As a dedicated musical theatre enthusiast with a penchant for all things Wicked, I must say that this extensive rundown of the film adaptation has left me absolutely spellbound! The intricate attention to detail, the seamless blending of stage and screen, and the breathtaking performances by the incredibly talented cast have truly brought the magical world of Oz to life in a way that has left even the most hardened cynics enchanted.
WARNING: This write-up unveils crucial plot twists, appearances, and the finale of “Wicked,” currently screening in cinemas. Additionally, it reveals minor plot points from the “Wicked” stage production as well.
It’s high time to get excited again! After a 21-year gap, the much-loved Broadway musical “Wicked” is making a comeback. Now, fans can enjoy the story of these two magical characters (at least the initial part) on the big screen in a grand film adaptation by director Jon M. Chu for Universal Pictures.
As a movie enthusiast, I must express my excitement over the upcoming film adaptation of “Wicked,” set to hit screens in November 2025 for Part 2. Starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, this cinematic masterpiece is brimming with delightful references to its rich source material while skillfully introducing some intriguing alterations compared to the stage production. For fans of the original musical, these tweaks are sure to spark lively discussions and deepen your appreciation for the story’s complexities. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable journey into the magical land of Oz!
For those not familiar, the award-winning 2003 Broadway musical featuring Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth was developed from Gregory Maguire’s book “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West.” This book is itself inspired by L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” and its 1939 film adaptation in Technicolor, starring Judy Garland.
Exploring over a century’s worth of Oz-related tales may leave some details from the “Wicked” movie’s Ozmopolitan references slipping by. Fear not, for our resident experts in all things Oz have compiled an explanation of the most significant Easter eggs, cameos, and references to “The Wizard of Oz,” as well as changes made from the acclaimed Broadway musical.
Universal Logo
Instead of the usual Universal Pictures logo, they’ve swapped it out for an old-fashioned globe design that resembles its 1939 version – the very year when “The Wizard of Oz” was first shown to the public.
Dorothy, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion and Scarecrow Cameo
In “No One Mourns the Wicked,” viewers get a sweeping view of Oz beforehand, and there we find Dorothy, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, and the Scarecrow strolling along the Yellow Brick Road. Does the sequel, “Part 2,” plan to connect more directly with the original “Wizard of Oz” tale as portrayed in this musical?
Rainbow Tulips
Gazing down upon the enchanting land of Munchkinland, I marvel at the breathtaking sight of over nine million vibrant tulips that carpet the rolling fields. In a delightful homage to the cherished melody “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” they’ve been arranged in a dazzling rainbow pattern, creating a living testament to the enduring magic of Oz.
“Ding Dong, the Witch is Dead!”
In the meadows full of blooming flowers of Munchkinland, the children joyfully play, reveling in the downfall of the Wicked Witch of the West. A band of them jingle bells and bang pots in their excitement, humming the well-known, victorious melody: “The Witch is Dead, Ding Dong.
Dulcibear
At birth, Elphaba is handed to her compassionate nanny, Dulcibear, a character not present in the stage musical. In the movie, Sharon D. Clarke portrays this caring figure who stands out among those who show respect towards Elphaba as she matures. This relationship emphasizes the film’s message that animals are essential and often misjudged members of our society.
Elphaba’s New Childhood Backstory
In the stage play, Elphaba’s childhood isn’t explored, but in the movie, her backstory is provided. Right from her birth, we witness her powers manifesting, such as levitating objects including a magical green potion. Additionally, the film portrays how she was bullied due to her green skin, which led to emotional outbursts, like throwing rocks at those who harassed her.
Hot Air Balloons
In the tale of The Wizard of Oz, it’s well-known that he travels by hot air balloon, an aspect also highlighted in Elphaba’s children’s book chronicling his beginnings. Throughout the movie, balloons appear frequently – etched on Shiz’s exterior next to the Wizard’s visage, utilized for delivering meeting invitations from the Wizard, featured on souvenir stickers, decorating buildings in the Emerald City, and even suggested as a potential escape method in the climax.
Elphaba’s Name
L. Frank Baum, the author of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” series, was the inspiration for the name Elphaba in Gregory Maguire’s novel “Wicked”. If you say “L.F. Baum” slowly, it sounds like “El-pha-ba”, which is quite similar to Elphaba’s name. In the stage version of the story, her last name, Thropp, is only mentioned once, but in the movie, it comes up more frequently; even the Wizard refers to his non-transferrable invitation as being for “Elphaba Thropp”.
