Wicked offers a captivating journey in Oz, focusing on the complex friendship between Elphaba, the misunderstood green-skinned witch, and Glinda, a privileged character. As they navigate their identities amid the Wizard’s influence, their paths diverge, leading to their iconic roles as the Good Witch and the Wicked Witch. The story serves as a unique prequel to The Wizard of Oz, presented as a two-part film that retains the beloved musical’s soundtrack, showcasing themes of empowerment and self-discovery.
Overview of Wicked
Wicked takes you on an enchanting adventure through the land of Oz, focusing on the legendary witches that inhabit it. The story centers around Elphaba, a young woman whose green skin leads to her being misunderstood, unaware of the incredible powers she possesses. Accompanying her is Glinda, a popular and privileged character who has yet to discover her true self. Their fateful encounter at Shiz University initiates a remarkable friendship that defies expectations.
As their bond develops, the influence of the Wizard of Oz begins to test their relationship, ultimately causing their paths to diverge. While Glinda pursues popularity and becomes enamored with power, Elphaba strives to stay true to her identity, resulting in unforeseen consequences. Their extraordinary experiences in Oz will eventually shape their destinies, as they become known as the Good Witch and the Wicked Witch of the West, respectively.
Is it a Prequel to The Wizard of Oz?
Indeed, Wicked serves as a prequel, albeit with a unique twist. Drawing inspiration from Gregory Maguire’s 1996 novel, the musical debuted on Broadway in 2003 and has been captivating audiences ever since. It presents a fresh perspective on the events from L. Frank Baum’s original story and its iconic film adaptation featuring Judy Garland.
The narrative begins as a prequel, detailing the initial meeting of Glinda and Elphaba and exploring how Elphaba becomes the Wicked Witch of the West. The latter part of the story unfolds simultaneously with Dorothy’s journey, providing an alternate viewpoint on her adventures.
The film adaptation released on December 4 focuses solely on the first half of the musical’s story, marking it as a true prequel. It stands apart from the 2013 film directed by Sam Raimi, which tells a different origin story that was likely influenced by the success of Wicked.
What Does the Two-Part Film Format Mean?
Wicked will be presented as a two-part film, a detail that was not prominently highlighted in promotional materials. Only those who kept up with the project’s updates were prepared for the ‘Part 1’ label that appears onscreen, along with the ‘To be continued’ message inviting audiences to return in a year, on November 26, 2025.
This decision to split the film into two parts makes sense since the musical itself is divided into two distinct sections. Director Jon M. Chu emphasized the importance of preserving the integrity of the story, stating that condensing it would risk losing credibility. He collaborated closely with the original creators to ensure that every line held significance in the film’s narrative.
‘The cinematic format allows us to create a more coherent experience,’ Chu noted, highlighting the challenges of translating stage transitions to the big screen without compromising the essence of Wicked.
Musical Elements and Soundtrack
Yes, Wicked is indeed a musical! The film adaptation that graced theaters at the end of this year is not merely based on Gregory Maguire’s novel but is also a reinterpretation of the beloved musical that has become a cultural phenomenon. As mentioned by Jon M. Chu, extending the story into two films allowed them to retain the musical elements without sacrificing any vital songs.
The soundtrack features eleven memorable songs from the original show, composed by Stephen Schwartz and written by Winnie Holzman. The cast includes notable stars like Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Peter Dinklage, and Jonathan Bailey, along with the lead roles played by Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba.
Remarkably, the songs have been translated into the French version of the film, which is noteworthy since Wicked has never been performed on stage in France. The soundtrack, currently available for purchase, includes popular tracks such as ‘Popular’ and the iconic ‘Defying Gravity’, both of which significantly contributed to the musical’s worldwide acclaim, boasting over 65 million spectators.
Why is Wicked Considered a Phenomenon?
Wicked’s status as a cultural phenomenon is evident when it becomes a reference point or an inside joke in American television and film, signaling its success beyond Broadway. For instance, the difficulty of securing tickets to see ‘Hamilton’ became a mark of social status, much like how Wicked was frequently referenced in popular shows like Brothers & Sisters and Ugly Betty, where characters identified with Elphaba’s outsider status.
Even the soundtrack has made its mark, with ‘Popular’ appearing in Zombieland and ‘Defying Gravity’ influencing songs like ‘Let It Go’ from Frozen, particularly since Idina Menzel, who voiced Elsa, originally played Elphaba on Broadway.
However, the magic of Wicked extends beyond its music. As Jon M. Chu explains, ‘It’s about the relationship between Glinda and Elphaba.’ Their distinct perspectives resonate with audiences, while the timeless themes of empowerment and self-discovery make it relatable across generations. The combination of catchy pop tunes and heartfelt storytelling ensures that Wicked remains a powerful narrative that captivates the hearts of many.