- By KENNE HOFFMAN
Wicked, based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 best-selling novel of the same name that became a beloved Broadway musical, finally gets its big screen debut. Wicked is the revisionist exploration of L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful World of Oz (1900) which became the legendary film The Wizard of Oz (1939). Maguire shows the traditionally villainous character of the Wicked Witch in a sympathetic light, using her journey to explore the paradigms of good vs. evil. Itfollows Elphaba’s life from her birth through social ostracism, radicalization, and finally death at the hands of Dorothy Gale. Maguire expertly intertwines themes of groupthink, terrorism, propaganda, and life purpose. The monumental task of adapting the 153,353-word novel for the stage was taken on by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman. Wicked the musical premiered on Broadway in 2003, was nominated for 10 Tony Awards, and won three. It is still running today.
“It may well be” that calling someone evil is enough to cause a self-fulfilling prophecy. Wicked is a cautionary tale about what happens when society decides to label anyone who differs from the group as evil. Elphaba, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, has yet to discover her true power. Elphaba and Galinda meet as students at Shiz University and forge an unlikely friendship. An encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz finds them at a crossroads, and their lives take very different paths. Galinda’s unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba’s determination to remain true to herself and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences in her future.
Perhaps the two-part film will delve more deeply into the heart of Wicked. Listening closely to the lyrics, you’ll notice the undertones detailing the villainization of Elphaba (Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award-winner Cynthia Erivo) by Galinda the “Good Witch” (Grammy Award-winner Ariana Grande), and their peers. The star-studded cast also includesJeff Goldblum (Jurassic Park) as the Wizard, Michelle Yeoh (Everything Everywhere All at Once) as The Headmistress of Shiz University, and Jonathan Bailey(Bridgerton) as the dashing Fiyero the Winkie Guard Prince. “I’ve heard it said” that Dorothy Gale may “drop in” for a surprise appearance but producers are tight lipped on that subject.
The enduring message of Wicked is while “no good deed goes unpunished,” we need to look for the beauty and the goodness in everyone. The film opens on November 22, and Part II is scheduled to arrive on November 21, 2025.
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