Title Card
At the conclusion of “No One Mourns the Wicked,” the final title adopts a similar, nostalgic script style as seen in “The Wizard of Oz.
“For Good” Orchestrations
In Act 2, the penultimate song titled “For Good” showcases Glinda and Elphaba contemplating their bond. The melody is delicately intertwined throughout the film during significant truthful instances or sincere connections, such as when Glinda nostalgically recounts their past in “No One Mourns the Wicked.” This tune resurfaces during “Dancing Through Life” as Galinda and Elphaba forge a genuine friendship on the dance floor. It also emerges during “Popular,” aboard the train en route to the Emerald City, and during “Defying Gravity.
The Magic Twisted Shoes
Nessarose, Elphaba’s sister who transforms into the Wicked Witch of the East, is given a pair of embellished silver shoes, identical to those Dorothy eventually dons. Costume designer Paul Tazewell creatively incorporated a tornado pattern into the heels as a subtle reference to the initial twister that transported Dorothy from Kansas to Oz.
Nessarose’s Socks
Elphaba’s younger sibling wears striped socks beneath her feet, symbolizing her destiny as the Wicked Witch of the East. (paraphrased)
Dearest Momsie and Popsicle
In the stage musical, Galinda’s parents are merely mentioned but never physically present. In contrast, the movie shows characters from Upper Uplands bidding farewell to Galinda as she starts her journey at Shiz. Interestingly, Alice Fearn, who previously played Elphaba in the West End’s “Wicked,” portrays Galinda’s mother in the film adaptation.
Galinda’s Besties
In the original stage production, Galinda’s friends Shiz counterparts, Pfannee and ShenShen, have minor roles. However, in the movie adaptation, Bowen Yang (portraying a gender-swapped Pfannee) and Bronwyn James often accompany Galinda like clueless puppies, adding humorous commentary that frequently targets Elphaba.
Elphaba’s Not a Student
In the stage production, Elphaba initially attends Shiz as a student. Contrastingly, in the movie, she’s there with her father, supporting her sister Nessarose who is starting at Shiz. Following a magical accident, however, Madame Morrible persuades Elphaba to enroll as a student herself.
Madame Morrible Takes Credit for Elphaba’s Magic
In both instances, Elphaba creates a stir when she uses magic to operate Nessarose’s wheelchair during orientation at Shiz. On the stage, Madame Morrible expresses admiration for Elphaba’s abilities to the crowd and promises to write to the Wizard about her. In the movie, however, Madame Morrible claims the power demonstration as her own (possibly to gain Elphaba’s confidence), instead engaging in a private conversation with Elphaba about magic.
Madame Morrible’s Hair
Madame Morrible possesses a unique magical ability to manipulate the weather, even summoning tornadoes. As a tribute to her storm-wielding prowess, costume designer Frances Hannon designed her hairdos to look like whirling clouds.
The Wizard’s Emblem
Enraged, Elphaba creates chaos in the Shiz courtyard, toppling a painting of the Wizard. As it shatters and collapses, an older symbol of the previous animal leaders of Oz hidden beneath is uncovered. These leaders once held great power and importance, but have since been removed under the Wizard’s reign.
Elphaba’s Powers are Bigger
In the stage musical, Elphaba’s powers are only hinted at, but they are fully displayed in the expansive world of Oz. She employs magic to shatter a window in her and Galinda’s dormitory, experiments with levitation under Madame Morrible’s tutelage, soars through the skies during “The Wizard and I,” hurls stones at children as a young girl, and encounters numerous prophetic visions of the future.
Miss Cottle
In the movie, we meet Miss Cottle, a university administrator at Shiz University. She’s portrayed by Keala Settle, a former member of Broadway and a notable performer from “The Greatest Showman.
“Just a Slight Gulch!”
Miss Cottle calmly says, “Don’t worry – just a small pause!” when startled by Elphaba’s arrival at Shiz. This phrase is a discreet reference to the name of the original Wicked Witch from “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” – Almira Gulch.
Ama Clutch
In a flash, you could overlook it: while college students peruse their dorm room assignments at Shiz, a well-known name emerges – Ama Clutch, who shares a suite with Galinda. This is a tribute to the initial “Wicked” book, where she functions as Galinda’s chaperone at school. She doesn’t appear in the stage production.
