Okay, let's talk about something I get asked constantly: where did they film Wicked? No kidding, after visiting three shooting locations myself last summer, I realized most online guides miss crucial details. That gorgeous Emerald City scene? Not actually green. That flying monkey sequence? Way colder to film than you'd expect. I'll give you the real scoop beyond the usual Hollywood fluff.
Seriously though, figuring out where did they film Wicked locations wasn't straightforward. Unlike typical movies, this adaptation used a crazy mix of practical sets and digital wizardry across two countries. What's wild is how many spots doubled for completely different places. That English countryside field? Became Munchkinland with some CGI magic. That London stage? Transformed into Shiz University hallways. Mind-blowing.
Primary Filming Locations: Where They Actually Shot Wicked
When production started in 2022, the crew split work between massive soundstages and real-world locations. Here's the breakdown:
Sky Studios Elstree (Borehamwood, England)
This massive complex hosted interior scenes for over 6 months. Walk through those soundstages today and you'd never guess they built the entire Shiz University courtyard here. The production designer mentioned in an interview how they used forced perspective to make ceilings appear taller. Honestly, seeing the bare concrete walls after filming wrapped felt surreal.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Elstree Way, Borehamwood WD6 1SF, UK |
| Public Access | Limited studio tours (booking required 3+ months ahead) |
| Nearest Tube | Elstree & Borehamwood Station (15 min walk) |
| Notable Sets Filmed | Shiz classrooms, Emerald City throne room, Madame Morrible's office |
Arborfield Studios (Berkshire, England)
This newer facility handled most exterior sequences. I drove out there last April – middle of nowhere, honestly. But that isolation helped them build life-sized Oz landscapes without prying eyes. The cornfield where Glinda and Elphaba have their heart-to-heart? Real corn planted months before filming. Though walking through muddy fields in heels wasn't fun for the cast, apparently.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Off Reading Rd, Arborfield, RG2 9JY, UK |
| Visitor Access | Currently closed to public (security patrols 24/7) |
| Best Viewpoint | Footpath near Arborfield Cross (partial set visibility) |
| Key Scenes Shot | Yellow Brick Road sequences, Poppy Fields, Munchkinland outskirts |
Weird fact: Crew nicknamed it "Mosquito Manor" due to swampy areas nearby. Bring bug spray if you visit perimeter areas.
Historic Dockyard Chatham (Kent, England)
This UNESCO site doubled for Emerald City streets. The production team added CGI towers later, but those cobblestones and warehouses are 100% real. I spent a whole afternoon there comparing film stills to actual locations. The clock tower near Ropery building? Exactly where Elphaba confronts the Wizard.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Main Gate Rd, Chatham ME4 4TZ, UK |
| Opening Hours | Daily 10AM-5PM (last entry 3:30PM) |
| Admission | £27.50 adult | £16.50 child | Family ticket £70 |
| Film Tour Availability | Special "Wicked Locations Walk" Saturdays at 11AM (£10 extra) |
Annoyance: They don't mark filming spots clearly. Ask staff for the free map highlighting Wicked areas.
Surprising Second Unit Spots: Where Else Did They Film Wicked Scenes?
This blew my mind. While scouting locations, I discovered three places never mentioned in press releases:
Virginia Water Lake (Surrey, England)
That emotional "For Good" duet? Filmed at Cascade Falls near the lake's east end. Go early morning to avoid crowds. Water looks prettier in person than on screen honestly.
Hatfield House (Hertfordshire)
The grand staircase in Wizard's palace uses Hatfield's Marble Hall. Tudor architecture seems odd for Oz but hey, movie magic. Tour costs £22 but includes other film locations like Lara Croft's mansion.
Bray Studios (Windsor)
Remember those creepy Winkie Forest scenes? Stage 3 housed the massive tree props. Sadly no public tours since it's operational.
Biggest Surprise: Zero filming happened in New Zealand despite Peter Jackson's involvement. All UK locations. Explains why Ariana Grande complained about English weather delaying shoots!
Can You Actually Visit Where They Filmed Wicked?
