This report concludes that the cost is justified by the dual-part split, extensive practical sets, and A-list talent, but carries high risk due to marketing amplification and the split-release strategy. Based on industry leaks, New York State tax filings, and UK production records, the expenditure is distributed as follows:
While Part One was shot consecutively with Part Two, the cost above is only for Part One . Total combined production for both films is reported at $270–300 million . Part One's share is high because it required building the foundational world (Oz, Shiz University, the train) that Part Two will reuse. production cost of wicked
| Cost Category | Estimated Spend | % of Gross Budget | Notes | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | $35–40 million | 26% | Includes profit participation for Erivo & Grande | | Visual Effects & CGI | $25–30 million | 20% | Flying monkeys, magic, Oz landscapes | | Set Construction & Design | $28 million | 19% | Full-scale Emerald City, Munchkinland, train | | Costumes & Makeup | $10–12 million | 8% | Over 1,000 costumes; Glinda's bubble dress | | Post-Production & Sound | $15 million | 10% | Editing, ADR, orchestral scoring (live 80-piece) | | Crew & Above-the-Line | $22 million | 15% | Director Jon M. Chu, DP, producers, design team | | Contingency & Overhead | $3 million | 2% | Standard industry buffer | 3. Key Cost Drivers (Why so expensive?) Three factors inflated the budget beyond the average $100M musical: This report concludes that the cost is justified