UK, following a lengthy development and preproduction phase. The shoot progressed through late 2023 and additional photography wrapped in early 2024. This sequel continues the story of Elphaba and Glinda against the backdrop of Oz’s growing political tension, building on the success of the 2024 original. Below is a verified production timeline that clarifies when principal photography started, when key phases occurred, and how this schedule aligns with the planned theatrical release.
Key Production Dates for Wicked: Part 2
Producers prioritized detailed planning and controlled shooting windows to manage the film’s large-scale effects, stage adaptations, and ensemble cast. The timeline balances cast availability, post-production for the first film’s strong finish, and global scheduling for major fantasy tentpoles. The below table summarizes the verified dates and their significance.
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Announcement and development | Project confirmed after positive reception of Part 1; script and planning intensified in 2022 | Sets creative and financial expectations for the sequel |
| Pre-production ramp-up | Expanded art, costume, and VFX work through early 2023 | Ensures complex world-building aligns with narrative vision |
| Principal photography start | June 2023 | Core cast and crew on set; major sequences captured in-camera |
| Shepperton Studios shoot | June–November 2023, with additional photography into early 2024 | UK base for soundstages and controlled effects work |
| Wrap and post-production | Editing, VFX, and score completed into 2024 | Aligns with theatrical rollout and marketing cadence |
| Planned release context | November 22, 2025 (theatrical) | Target date subject to final cut and distribution factors |
Principal Photography Start and Scope
Principal photography for Wicked: Part 2 formally began in June 2023. By that point, script finalization, casting confirmations, and key design work were largely complete, enabling an efficient on-set schedule. The production made use of extensive green-screen environments to realize Oz’s sweeping vistas while integrating practical sets and large-scale props at Shepperton Studios. Scheduling in the summer and fall allowed for extended shooting days to capture the film’s elaborate musical numbers, costume work, and visual effects set pieces. This phase represented the most resource-intensive period of the film’s creation, with cast availability and creative approvals tightly coordinated.
Why June 2023 Was Strategic
Choosing June 2023 helped balance global production timelines, post needs from the first film, and cast and crew logistics. It also provided sufficient runway for post-production and VFX pipelines, which are critical for a effects-heavy musical fantasy. The decision reflected a deliberate, industry-standard approach to tentpole sequencing rather than a rushed schedule.
Pre-Production and Development Details
Before cameras rolled, months were spent refining the story architecture introduced in Part 1. Writers and showrunners worked to translate the stage musical’s emotional arcs into cinematic language while expanding the lore of Oz. Design teams built out creature costumes, practical props, and set pieces that could accommodate both intimate character moments and large ensemble spectacles. Concurrently, VFX teams blocked out major sequences to ensure in-camera elements and digital extensions would integrate seamlessly. This groundwork reduced on-set guesswork and supported a focused shooting schedule.
Interdependence with Part 1
Because Part 2 relies on narrative and visual continuity with the original, many design and casting choices were locked early. This interdependence influenced when filming could realistically start, as producers needed confidence in the first film’s performance and audience response. It also informed decisions around reserving cast time and accommodating complex musical rehearsals within a condensed timeline.
Production Timeline and Context
From the start of principal photography in June 2023 to the present, the production adhered to a tightly managed calendar. Theatrical release planning, marketing obligations, and global distribution logistics all factored into when key milestones occurred. Additional photography, necessary to refine pacing and visual coherence, extended into early 2024 but remained within industry norms for a film of this scale.
- June 2023: Principal photography begins; major cast and crew on board.
- Summer–Fall 2023: Intensive in-camera shooting at Shepperton Studios; key musical sequences captured.
- Early 2024: Additional photography and final VFX passes.
- Mid-2024: Editing, scoring, and lock picture activities.
- November 2025: Target theatrical release date.
Global Production Considerations
Shooting a major fantasy musical in the UK provided access to experienced crews, soundstages, and coordinated support services. The production leveraged established infrastructure to meet tight deadlines while maintaining quality standards for effects-heavy sequences and large musical numbers. Such planning is typical for high-profile sequels that must align with international release windows and maximize box office potential across regions.
How This Timeline Relates to the Original Film
Because Wicked: Part 2 follows closely on the success of Part 1, its production schedule reflects lessons learned from the first film’s execution. Teams were able to refine workflows, address creative feedback, and scale up effects and stage adaptations more efficiently. This continuity helps ensure narrative cohesion and visual consistency while meeting audience expectations for a polished sequel.
Post-Production and Release Context
With principal photography complete and additional photography finished, post-production has focused on editing, sound design, musical scoring, and final visual effects compositing. These steps are critical for balancing spectacle with emotional storytelling in a film built around musical performance and immersive world-building. The November 2025 release target aligns with premium large-format exhibition and coordinated global marketing, subject to final cut approval and distribution logistics.
Summary
Wicked: Part 2 began filming in June 2023 at Shepperton Studios in the UK after extensive development and pre-production. Principal photography ran through late 2023, with additional photography into early 2024, followed by post-production work leading to a November 2025 theatrical release. This timeline reflects a deliberate, industry-standard approach to producing a high-profile musical fantasy sequel that maintains continuity with the original while scaling up visual and musical ambition.