Wicked and its namesake musical and book have all taken major influence from 1939's The Wizard of Oz movie and the 1900 book by L. Frank Baum that inspired it. Indeed, many of the Wizard of Oz book and movie characters appear in Wicked, since the movie tells the origin story of the Wicked Witch of the West. While The Wizard of Oz focuses on Dorothy and her quest to defeat the Wicked Witch of the West, Wicked goes back in time, serving as a prequel, to focus on Elphaba and her journey that ultimately leads to her becoming the Wicked Witch of the West.
While the Wicked Witch of the West is present as the primary villain in L. Frank Baum's original book, The Wizard of Oz made some significant changes to her for the movie. In fact, there was one major creative choice about the Wicked Witch's appearance made in The Wizard of Oz movie that had such a large influence on the author of the Wicked book, Gregory Maguire, that it was kept for the novel.
The Wicked Witch Of The West Isn't Green In L. Frank Baum's Novel
She Had A Different Look In The Original Book
In the original 1900 Wizard of Oz novel, the Wicked Witch of the West was not green. Instead, she was more similar to the Snow White evil queen in her hag disguise, though the main features of her personality, including her fear of water, were present in the story. The choice to make the Wicked Witch green was an interesting one, as it wound up carrying over to The Wizard of Oz movie and, later, in Wicked.
The film used toxic green makeup to create the Wicked Witch of the West's iconic look, meaning that for actor, Margaret Hamilton, the production became somewhat dangerous.
One probable reason for the change is The Wizard of Oz's stunning use of technicolor. The Wizard of Oz is famous for being one of the first movies to appear in color, so it makes sense that the film would take full advantage of grabbing the audience's attention with the brightest colors possible. However, the set and filmmaking process for The Wizard of Oz was notoriously troubled, including the creation of the perfect Wicked Witch. The film used toxic green makeup to create the Wicked Witch of the West's iconic look, meaning that for actor, Margaret Hamilton, the production was somewhat dangerous.
Emerald City Always Being Part Of The Story Makes The Wicked Witch Change Even More Fitting
The Wicked Witch Being Green Adds Cohesion to the Colors Of The Movie
Unlike the addition of making the Wicked Witch green, Dorothy's visit to the Emerald City was always a part of the plot. Along with the added visual interest of making the Wicked Witch of the West green in 1939's The Wizard of Oz, the color change also helps tie her to the Emerald City, one of the most important locations in Oz. This change to Margaret Hamilton's appearance may be a coincidence, but it helps provide some extra visual continuity.
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In addition, the Wicked Witch's green skin and the Wizard in the Emerald City both became significant features in Wicked. While much of Wicked's plot occurs at Shiz University, Elphaba (who later becomes the Wicked Witch of the West) dreams of going to the Emerald City to meet the Wizard of Oz. Therefore, not only does the Wicked Witch's green skin tie to the Emerald City in the original The Wizard of Oz movie, it also helps point to an important connection in Wicked as well.
How Wicked Made The Wizard Of Oz's Green Skin A Huge Part Of The Story
Elphaba's Entire Life Was Impacted By Her Green Skin
More so than in The Wizard of Oz, Elphaba/the Wicked Witch's green skin is very important to her experiences and who she is as a person. Wicked also explains the reason for Elphaba's skin color by sharing that her father, who she does not know, told her mother to drink a green elixir while she was pregnant. As a result, from her birth, she was ostracized by those around her, including her family, and made to feel different.
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Elphaba's experience of life as an outsider helps shape her understanding of the world around her. She is more caring and compassionate toward other characters who are different, and she makes plans to make Oz a better place. Elphaba's green skin also helps to hint at the reveal of her true father, which has shocking consequences. As this one change played such a significant role in the plot of Wicked, it is safe to say that The Wizard of Oz's decision to make the Wicked Witch green is one that has made a lasting impact.
Wicked adapts the Broadway musical into a two-part film, following the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, born with green skin, and Glinda, a popular aristocrat, in the Land of Oz. As they navigate their contrasting paths, they evolve into Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
Director Jon M. Chu
Writers Gregory Maguire , Winnie Holzman , Dana Fox , L. Frank Baum
Release Date November 22, 2024
Runtime 160 Minutes
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