“The Wizard and I” Goes Over the Rainbow
As Elphaba sings “The Wizard and I,” she bounds through a meadow, accompanied by a rainbow reminiscent of Judy Garland’s iconic tune “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” This is emphasized by the presence of bluebirds, symbolizing the famous lyric “bluebirds fly.” Just like in the original song, viewers get to witness the rainbow visually and aurally. In the “Unlimited” part of “The Wizard and I,” a hint of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow’s” melody can be discerned beneath Cynthia Erivo’s beautiful vocals.
“What Is This Feeling?” Letter Changes
When Galinda and Elphaba pen letters to express their dissatisfaction about their shared roommate, they casually incorporate some fresh verses from the original soundtrack into their correspondence with their families. Galinda cleverly points out that their parents can’t instantly reply due to it being a letter.
Fight Prep
In “What Is This Feeling?”, there’s a martial arts-like lesson – possibly hinting at the upcoming confrontation in the musical, where Galinda employs her wand like a twirling baton in a fight with Elphaba.
More of Madame Morrible’s Studies
In this adaptation, Madame Morrible and Elphaba spend significantly more private moments together compared to the stage version. During these times, they focus on enhancing Elphaba’s magical abilities in anticipation of impressing the Wizard. Madame Morrible urges Elphaba to master controlling her emotions as a means to achieve greater command over her powers.
Witch Hand Shadow
In my interpretation, I’d say:
Dr. Dillamond’s Animal Colleagues
In the stage production, Dr. Dillamond is the lone animal staff member at Shiz (he humorously refers to himself as “the token goat”), but in the movie, he interacts with fellow animal colleagues to debate about their welfare and the worrying whispers that animals are gradually losing their capacity for speech.
Elphaba’s Visions
Elphaba possesses the ability to foresee events, and she sings about having a vision that seems like a prophecy, “I’ve just had a glimpse, something akin to a prophecy… a commemoration across Oz, all connected to me.” Initially, she interprets it as a positive omen, but later, it turns out to be a premonition of the Munchkins celebrating her demise in “No One Mourns the Wicked.” Additionally, she experiences other prophetic visions, such as one depicting Dr. Dillamond confined within a cage.
Fiyero’s New Introduction
At the moment when Fiyero arrives, instead of encountering him among friends at Shiz, he finds Elphaba in the woods. The phrase “Get stuffed” that Elphaba uses might be a hint to Fiyero’s future events in the subsequent part of the musical for those familiar with it.
Footman Turned Into a Horse
Fiyero, who usually appears on stage unconscious inside a carriage, now replaces his footman and their Parent Trap-style farewell handshake with a noble horse. Interestingly, the equine performer from this musical is the same one that Jonathan Bailey collaborated with in “Bridgerton.
Shiz’s Library
Nat Crowley, a skilled production designer, constructed an intricate library (often referred to as the ‘book haven’ by some), complete with rotating circular bookshelves. The ladders were uniquely designed to operate independently from the wheels, thereby creating the letters “O” and “Z” at distinct locations during the dance routine.
Lyric Changes: “Dancing Through Life”
In the film, when Fieryo seeks a spot to influence his companions negatively, he turns to the Ozdust Ballroom. The script and dialogue vary regarding the location (it’s shifted to another verse) and content, as Galinda clarifies that the Ozdust is not merely a student hangout but rather a scandalous nightclub with a dubious reputation. Furthermore, there are more intricate musical arrangements and additional dance routines added for dramatic effect.
Library Books
While Fieryo rhythmically taps his feet during the dance routine, notice the books beneath him – these aren’t just ordinary props; they’re authentic textbooks from the Shiz course and intricate Ozian spell books meticulously crafted by our creative team.
Character Shadows
In “Dancing Through Life,” I couldn’t help but notice Fieryo subtly hinting at Galinda’s future in the musical as he casually stood off to the side, his body slightly slouched and arms outstretched – a foreshadowing posture that left me intrigued.
Boq’s Future
During “Dancing Through Life,” there are two hints about Boq’s future involving metal, subtly hinted: Galinda covers his heart with a red handkerchief, and Boq mentions he cries frequently. This mirrors the emotional behavior of a character who eventually loses his heart in “The Wizard of Oz.
