Written by Edan Ray. Graphic by Sofia Ritz.
From its Broadway debut in 2003 to its anticipated leap onto the screen, “Wicked” has captivated audiences with its untold story of Oz’s infamous witches. As fans prepare to see the magical world of Elphaba and Glinda come alive in an entirely new way, the transition from stage to screen promises not only dazzling visuals, but also new layers to a beloved story. But will the movie do justice to the enchantment of the original musical, or will it offer surprises of its own?
“Wicked,” the prequel to “The Wizard of Oz” and based on Gregory Maguire’s “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West” is a beloved story for many. With songs like “Defying Gravity,” “Popular,” and “For Good,” the show has been a favorite since the early 2000s. As discussions about its movie adaptation began in 2016, fans wondered for years when the amazing Broadway hit would appear on the big screen. Now that it’s 2024, we only have a few weeks left until they release the official movie.
I have a lot of expectations for this film when it comes to capturing the evolution of a beautiful friendship, a charming love story and heavenly songs. I grew up with this musical. In fact, I can still remember my father putting the musical on the television and me, still in elementary school, stepping on the ottoman to belt “Defying Gravity” with Idina Menzel. I think it’s safe to say that my child and adult heart are so deeply involved with this musical. I’m nervous about this movie for those reasons.
I predict it will be beautiful, there’s no doubt about it. As the trailers come out one by one, it’s clear that the color, the passion and the beauty is there. They made every set from scratch. They constructed Shiz University in 20 weeks, built Munchkinland on farmland near Ivinghoe and planted every one of the nine million tulips. Many predict that the second movie will not be as successful, since the second act of “Wicked” is not as strong as its first. On the flip side, that could mean they will be including more of Maguire’s novel into the second movie to make it a bit more exciting, which is always something to look at positively.
Speaking of positives, everyone is excited to see how “Wicked” will change in this new medium. While the magic of live theater can never be replicated, moving from stage to screen gives an abundance of opportunities to bring so much to life. Whether through grand visuals or the power of friendship, “Wicked” continues to remind us that even the most misunderstood characters can find their voice and soar. No need to be afraid, one thing is certain: the spell that “Wicked” casts is far from fading.
