Wicked Obtains Its Long-Awaited Theme Park Moment in Universal's Fan Fest Nights Event
Yo, check it out! Elphaba and Glinda, from the beloved film, are making an appearance at Universal Fan Fest Nights. This after-hours fandom bash is set to launch the highly-anticipated Wicked meet-and-greet at Universal Studios Hollywood, offering a unique experience for both theme park and movie buffs during the separately-ticked event. This follows their brief stints at Universal Studios Orlando and Universal Studios Singapore, where it seemed they took the scenic route westward.
And get this, folks! This news comes straight from the horse's mouth, as Universal's theme park boss, Mark Woodbury, recently hinted at some "secret plans" in the works for experiences inspired by the Universal Pictures blockbuster musical motion picture starring the unforgettable Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. While details remain scarce, the buzz is palpable, and we can't help but hope that Ari and Cynth might join in the fun one night.
There's a bit of history here, too. Lupita Nyong'o shocked everyone as a surprise appearance during Halloween Horror Nights' Us house, and Ryan Gosling made a splash at The Fall Guy premier. Given Grande's known affection for theme parks, who knows what could happen?
Regardless, it's a joy to witness Wicked making its presence felt at Universal Studios. From the phenomenal direction of Jon M. Chu, the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch have built a world that fans can't wait to immerse themselves in. Meet-and-greets with these iconic characters, along with the excitement of what's to come, will keep us going until the next big announcement.
Now, here's our take: With rumors swirling that the Fast and Furious: Supercharged portion of the Studio Tour will be pulling out of its drive-thru 360 experience, why not transform the Universal Studios tram into a magical train to Oz for "one Fleckin' day" in the Emerald City? Our ultimate goal is to see that rainbow-colored Oz-land pop up at Epic Universe or Islands of Adventure, which is already home to franchises inspired by literary masterpieces. With an endless supply of creativity and ambition, who knows what the future holds!
Universal Fan Fest Nights features an exclusive lineup of Wicked, One Piece, Star Trek, Back to the Future, Dungeons & Dragons, Nintendo, and Harry Potter experiences, kicking off on April 25 and continuing select nights through May 18 at Universal Studios Hollywood. Don't miss out; secure your tickets here.
Keep an eye out for the latest news on Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, alongside updates on the DC Universe on the big and small screen, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
Sources:[1] Universal Studios Press Release[2] Mousetalgia Podcast – Episode 488[3] Orlando Weekly[4] Inside Universal[5] Variety – Wicked's Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo to Return for Sequel
- The future of theme park experiences is exciting, with rumors of transforming the Universal Studios tram into a magical train for a day in Oz, inspired by the 'Wicked' franchise.
- Io9 enthusiasts can celebrate the fusion of technology and storytelling in the upcoming Universal Fan Fest Nights, featuring experiences from 'Wicked' to 'Star Trek.'
- With the announcement of 'Wicked' meet-and-greets and the possibility of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo joining, the upcoming Universal Fan Fest Nights promises to be a night of wicked fun.
- The true magic of 'Wicked' lies in its ability to inspire not just franchises, but also aspirations to expand and innovate in the realm of theme park entertainment, as showcased in the io9's coverage of the Universal Studios' plans.