Transport to the Ozdust Ballroom
In an enlarged version of Oz, beyond the constraints of stage set adjustments, Jonathan Bailey’s character Fiyero guides a band of students to a concealed Ozdust ballroom by boat along the waterways – an event never depicted in the stage play.
The Animals of Ozdust
In the movie, you’ll notice an expansion of animal characters, even reaching the Ozdust ballroom – a venue with a speakeasy atmosphere, where the musicians leading the band are actually animals.
Ruby Slippers in “Popular”
In the scene titled “Popular,” Galinda suggests outfits to Elphaba, and among them is a pair of sparkling red shoes. This is a nod to Dorothy’s famous ruby slippers from “The Wizard of Oz.” Remarkably, these shoes are tapped thrice!
Extra “Popular”
Ariana Grande gives a new twist to “Popular” towards the end, raising the pitch and altering the key on two separate occasions, adding extra “La La, La La” segments just before the final chorus.
Poppies
Dr. Dillamond reveals in an early scene that he’s particularly fond of poppies. “Wizard of Oz” fans will remember the crucial role the flowers play in the film, lulling Dorothy and the gang to sleep as they venture through a poppy field. After Dr. Dillamond is removed from his post at Shiz, a human professor brings a caged lion cub into his classroom, expressing his intent to prevent the animal from ever speaking. Elphaba magically distracts her peers, allowing her to escape with Fiyero and the cub. On stage, the students are forced into a fitful dance, while the film adaptation shows Elphaba floating Dillamond’s poppies around the room, causing her classmates to fall asleep (except Fiyero, who, like the Scarecrow in “The Wizard of Oz,” stays awake).
Bike Riding with the Lion
In their getaway, Elphaba and Fiyero mount bicycles, carrying the recently saved lion cub within a wicker basket. This action echoes Margaret Hamilton’s depiction of the Wicked Witch in “The Wizard of Oz,” who rides her bike with Toto inside a basket as Almira Gulch from Kansas. As they cycle off, the iconic tune associated with the Wicked Witch can be heard in the distance.
“Mustn’t Let You Get Wet”
Madame Morrible protects Elphaba from the rain with an umbrella and then uses magic to clear the skies. Before performing this action, she tells Elphaba, “Let’s make sure you don’t get wet,” hinting at the Wicked Witch of the West’s well-known vulnerability when water is thrown on her.
The Wizard’s Formal Invitation
The Wizard of Oz sends out a distinctive type of invitation – via a hot air balloon. Specifically, Elphaba is called by the Wizard through a small, personalized hot air balloon and also receives an exclusive, non-shareable paper invitation.
There’s No Place Like Nebraska
In L. Frank Baum’s original novels, the character known as the Wizard of Oz, who was named Oscar Diggs, is actually from Omaha, Nebraska. The movie subtly references Omaha in several ways, such as a label on a mini balloon invitation, a cheer of “Oh-ma-ha, Oh-ma-ha” from the Wizomania hologram, and even suitcases marked with the city’s name during the final scene “Defying Gravity.
Elphaba’s Father Sees Her Off — And Meets Boq
In the musical, Elphaba and Nessarose’s father is not present after taking them to school. Contrastingly, in the film, the Governor of Munchkinland reappears later on, seeing off his eldest daughter to the Emerald City, and also encounters his youngest daughter’s new boyfriend, Boq.
“No One Mourns the Wicked” Plays as the Train Boards
At the train station, Elphaba and Glinda find themselves temporarily apart on the platform, while “No One Mourns the Wicked” subtly plays in the background. For a brief moment, they are each standing alone.
New Introduction to “One Short Day”
Stephen Schwartz enriched the movie’s score by creating additional music, such as an elaborate prelude to “One Short Day,” which showcases flutters in the melody line as Elphaba and Glinda draw near the Emerald City while traveling by train.
All Aboard: The Emerald City Express
Besides waterways and balloons, traveling around the magical land of Oz also includes riding on the Emerald City train. This extraordinary vehicle, symbolizing “fantastic technology,” was specifically constructed to be approximately 106 feet in length, weighing around 58 tons, and standing over 16 feet tall.
Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel
In “One Short Day,” the original Glinda and Elphaba, played by Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth respectively, make a brief appearance as storytellers who share the origins of The Wizard. At first, they were reluctant to participate due to concerns about overshadowing Grande and Erivo’s moment, but producer Marc Platt managed to persuade them that their legacy needed to be acknowledged within the film. During the performance, Menzel performs a memorable rendition of “Defying Gravity,” while Chenoweth reenacts some classic Glinda wand gestures.
