Breaking Down The Movie ‘Wicked’
Plot Synopsis written by Michael Lee
*All Media used in this article is courtesy of Universal Pictures
Photo via Universal Pictures
‘Wicked’, the untold story of the witches of Oz, opened on November 26, 2024, with a global opening weekend box office debut of $165 Million. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the film stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, portraying the origins of their iconic roles in the Land of Oz. The narrative explores their evolving friendship and the events that lead them to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good, respectively. This article examines the film with a plot synopsis, interviews with the cast and crew, behind-the-scenes insights, and an overview of its coverage in the media.
Official Trailer: ‘Wicked’ (2024)
Cast & Crew Interviews: ‘Wicked’
Plot Synopsis
Photo via Universal Pictures
The film begins as the various citizens of the Land of Oz are celebrating the death of the Wicked Witch of the West at the hands of Dorothy Gale and her associates: Scarecrow, Tin-Woodsman, and Cowardly Lion. In Munchkinland, Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, appears to the munchkin citizens to inform them of the life and times of the Wicked Witch of the West. She shares that the witch’s mother, Melena Thropp, had an affair with a traveling salesman, while her father Frexspar Thropp, governor of Munchkinland, was away. Melena gave birth to a daughter with green skin, whom her father rejected since her birth, and she grew up having a tumultuous and troubled childhood because of it. (“No One Mourns The Wicked”.) When a munchkin inquires if Glinda and the witch, Elphaba, were friends, Glinda begins to tell the story of how the two met.
Building The World of Wicked | Video Courtesy of Universal Pictures
Many years earlier, Elphaba Thropp arrived at Shiz University along with Nessarose, her younger sister, who is paraplegic and uses a wheelchair (“Dear Old Shiz”) . The headmistress of Shiz University, Madame Morrible, assigns shy and reserved Elphaba to share a dormitory with popular and energetic Galinda Upland. Elphaba is overcome with worry at the thought of being separated from Nessarose, as it was her father’s wish for Elpbaba to care for her, so she utilizes magic to pull Nessarose and her wheelchair away from Madame Morrible as she attempts to take Nessarose away. This surprises Morrible, who vows to tutor her in sorcery, realizing her political potential in the grand scheme of Oz. Morrrible informs Elphaba that with her powers, she has a chance to work with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, an idea Elphaba has coveted and dreamed out since birth (“The Wizard and I”).
A Week of Cynthia | Video via Universal Pictures
Now roommates, Elphaba and Galinda begin to show pure loathing and disdain for one another, (“What Is This Feeling”). We are then introduced to Dr. Dillamond, a Goat and professor of Ozian History, and one of the only few animal professors allowed to even teach at Shiz. Dillamond is the subject of discrimination and hatred, from across the Land of Oz, as they are considered and treated as third-class citizens. Dillamond and Elphaba grow close to one another, and Dillamond informs Elphaba of a conspiracy that will result in taking away all animals in Oz’s ability to speak. Elphaba informs Dillamond that if she ever does get to meet the Wizard of Oz, she will work together with the Wizard to ensure that doesn’t happen. (“Something Bad”.)
A Week of Ari | Video Courtesy of Universal Pictures
Later, Prince Fiyero Tigelaar, an attractive Prince from the Vinkus, begins attending Shiz University. Galinda becomes smitten with Fiyero, specifically with his ravishing good looks and his pale philosophies of life. Fiyero then arranges a party for his fellow Shiz University students at the Ozdust Ballroom. We then meet Boq Woodsman, a Munchkin who has a crush on Galinda. After asking Galinda to the ball, Galinda manages to convince Boq to attend with Nessarose out of pity, which then allows Galinda free to go with Fiyero.
‘Wicked’: A Passion Project | Video Courtesy of Universal Pictures
Nessarose becomes fastly enamored with Boq, and informs Elphaba to thank Galinda for all of her help in setting her ‘up’ with Boq. At the Ozdust Ballroom, Madame Morrible informs Galinda that Elphaba had asked to admit Galinda into Morrible’s sorcery class. Elpbaha then arrives at the party, now wearing a witch’s hat which Galinda gave her as a practical joke, and the other students laugh at her. Suddenly, Galinda has a change of heart and decides to dance instead with Elphaba, and soon, the entirety of the ballroom joins them, which allows the two to bond as friends. (“Dancing Through Life”).
