You’ve just sat through nearly three hours of gravity-defying vocals, neon-green practical sets, and enough emotional turmoil to make a statue cry. The screen fades to black. The first notes of the exit music swell. Now comes that nagging, modern-day cinema anxiety: is there an after credit scene in Wicked?
Nobody wants to be the person who sprints to the parking lot only to miss a 30-second teaser for the sequel. Conversely, sitting through five minutes of digital matte painter credits just to see a logo is a special kind of pain.
So, let's get straight to it. No fluff. Wicked: Part One does not have a post-credits scene. Once the credits start rolling, you are safe to head out. There isn't a stinger, a hidden joke, or a "Thanos-style" reveal of what's coming next. But while the physical footage is missing, there is a very specific reason why staying for at least a portion of the credits might actually be worth your time if you're a fan of the technical craft behind Oz.
Why Jon M. Chu Skipped the Stinger
Director Jon M. Chu is no stranger to big spectacles. From Crazy Rich Asians to In the Heights, he knows how to milk a moment. However, with Wicked, the decision to leave out a post-credits scene feels intentional. This isn’t the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This is a two-part adaptation of a massive Broadway legacy.
The film ends on a monumental emotional peak. If you've seen it, you know. The transition from the final shot to the credits is designed to let that specific "Defying Gravity" adrenaline simmer. Adding a quirky little scene of a munchkin doing something funny or a brief glimpse of a character we haven't met yet would arguably undercut the gravity of Elphaba’s transformation. It’s about the vibe.
Honestly, it's also a bit of a power move. Universal Pictures knows you're coming back for Wicked: Part Two (scheduled for late 2025). They don't need to dangle a carrot in front of you. The entire final thirty minutes of the movie serves as a giant "to be continued."
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The Music is the Real Post-Credit Treat
While your eyes won't see anything new, your ears will. The credits feature lush, orchestral arrangements of Stephen Schwartz’s iconic score. For theater nerds, hearing these themes expanded with a full, massive film orchestra is a different experience than the Broadway pit.
You’ll hear motifs from "The Wizard and I" and "Popular" woven into the exit music. It’s a sonic victory lap. If you aren't in a rush to beat the mall traffic, sitting there for three minutes just to soak in the arrangements is a nice way to decompress.
What About Part Two?
Since you're asking about is there an after credit scene in Wicked, you’re likely already thinking about the sequel. Because the film is split into two distinct halves, the first movie covers roughly the first act of the stage musical.
The "scene" everyone is looking for—the fallout of Elphaba’s escape and the rising political tension in Oz—is essentially the entire second movie. We know that Wicked: Part Two will delve much deeper into the lore of Dorothy’s arrival, which is only hinted at in the periphery of this first installment.
There were rumors during production that maybe we’d see a shadow of a farmhouse or a pair of silver slippers (yes, they are silver in the book and this movie, not ruby) during the credits. Chu and the editors chose to keep the focus on Elphaba and Glinda’s fractured friendship instead. It’s a clean break.
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Common Misconceptions About the Ending
Some fans have reported seeing "extra footage" during the early fan screenings. Let’s clear that up. What people likely saw were "behind-the-scenes" featurettes or interviews with Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo that were played before or after the movie specifically for those special events.
In the standard theatrical release, that stuff is gone.
The "No Post-Credit" Trend in Musicals
It’s worth noting that musical-to-film adaptations rarely use post-credit scenes. Think about it:
- Les Misérables? No.
- Into the Woods? No.
- West Side Story (2021)? No.
Musicals are traditionally structured like stage plays, with a definitive curtain call. A post-credit scene feels a bit too "corporate franchise" for a story that is, at its heart, a tragic operatic romance.
How to Prepare for the Wait Until Part Two
Now that you know you don't have to wait around in the theater, the real challenge begins: the year-long gap between films.
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If you’re feeling the "Wicked" withdrawal, the best thing to do isn't looking for a leaked credit scene. Instead, dive into the source material. Gregory Maguire’s novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, is significantly darker and more political than either the play or the movie. Reading it provides a massive amount of context for the "Animal" rights movement and the Wizard's rise to power that the movie only touches on.
Final Verdict on the Wicked Credits
Stay if you love the music. Leave if you need to use the restroom.
Is there an after credit scene in Wicked? No.
The movie ends with a definitive, soaring punctuation mark. It doesn’t need a comma at the end of the credits. You can walk out the moment the names start scrolling without fearing you’ve missed a secret cameo or a teaser for the Tin Man.
What to do next
- Check the Soundtrack: The film versions of these songs have slightly different arrangements and vocal riffs than the Original Cast Recording. It’s worth a deep listen on your drive home.
- Mark Your Calendar: Wicked: Part Two is set for November 2025.
- Read the Book: If you want spoilers for how it all ends (and how it differs from the musical), Maguire’s book is your go-to.
- Rewatch the Original: If you haven't seen the 1939 Wizard of Oz in a while, watching it now—after seeing Elphaba's origin—changes your entire perspective on the Wicked Witch of the West.
The story is far from over, but for now, the screen stays dark.