Verse Changes in “One Short Day”
The Wizomania Choir teams up with the Emerald City Players, headed by Chenoweth and Menzel, for fresh lyrics on “One Short Day.” Stephen Schwartz penned an additional verse for the Emerald City anthem, deepening the mini “Wizomania” play script by providing a more elaborate background for the Wizard. This revised version reveals that people saw him as a savior, foretold to fulfill a prophecy as a “magical sage.” However, it turns out he was simply a man who repeated “Omaha.
Stephen Schwartz
At the end of “One Short Day,” Stephen Schwartz appears, playing the role of an Oz soldier, who ultimately grants access to Elphaba and Glinda into the Wizard’s palace.
Winnie Holzman
In the scene titled “One Short Day,” Winnie Holzman, who penned the musical’s script, is present too, emphasizing the Wizard’s claimed skill in deciphering the Grimmerie.
“Follow the Yellow Brick Road”
In the creation of “Wicked,” Schwartz embedded musical references to the “Wizard of Oz” soundtrack – one such example being the melody of “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” hidden within the composition of “One Short Day.
“Pay No Attention to the Man Behind the Curtain”
In “The Wonderful Land of Oz,” the Wizard playfully instructs others to ignore the fellow operating from behind the screen. This revised scene subtly references this line by portraying the Wizard performing a dance routine while displaying his plans for Oz’s future, all hidden behind a curtain and witnessed only by Elphaba and Glinda.
Elphaba and Glinda Bond with The Wizard
I eagerly endeavor to establish rapport with these enchanting women, so I unveil a miniature model of our city, inviting them to share in its charm. Moreover, I humbly solicit their suggestions on the hue for my freshly minted brick pathway.
Oscar Diggs Poster and Cases
In the uppermost room of the palace, remnants of the Wizard’s life before Oz are found occasionally: a billboard advertising the magician “Oscar Diggs” and a chest relic from his past magical performances.
The “Defying Gravity” Balloon Escape
Instead of using the Wizard’s hot air balloon on stage for an escape, Elphaba and Glinda try to flee the palace via the ceiling. Unfortunately, this method doesn’t work out, so Elphaba then conjures a magical flying broom as an alternative solution.
“Defying Gravity” Homage to Stage Show
Admirers of the musical will recall the memorable scene in “Defying Gravity” where Elphaba flies aloft on her broom, her expansive black cloak billowing across the stage. The movie pays tribute to this scene by elevating Cynthia Erivo in a comparable pose, filling the screen with her dark fabric as she glides majestically above Oz’s guards.
Lyric Change: “Defying Gravity”
During the “Defying Gravity” scene in the story where Elphaba is featured, the words spoken by the Wizard’s guards vary based on the production format. In the stage performance, they call out “Capture her!” whereas in the movie version, they repeat a more aggressive phrase, something like “Slay her!”.
Unlimited!
At the peak of “Defying Gravity,” an additional chorus part is introduced, where Erivo powerfully sings “Unlimited!” Simultaneously, the spectators witness various characters in Oz responding to Madame Morrible’s statement that Elphaba has been labeled as a Wicked Witch.
Elphaba’s Dad Dies on Screen
In the second act of the musical, it’s disclosed that Elphaba and Nessarose’s father passes away due to feelings of embarrassment. Yet, in the last scene of part one, we observe him falling after overhearing the public proclamation of his eldest daughter’s wickedness.
Student Body Reacts
Additionally, we witness the reactions of Elphaba’s classmates at Shiz when she is labeled as Public Enemy Number One. Fiyero quickly departs, while Boq gazes upward in terror and astonishment as turmoil breaks out within the school.
“To Be Continued…”
In “Wicked: Part One,” the story continues immediately following “Defying Gravity,” much like the opening act of the stage musical. The phrase “To Be Continued” is displayed, similar to how it was in “The Wizard of Oz,” but this time it’s shown in vibrant colors, indicating a complete dive into the realm of Oz.
Runtime
The “Wicked” movie runs longer than its stage musical counterpart. To be precise, the Broadway show spans approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes (including a 15-minute break), whereas the initial “Wicked” film lasts for about 2 hours and 40 minutes – leaving ample room for the sequel’s second act. However, we’re certainly not grumbling about having more “Wicked” in our lives!
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2024-11-23 19:21