I Just Found Out How Wicked’s Dorm Room Actually Looked On Set, And It’s Wild

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As a huge fan who’s been following Wicked‘s journey, I can tell you experiencing it has been truly magical! When you’re watching, you’re totally transported to Oz and feel like you’re actually at Shiz University with the characters. It’s so convincing, you completely forget it’s all a set! I was so excited when director Jon M. Chu recently showed us a peek behind the scenes, specifically at the dorm room set, and honestly, I’m just blown away by the incredible detail and work that went into it.

I was so touched by Jon M. Chu’s recent Instagram post! He really highlighted all the incredible work of the hundreds of artists and designers who built the world of Oz. It’s amazing how much effort went into making everything look so real and lived-in, when it was all painstakingly crafted by hand. He shared a picture of one of the dorm sets, and it’s incredible to see just how constructed and small it actually is – it looks so much bigger on screen! You should check out his post, it really gives you an appreciation for the artistry involved.

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It’s incredible how different this looks from the comfortable bedroom viewers saw in the movie! The set is surprisingly small – the ceiling is so low it almost touches the heads of the crew. It’s hard to believe Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo were able to perform such powerful songs from Wicked in such a cramped space.

Jon M. Chu explained that filming Wicked was complicated because the production team was effectively making two movies concurrently. The first Wicked film required detailed and connected sets, rooms, and characters to feel like a unified world. The second film, For Good (releasing in 2025 and nominated for several Golden Globes in 2026), also features elaborate sets. Chu highlighted the dedication and hard work of his crew in building these impressive environments.

Creating the Wicked movies was incredibly complex, despite our goal of making it seem effortless. We filmed two full movies simultaneously, incorporating live vocals, elaborate musical numbers, visual effects, stunning costumes, and challenging stunts – all while focusing on the actors’ emotional performances. It was demanding work, but I’m immensely proud of the entire cast and crew who brought the enchanting world of Oz to life for everyone to enjoy.

Everything worked out seamlessly. Despite the dorm room being a small, self-contained set, it felt surprisingly connected to the larger environment. This deliberate construction, while somewhat artificial, gave the filmmakers precise control over lighting and camera angles. These controlled sets were crucial for bringing Oz to life, allowing the team to focus on details and create a consistent visual style.

I’m continually amazed by the team’s work, especially how the actors maintained genuine emotional performances despite the complex and fast-paced production.

See the impressive sets from Wicked in action by watching Wicked: For Good, which is still showing in theaters across the country. You can also re-watch the original Wicked movie with a Prime Video subscription. And don’t miss the 2026 Golden Globes on CBS, January 11th at 8 p.m. Eastern, to find out if For Good wins any awards.

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2026-01-12 01:08