Warning: this article contains spoilers for the plot of WickedThe upcoming movie adaptation of the popular musical Wicked boasts a star-studded cast, including Peter Dinklage in the role of Dr. Dillamond. Wicked follows its main characters, Elphaba and Galinda, as they undertake classes at Shiz University. As the movie progresses, Elphaba and Galinda struggle to build and maintain a friendship, in part due to their differing values and desires. For Elphaba in particular, much of her goal of meeting the Wizard throughout the film is related to her connection to her professor, Dr. Dillamond, played by Peter Dinklage.
Active since 1995, Dinklage had his breakthrough in the movie The Station Agent in 2003. Since then, Dinklage has starred in numerous movies and television shows, including Avengers: Infinity War, I Care A Lot, and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. However, Peter Dinklage is most known for his portrayal of Tyrion Lannister in Games of Thrones, for which he garnered multiple nominations and awards. Dinklage has also shown his chops in musical theater with his performance in the 2021 adaptation of Cyrano, making him the perfect choice for the role of Dr. Dillamond in Wicked.
Dr. Dillamond Is A Goat & A History Professor At Shiz University
Dr. Dillamond Is The Only Animal Member Of The Faculty
Peter Dinklage's Dr. Dillamond is Elphaba's history professor and something of a mentor for her during her time at Shiz University. Dr. Dillamond is the only animal on the faculty, but he tells Elphaba of a time when there were more animals at Shiz University. The two become close, and Elphaba's opinions about Oz are quickly shaped by what she learns from Dr. Dillamond.
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Every Wizard Of Oz Character Who Appears In Wicked
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While all the other students in the history class are largely uninterested in learning, Elphaba listens closely to what Dr. Dillamond has to say about Shiz University and Oz. Aside from depicting the friendship between Elphaba and Galinda, many of the events in Wicked occur because Dr. Dillamond tells her about a plot against the animals of Oz. Elphaba sees injustice against someone that she cares about, which ultimately prompts her to take action beyond Shiz University.
Dr. Dillamond Tells Elphaba About The Animals Of Oz
The Song "Something Bad" Helps Explain the Animals' Trouble
In one crucial moment, Dr. Dillamond explains to Elphaba that there is a plot in Oz to stop all animals from talking. This is also evident from the discrimination that Dr. Dillamond faces from other students in his class, as can be seen when someone writes "animals should be seen not heard" on his chalkboard.
One of Elphaba's primary motivations in attending Shiz University is to meet the Wizard, and she had hope that he can help solve Dr. Dillamond's and Oz's problems
However, Wicked's song, "Something Bad", helps to reveal that Elphaba has a plan for how to help Dr. Dillamond. In response to hearing Dr. Dillamond's troubles, Elphaba explains that if she meets the Wizard of Oz, she will tell him of the discrimination so that he can fix it. One of Elphaba's primary motivations in attending Shiz University is to meet the Wizard, and she has hope that he can help solve Dr. Dillamond and Oz's problems.
What Happens With Dr. Dillamond & The Animals In Wicked
Elphaba Learns The Wizard is Not Who She Thought He Was
Though Elphaba eventually does meet the Wizard, he's not the good leader or protector of Oz that she thought he would be. Instead, she realizes that the Wizard cannot be trusted to help free the animals, as he is behind the conspiracy against them. In trying to win the Wizard over, Elphaba inadvertently forces his monkeys to grow wings. However, after learning of the wizard's true intentions, she frees the flying monkeys from the Wizard in order to watch over them herself.
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Even so, Peter Dinklage's character's storyline does not have a happy ending. While Elphaba realizes the truth about the Wizard, Dr. Dillamond continues to fight for animal rights in Wicked. Unfortunately, Dr. Dillamond is eventually caught and imprisoned, and he loses his ability to talk as a result. Elphaba learns of his fate, which only strengthens her resolve to do the right thing. However, she must flee in order not to get caught by the Wizard, hoping that Galinda will take over her cause for good.
Dinklage's role in Wicked is essential in helping audiences understand Elphaba's character and her motivations. As a goat and an animal facing discrimination from other inhabitants of Oz, Dr. Dillamond is able to convey the severity of the situation to Elphaba, prompting her to make a decision about who she wants to be in her future. Wicked's Dr. Dillamond also serves as a way for Peter Dinklage to continue to display his acting and singing talents through a unique role.
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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English (US) ·