“Are people born wicked? Or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?” One of the many questions millions of people were asking themselves after Wicked Part 1 got released in theaters in 2024. However, this was not the first time people have asked themselves this question. Lets rewind to June 10, 2003 when a new musical created by Winnie Holzman debuted at a small theater in San Francisco about the backstories of the two most famous witches of all: The Wicked Witch of the West (Elphaba) and Glinda the Good Witch from the iconic Wizard of Oz. A few months after the musical’s initial debut the play took itself to none other than the Gershwin theater in New York City, that’s right. Broadway.
The public absolutely adored this musical, shifting perspective when it comes to someone being ‘wicked’ or ‘evil’ and how past experiences make a big impact. Many people who saw this music had this emotional attachment to the characters, the plot, the music, overall just led a new kind of pathway for Broadway. As years went on “Wicked” continued to cause uproar and was so successful in the musical world.
Nearly 20 years later, director John M. Chu announced to the public that this Broadway musical was being adapted into two split films (Act I, Act II) starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as the two famous witches. There were plenty of mixed emotions when it came to this announcement; overall Wicked fans were ecstatic to see this amazing musical being adapted.
In 2024 Wicked Part I was released. The reaction to this film was something that the movies in the past few years have not experienced in a while. The public flooded movie theaters to get their hands on a tub of popcorn and watch this magnificent adaptation. The initial reaction was nothing but positive, many viewed the musical as emotional and overwhelming. Levi Bergman says, “Wicked Part I didn’t just affect me, it moved me. It moved me off my chair and into a world of stunning artistry that could only be described as…wicked.” Many people agree with Bergman. Wicked Part I received ten nominations across the academy as millions were blown away by the whole project.
Part I ended on an emotional cliffhanger that left few dry-eyes in theaters across the world; this caused an immediate craving for the rest of the story, even for those that were familiar with the broadway production and storyline overall. Everyone wanted to see how John M. Chu was to adapt the rest of the story. Bergman also says, “ I will never doubt John Chu for his genius decision to wait an entire year after its filming to release For Good. The romantic, mental and societal disorientation of Elphaba leaves the audience in such an awe that you are left with no further option to see the second one…”
“Who can say if I’ve changed for the better? Because I knew you, I have changed for good.” A line from Wicked: Part II that had viewers reflecting just like the first film. The second the teaser for Part II came out it gave the world a preview for how the response would come across when the movie was officially released, trailers, merchandise, interviews, promotion, took over adding to the anticipation fans were feeling for the next film. At the box office, Wicked Part II surpassed the first film during its release weekend.
Overall this movie pulls at a lot of different emotions. It has the power to see yourself inside of these characters which causes a deeper emotional pull. Glinda represents someone who feels like they have to put on a perfect facade all the time or they will receive what feels like criticism and if they don’t move on with perfection feels like you are letting everyone down whereas those who have felt different, or out of place and judged for that and don’t want to follow anyone else’s standards resonate with Elphaba. You see the bond between these two characters go through a rollercoaster together and how they have changed each other’s journey.
Yes, everyone is justified in their own opinion but this movie is so much more than just a movie. Before it was ever a movie, it was a story that left an imprint on the world and the movies just made it bigger leaving millions of hearts touched.
