“Wicked,” the beloved Broadway hit, is back in the spotlight with a new movie adaptation, starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, Ariana Grande as Glinda, and Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard. Nearly 30 years after the original book was first published and over 20 years after the Broadway premiere, the musical continues to captivate audiences. It all began with L. Frank Baum’s 1900 classic The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, which has inspired a wide range of spin-offs, adaptations, and sequels, including Gregory Maguire’s Wicked novel in 1995.
The story of Wicked takes us back to a time before Dorothy ever stepped foot in Oz. It’s a fresh take on the witches we meet in The Wizard of Oz, exploring how Elphaba (the Wicked Witch) and Glinda (the Good Witch) became the characters we know. This version of Oz is much richer, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of these iconic witches long before Dorothy arrived. The musical is based on Maguire’s book, which imagines a world where these two witches were once friends, even as they evolved into the well-known figures of good and evil.
One thing that may confuse audiences is how many different versions of the Oz story exist. Baum’s original book has been adapted in many ways—most famously in the 1939 Wizard of Oz film, but also in the stage musical The Wiz and, of course, Wicked itself. Each version adds its own unique spin, creating a maze of interpretations. But no matter how they’re told, the central setting remains the same: Wicked takes place decades before Dorothy’s arrival in Oz and explains the origins of the witches.
In the new Wicked movie, expect to see several references to Baum’s original work. From the opening scenes, which nod to the iconic imagery of Dorothy and her friends walking the Yellow Brick Road, to smaller details like Elphaba holding up a pair of ruby slippers, fans of the classic film will find plenty of fun Easter eggs. You’ll also see the poppies that put the characters to sleep, and even some characters like the Cowardly Lion making an appearance in ways that tie back to Baum’s original world.
Whether you’re a fan of the Wizard of Oz books, the classic movie, or Wicked, there’s no denying that these stories have a special place in our hearts. With a new adaptation on the way, the magic of Oz is far from over. And while Wicked might be a unique take, it remains connected to the timeless world that Baum created.