A Wicked Bond | Video Courtesy of Universal Pictures
Back in their dormitory, Galinda decides to give Elphaba a makeover. (“Popular”.) The very next day, Dr. Diamond tells his history class that he is being forced to leave Shiz, as a new law was passed that forbids any animals in Oz to be teachers. Elphaba is the only student that objects to this. Then, another professor introduces the students to ‘the Cage’, which is designed to prevent an animal from speaking. There is a small lion cub placed within the cage and Elphaba, unable to contain her anger, escapes along with Fiyero and the Lion cub. The two share a private moment together, but he quickly leaves. Elphaba then begins to realize that Fiyero could never love her as much as he loves Galinda. (“I’m Not That Girl”).
Celebrating ‘Wicked’ | Video Courtesy of Universal Pictures
The next day, a messenger visits Shiz to inform Elphaba that the Wizard of Oz invites her to meet him at the Emerald City (“The Wizard and I-Reprise”). At the train station, Boq, Nessarose, Galinda, and Fiyero say goodbye to Elphaba at the train station as she begins her journey to Emerald City. In an attempt to impress Fiyero, Galinda announces that she will be changing her name to reflect Dr. Dillamod’s pronunciation of her name, which is Glinda, in solidarity with Dillamond and his struggle. Fiyero doesn’t notice, as he is more concerned with saying goodbye to Elphaba. Elphaba invites the newly named Glinda to come with her to the Emerald City. (“One Short Day”).
Impact of Singing Live | Video Courtesy of Universal Pictures
After arriving in the Emerald City, Elphaba and Glinda finally meet the Wizard of Oz, who is not as initially intimidating as they expected him to be. (“A Sentimental Man”). The Wizard promises to grant Elphaba’s request but only if she proves herself. He then re-introduces Madame Morrible as his new press secretary. Morrible gives Elphaba the Grimmerie, a book of spells that only the magically inclined can read. The Wizard and Morrible then ask Elphaba to perform a levitation spell on the Wizard’s servant, the monkey Chistery. Elphaba attempts to do so, but her magic only allows Chisterry to sprout wings, which hurts Chistery in the process. It is then that Elphhaba discovers that the Wizard of Oz is the one behind the Animal suppression movement and that he is not at all a wizard with no magical ability, proving himself to be a fraud with glorified parlor tricks.
The Magic of Wicked | Video Courtesy of Universal Pictures
Elphaba and Glinda quickly flee, but the Wizard and Morrible send the Winkie guards and the army of now flying monkeys after them, though they are able to evade them by escaping to the attic.. Morrible then launches a propaganda smear campaign against Elpbaha, brandishing her as Wicked Witch who cannot be trusted. Glinda advises Elphaba to go back to the Wizard and apologize, but Elphaba refuses, vowing to do what is right. Elphaba wants Glinda to come with her, but Glinda declines to do so, though she secretly supports Elphaba. Elphaba again recites the levitation spell on a broomstick and flies away, leaving a power outage throughout all of the Land of Oz. (“Defying Gravity”)
Cast Breakdown
Cynthia Erivo as “Elphaba”
Photo via IMDB
Ariana Grande as “Galinda”
Photo via IMDB
Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images
Photo via IMDB
Jonathan Bailey as “Fiyero”
Photo via IMDB
Ethan Slater as “Boq”
Photo via IMDB
Marissa Bode as “Nessarose”
Photo via IMDB
Bowen Yang as “Pfannee”
Photo by Alex Schaefer
Bronwyn James as “Shenshen”
Photo via IMDB
Keala Settle as “Miss. Coddle”
Photo by Walter McBride
‘Wicked’ In The Media
Now, here’s a breakdown of how "Wicked" was covered among major media outlets.
CNN - Jon M. Chu believes ‘the time is right’ for ‘Wicked’
Screen Rant - Is Wicked 2024's Barbie? How The Musical's Box Office Compares To The $1.4 Billion Hit
New York Post - Parents horrified by original ‘Wicked’ book — warning it’s not for kids: ‘They would be traumatized’
Screen Rant - 20 Biggest Changes The Wicked Movie Makes To Gregory Maguire's Book
Deadline - Hardcore ‘Wicked’: Porn Link Fiasco Conjures A Class Action Against Mattel
News Channel 5 Nashville - We chat with actor Ethan Slater from "Wicked" about the blockbuster movie!
The New York Times: The ‘Wicked’ Practice of Taking Pictures of the Movie Screen
DC Theatre Arts - Why ‘Wicked’ the movie is better than the Broadway musical
The New York Times - ‘Wicked’ Review: We’re Off to See the Witches
TMZ - Planned ParenthoodUSING 'WICKED' TO TALK ABOUT STIs
Conclusion
If you’ve had a chance to see Wicked, we’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. For more information about the movie, visit its official website at www.wickedmovie.com. For updates on the latest film releases, be sure to check out our movie blog!
