Disney Plus celebrates Wicked movie’s release
Disney’s decision to highlight Oz The Great and Powerful on Disney+ in celebration of Universal’s Wicked release is an intriguing move, especially given the shared narrative roots in The Wizard of Oz. This cross-franchise synergy underscores the enduring appeal of Oz-related stories and demonstrates how studios capitalize on the cultural moment created by one another’s releases.
Why Highlight Oz The Great and Powerful?
- Shared Legacy: Both Oz The Great and Powerful and Wicked delve into the backstories of The Wizard of Oz characters. While Wicked explores the complex dynamics of Elphaba (the future Wicked Witch of the West) and Glinda (the Good Witch), Oz The Great and Powerful focuses on the origins of the Wizard himself.
- Increased Viewer Engagement: By featuring a similar story, Disney+ can ride the wave of Wicked’s box office buzz, driving more traffic to its platform and renewing interest in its Oz-related content.
- Smart Marketing: This move subtly keeps Disney+ relevant in a moment dominated by Universal’s theatrical release without directly competing. It also reminds audiences that Disney has its own unique take on the Oz universe.
Wicked’s Box Office and Streaming Prospects
Wicked has already proven to be a box office hit, with its impressive opening numbers positioning it as one of 2024’s top films. The movie’s eventual transition to streaming on Peacock will likely follow Universal’s typical release pattern of approximately 120 days, putting its streaming debut around March 2025.
What Fans Can Expect
- On Peacock: Once Wicked streams, audiences will have time to revisit and analyze the story as they await Wicked Part 2 in November 2025.
- On Disney+: The presence of Oz The Great and Powerful ensures that fans looking for more Oz-related tales have an immediate option available while Wicked remains exclusive to theaters.
Both films highlight how Oz’s timeless world continues to inspire creativity across different mediums and studios. Have you watched Oz The Great and Powerful, or are you planning to see Wicked? Both offer rich, contrasting visions of the magical land of Oz!
