“Wicked,” the highly anticipated musical adaptation by Universal Pictures, brings to the big screen the untold story of Elphaba, the misunderstood green-skinned girl who grows up to become the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the bubbly, popular girl who eventually becomes the Good Witch. Directed by Jon M. Chu, known for his visual storytelling in films like In the Heights and Crazy Rich Asians, this movie adaptation stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, with a supporting cast including Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, and Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard.
Spoilers and Plot Insights
The trailer for Wicked delves into both Elphaba and Glinda’s complex friendship and the events leading to Elphaba’s ultimate transformation into the Wicked Witch. Audiences are transported to Shiz University, where the two young women first meet under contentious circumstances. While Glinda initially judges Elphaba for her green skin and awkward demeanor, the two develop an unlikely bond after a series of shared experiences and challenges at the university. Their friendship, however, is continuously tested by societal pressures, political conflicts in Oz, and their growing rivalry over Fiyero, a charismatic prince.
One of the film’s central conflicts, hinted at in Trailer 2, is Elphaba’s increasing awareness of the Wizard’s tyrannical rule over Oz. She becomes aware of the Wizard’s oppressive treatment of Animals (creatures in Oz with the power of speech and consciousness), which becomes a catalyst for her rebellion. Elphaba’s deep empathy and sense of justice eventually lead her to oppose the Wizard, even though she knows it will put her at odds with powerful forces. This decision drives a wedge between her and Glinda, who finds herself torn between loyalty to her friend and her desire to maintain her privileged position in society.
Trailer 2 also gives a glimpse into Elphaba’s first encounter with the Wizard, played by Jeff Goldblum. Their meeting initially fills Elphaba with hope for change; however, she soon realizes that the Wizard is not the benevolent figure he pretends to be. This devastating revelation sets Elphaba on a path that ultimately brands her as “wicked” in the eyes of the citizens of Oz.
The trailer builds up to Elphaba’s iconic “Defying Gravity” moment, where she fully embraces her newfound powers and determination to fight against the Wizard’s injustices. This scene promises to be visually and emotionally breathtaking, as Elphaba rises, quite literally, as the enemy of Oz, defying not only gravity but also the societal expectations that have confined her.
Another significant plotline shown in Trailer 2 is Glinda’s moral struggle and her gradual disillusionment with the glamor and praise she once sought. Despite her desire to help her friend, Glinda’s ambitions and desire for public approval cause her to make choices that drive the two friends further apart.
With intricate character arcs, stunning visuals, and powerful performances, Wicked offers a richly layered narrative that explores themes of prejudice, friendship, and personal integrity. Fans can expect an emotionally resonant journey that both celebrates and challenges the traditional story of The Wizard of Oz, presenting a fresh perspective on what it truly means to be “wicked.”