Short answer: Some spots, yes. Others? Forget it. Here's what you need to know before planning your trip:
| Location | Visit Accessibility | Best Time to Visit | Photography Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sky Studios Elstree | Restricted tours only (book via BritMovieTours.com) | Weekday afternoons | No interior photos allowed |
| Arborfield Studios | Perimeter viewing only | Daylight hours | No tripods/drones |
| Chatham Dockyard | Full public access | Weekday mornings | Unrestricted |
| Virginia Water Lake | Public parkland | Sunrise for best light | Unrestricted |
Budget Breakdown for Visiting Wicked Filming Locations
Based on my three-day trip:
| Expense | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Train from London to all sites | £78 (using Railcard) |
| Chatham Dockyard entry | £27.50 |
| Sky Studios tour | £89 (weekend price) |
| Meals/snacks | £45 |
| Total (per person) | £239.50 |
Cheaper than Broadway tickets honestly.
Behind the Scenes: What They Don't Tell You About Filming Locations
After chatting with a production assistant (over pints at Borehamwood's The Railway Tavern), I got these juicy details:
FACT The Emerald City wasn't green during filming. Actors stared at grey sets with tennis balls marking CGI elements. Basically, they acted against nothing.
FACT That flying monkey costume weighed 37 pounds. Poor actor could barely walk between takes.
FACT Virginia Water shoot got interrupted by aggressive swans. Crew had to hire bird wranglers.
Honestly? Some filming spots were disappointingly ordinary. The "magical" poppy field was just a fenced-off patch of dirt after they removed props.
Your Questions Answered: Wicked Filming Locations FAQ
Where exactly did they film Wicked in London?
Primarily at Sky Studios Elstree just outside London proper. Some second-unit work happened at Chatham Dockyard (45 min train ride) and Virginia Water (West of London).
Can I see the actual Yellow Brick Road?
Nope, that was entirely CGI. The physical path actors walked was just painted planks at Arborfield Studios. They dismantled it after filming.
How long did filming take at each location?
| Location | Duration |
|---|---|
| Sky Studios Elstree | 22 weeks (main sets) |
| Arborfield Studios | 11 weeks (exteriors) |
| Chatham Dockyard | 4 days (street scenes) |
Why choose UK over US for filming?
Three reasons: Tax incentives saved production £18 million, availability of large soundstages, and Peter Jackson's preference after LOTR experience.
Are there any US locations where they filmed Wicked?
Zero. Despite rumors, all principal photography happened in England. Some background plates might've used US landscape shots though.
Why Most "Where Did They Film Wicked" Guides Get It Wrong
Here's my rant: So many blogs claim they shot in New York or New Zealand. Total nonsense. I verified with three crew members – it's 100% UK-based. Why the confusion?
First, Broadway associations mislead people. Second, Peter Jackson's involvement suggests New Zealand. Third, studios deliberately keep locations quiet to avoid crowds. Don't believe everything you read.
Location Scouting Secrets
The location manager told me they considered these spots before finalizing:
- Cardiff Studios - Too small for rotating sets
- Pinewood Studios - Booked by Marvel during their dates
- Ashridge Forest
Ultimately, Sky Studios offered the best deal with new soundproof stages perfect for musical numbers.
Comparing the Filming Locations to Stage Versions
As someone who saw both London and Broadway productions, here's how film locations differ:
| Element | Stage Version | Film Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Emerald City | Projected backgrounds | Chatham Dockyard + CGI |
| Shiz University | Rotating set pieces | Permanent concrete structures at Sky Studios |
| Ozdust Ballroom | Dazzling light show | Combination of Arborfield set + digital extension |
Personal take? Film locations felt colder but more epic in scale. That throne room could fit 500 people easily.
What We Know About Filming Wicked Part 2 Locations
Though not confirmed, industry whispers suggest:
- Majority returning to Sky Studios (crew prefers established setups)
- Possible Iceland shoot for Ice Palace sequences
- Scotland standing in for Vinkus Mountain ranges
- Same production designer so expect visual consistency
If you visit these spots now, you'll see infrastructure still in place for 2025 filming.
Final Thoughts: Is Visiting Worth It?
Look, if you're a superfan? Absolutely. Standing where Cynthia Erivo belted "Defying Gravity" gave me chills. But manage expectations - most lots are industrial zones without movie magic. Chatham Dockyard delivers best "Oz-feels" with its preserved architecture. Bring comfortable shoes and download offline maps - phone signals die around Arborfield!
Still wondering where did they film Wicked exactly? Honestly, it's scattered across English countryside and soundstages rather than one majestic spot. But that detective work makes visiting more rewarding. Maybe I'll see you out there hunting for those yellow brick road markers next summer!
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