The cinematic adaptation of the beloved musical Wicked has brought the fantastical Land of Oz to life in breathtaking detail. For director Jon M. Chu and production designer Nathan Crowley, realizing this vision meant embarking on a monumental production journey across the United Kingdom, utilizing vast studio spaces and picturesque outdoor locales to capture the magic of Wicked.
To fully immerse audiences in the world of Elphaba and Glinda, the production team behind Wicked leveraged an impressive 17 soundstages spread across Sky Studios Elstree, Elstree Studios, and Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden. Adding to this, four expansive backlot sets were constructed, with two of these sets reaching the size of four American football fields each. This immense scale allowed for extensive 360-degree filming, minimizing the need for blue screens and providing cinematographer Alice Brooks with unparalleled freedom to illuminate tangible environments. This commitment to practical sets ensured the film’s visual authenticity and grand scale, truly transporting viewers to Oz.
Exploring the Filming Hubs of Wicked
As reported by Time Out, the primary filming location for Wicked was Sky Studios Elstree, situated just outside of London. To accommodate the sheer magnitude of the production, additional soundstages were secured at the nearby Elstree Studios and Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, the iconic home of the Harry Potter film series.
These studio locations served as the canvas for the film’s intricate interior sets. From the revolving library at Shiz University to the opulent inner sanctum of the Wizard within the Emerald City, these soundstages were transformed into the iconic locations from the Wicked universe. The controlled studio environment allowed the filmmakers to meticulously craft the fantastical interiors that are central to the story.
Munchkinland and Beyond: Venturing into Outdoor Locations
While studios provided the foundation for interior scenes, Wicked also ventured into the British countryside to bring exterior locations to life. The charming village of Munchkinland, which sets the stage for the film’s opening number, “No One Mourns the Wicked,” was a practical set built in the idyllic town of Ivinghoe.
The breathtaking field of 9 million multicolored tulips leading to Munchkinland was cultivated in Norfolk. This ambitious floral undertaking was meticulously planned by local flower farmer Mark Eves and location manager Adam Richards. Production designer Nathan Crowley drew upon his experience from Interstellar, where he managed vast cornfields, to ensure the successful creation of this stunning visual element.
To capture the Venice-like waterways of Oz, particularly those leading to Shiz University, the production journeyed to Seven Sisters Country Park in East Sussex. This coastal park’s striking white cliffs and meandering river provided the perfect backdrop for the aquatic aspects of Oz.
Director Jon M. Chu emphasized the importance of water in L. Frank Baum’s Oz and how these waterways would be visually realized in the film. The footage captured at Seven Sisters was seamlessly integrated with the arrival dock and courtyard sets constructed on the studio backlots, creating a cohesive and believable depiction of Shiz University’s entrance.
Nathan Crowley reflected on the immense scale and complexity of the Wicked sets, recognizing the extraordinary efforts of the art, locations, and construction teams. The filming locations for Wicked, spanning from sprawling studio soundstages to the natural beauty of the English countryside, underscore the dedication to creating an immersive and unforgettable cinematic experience for audiences worldwide.
Wicked Part One is currently showing in theaters. Wicked Part Two is scheduled for release on November 21, 2025. For streaming information, Wicked is expected to be available on Peacock later this year.
