Where Was the Wicked Movie Filmed? All the Locations Revealed
The first part of the highly anticipated Wicked movie, directed by Jon M. Chu, has finally hit the big screen. Starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, the film brings the beloved Broadway musical to life with stunning visuals and iconic songs like Defying Gravity.
While the performances and costumes shine, the filming locations also played a key role in creating the magical Land of Oz. Surprisingly, much of the film was shot across carefully chosen locations in the UK, blending cutting-edge studios with picturesque landscapes.
So, where was the Wicked movie filmed? Here’s a closer look at the key locations and behind-the-scenes details that shaped this enchanting world.
Key Takeaways
- Sky Studios Elstree Was the Main Filming Hub: Most of Wicked Part One was filmed at Sky Studios Elstree in Hertfordshire, utilising advanced soundstages for key sets like Shiz University and the Emerald City.
- Munchkinland Was Created in Buckinghamshire: The village of Ivinghoe was transformed into Munchkinland, featuring colourful cottages and the iconic yellow brick road, blending real landscapes with intricate set designs.
- Norfolk Tulip Fields Added Stunning Visuals: Over nine million tulips were planted in Norfolk to create vibrant fields, offering breathtaking natural backdrops for key scenes in the film.
Sky Studios Elstree Was the Main Filming Hub
The heart of Wicked’s production was Sky Studios Elstree, located in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire. This state-of-the-art facility, equipped with brand-new stages and cutting-edge technology, provided the ideal setting for a production of this scale.
Director Jon M. Chu and his team utilised 12 enormous soundstages to construct some of the movie’s most impressive sets. Key locations such as Shiz University, the streets of the Emerald City, and the vibrant Munchkinland marketplace were all brought to life here. The controlled environment of the soundstages allowed the filmmakers to fine-tune every detail, from lighting to intricate set designs.
However, even with the extensive space at Sky Studios Elstree, the production required additional facilities to meet the film’s demands. Some scenes were also filmed at:
- Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden: Best known for housing the Harry Potter movies.
- Elstree Studios: Another iconic film studio with a long history of blockbuster productions.
These facilities played a crucial role in enabling the team to bring the grand vision of Wicked Part One to life without constraints.
Interestingly, Wicked was one of the first major productions filmed at Sky Studios Elstree, marking an exciting milestone for the studio.
Munchkinland Was Created in Ivinghoe, Buckinghamshire
To recreate the whimsical and vibrant world of Munchkinland, the production team turned to the quaint village of Ivinghoe in Buckinghamshire. Known for its picturesque countryside, the location became the perfect canvas for one of the movie’s most iconic settings.
The team constructed colourful, thatched-roof cottages, bustling market stalls, and, of course, the legendary yellow brick road. Every detail was meticulously designed to reflect the charm and magic of Munchkinland.
Interestingly, the team even altered parts of the landscape by sinking certain sections of the set into the ground. This clever adjustment ensured seamless visual transitions between the built sets and the surrounding countryside.
Filming in Ivinghoe wasn’t without its challenges, though. The unpredictable British weather caused delays, with heavy rain occasionally disrupting the shoot. Despite these setbacks, the result is a visually rich and captivating Munchkinland that feels alive on screen.
Norfolk’s Tulip Fields Added a Burst of Colour
Some of the film’s most visually striking scenes were filmed in Norfolk, where over nine million tulip bulbs were planted across 6.8 acres of farmland. These vibrant tulip fields became the backdrop for key moments in the movie, adding an almost dreamlike quality to the visuals.
Rather than relying solely on CGI, the production team worked closely with local farmers to ensure the flowers bloomed at the perfect time for filming. The fields were carefully arranged in striking hues of red, pink, and white, creating a spectacular setting that feels both natural and magical.
To enhance the fields on screen, subtle visual effects were added in post-production, giving the impression of endless tulip-filled horizons. The decision to use real flowers rather than digital recreations adds a layer of authenticity rarely seen in modern blockbusters.
Seven Sisters Country Park Became Shiz University’s Waterways
The waterways surrounding Shiz University, where Glinda makes her memorable entrance aboard a pink sailboat, were filmed at Seven Sisters Country Park in East Sussex. Known for its dramatic chalk cliffs and tranquil waters, the location provided a striking visual backdrop.
Director Jon M. Chu wanted to highlight the waterways of Oz, something rarely shown in previous adaptations. The park’s natural beauty added scale and grandeur to the sequence, making Glinda’s arrival feel both fantastical and grounded in reality.
Filming at Seven Sisters Country Park came with logistical challenges, particularly when transporting large film equipment and managing unpredictable tides. Despite these hurdles, the team managed to capture one of the film’s most visually stunning moments.
Production Design Was Key to Creating Oz
While the filming locations played a huge part in setting the stage, Wicked’s production design deserves just as much credit. Production Designer Nathan Crowley, known for his work on Crazy Rich Asians, was at the helm of creating the intricate sets and visual details.
From the gothic-inspired halls of Shiz University to the bustling markets of Munchkinland, every location was carefully crafted to enhance the story. Crowley and his team seamlessly blended practical sets with digital enhancements, creating an immersive experience for audiences.
What sets Wicked Part One apart is the team’s commitment to blending real-world landscapes with studio-built sets. Every location feels cohesive and thoughtfully designed, pulling audiences deeper into the Land of Oz.
Overall
The filming locations for Wicked played a vital role in creating the enchanting world of Oz. From the advanced facilities at Sky Studios Elstree to the charming village of Ivinghoe, the vibrant tulip fields of Norfolk, and the breath-taking beauty of Seven Sisters Country Park, each location added depth and authenticity to the story.
Director Jon M. Chu and Production Designer Nathan Crowley combined technology, creativity, and real-world landscapes to craft a visually stunning cinematic experience. As fans eagerly await Wicked Part Two, it’s exciting to imagine what new corners of Oz will be brought to life next.
FAQs
Where was the Wicked movie filmed?
The majority of Wicked Part One was filmed at Sky Studios Elstree in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, with additional scenes shot at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden and Elstree Studios. These studios provided state-of-the-art facilities to bring the magical world of Oz to life.
Was Munchkinland in Wicked a real filming location?
Yes, Munchkinland was brought to life in Ivinghoe, Buckinghamshire. The production team built detailed, colourful sets, including thatched-roof cottages and the iconic yellow brick road, directly in the village.
Where were the tulip fields in Wicked filmed?
The vibrant tulip fields seen in the film were created in Norfolk, where over nine million tulips were planted across 6.8 acres of farmland. These fields were used to create stunning visuals without relying solely on CGI.
Where were the waterways of Shiz University filmed?
The waterways shown in Shiz University were filmed at Seven Sisters Country Park in East Sussex. The park’s chalk cliffs and tranquil waters provided a dramatic and picturesque setting for key scenes in the movie.
Did Wicked use real outdoor locations or just studios?
Wicked Part One used a mix of studio-built sets at Sky Studios Elstree and Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, alongside real outdoor locations like Ivinghoe, Norfolk tulip fields, and Seven Sisters Country Park.
Why was Sky Studios Elstree chosen for Wicked filming?
Sky Studios Elstree offered brand-new soundstages, advanced technology, and a perfect studio environment for large-scale set construction. It allowed the production team to control every detail of their filming environment.
Can the public visit Wicked filming locations?
Some locations, like Seven Sisters Country Park in East Sussex, are publicly accessible. However, Sky Studios Elstree and Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden are private facilities and not open for public tours.
