I’m Being Driven Insane by Wicked: For Good’s Sex Cardigan

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Spoilers ahead for Wicked, the 22-year-old Broadway show, and Wicked: For Good.

Paul Tazewell rightfully won an Oscar last year for the costumes in Wicked, and he’s a strong contender to win again this year for the sequel, Wicked: For Good. He’ll likely win thanks to the incredibly detailed outfits – from the Munchkins’ costumes to Glinda’s many beautiful pink gowns, and the striking, yet slightly unsettling, silver suit of the Tin Man. Technically, the win would also include Elphaba’s famously bulky, somewhat scratchy, grey cardigan, which she wears during intimate moments – something both Tazewell and I will have to accept if it happens.

There’s a strange moment in the movie’s most anticipated love scene between Elphaba and Fiyero, set to the song “As Long As You’re Mine.” After a significant build-up, Fiyero has chosen Elphaba over Glinda, and they’ve escaped to Elphaba’s hidden tree hollow. As the romantic music starts and Elphaba begins to undress, she unexpectedly puts on a large, bulky sweater. It’s particularly odd considering the passionate setting – this is the moment they’ve been leading up to, and she chooses to add more clothing.

The sweater is a major problem. Its drab, grayish-brown color makes the whole scene look washed out, and it appears worn and full of holes – almost like it’s been through the woods. It’s the only item in Elphaba’s otherwise stylish wardrobe that looks messy. It’s also excessively long, reaching her calves, and strangely seems to grow during a levitation scene. Unlike everything else, it doesn’t fit well and looks bulky. It’s confusing why such a shapeless garment is presented so prominently.

Director Jon M. Chu deliberately toned down the sensuality of the song “As Long As You’re Mine” for the movie Wicked compared to the stage version. In the Broadway show, the characters start the song while kissing, but in the film, they don’t kiss until the very end. This was a misstep, as Elphaba’s opening lyrics – “Kiss me too fiercely, hold me too tight” – feel awkward coming from someone who hasn’t yet experienced a kiss or embrace. The actors lack strong romantic chemistry, and this is made worse by the limited physical contact between them. The sweater they share visually represents how disconnected they are.

What’s even more frustrating is that the song is meant to be a moment of realization for Elphaba – she’s supposed to understand she’s beautiful! She shouldn’t be ashamed of her green skin, especially since Fiyero is still very attracted to her. However, in the movie, instead of embracing herself, she just covers up even more. She practically builds a wall between herself and Fiyero, hiding her arms. It looks like a ridiculous costume, almost like something from the “Fashion Coward” sketch on Saturday Night Live. And Elphaba’s character simply can’t be portrayed as someone who lacks courage.

Following the song “As Long As You’re Mine,” the film shows the couple in bed together the next morning, strongly implying they’ve been intimate. Notably, while he’s shirtless, she’s still fully dressed, including the cardigan she was wearing earlier. It seems she never removed it, even during sex. Hopefully, by the time Wicked: For Good is available on Peacock, this odd detail will be magically resolved!

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2025-11-21 02:56