Defying Expectations: Holding Space for Wicked
WARNING: Don’t read if you don’t want spoilers (but please read).
When The Wizard of Oz came out in 1939, no one could have predicted that the green-skinned witch who melted into a puddle would one day be the star of her own story. Fast forward to 2024, the cinematic adaptation of the Broadway musical Wicked brought to the screen the back story, personality, and powerful vocals of the Wicked Witch of the West. Directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, Wicked is a prequel to L. Frank Baum’s novel The Wizard of Oz that defies expectations with its dazzling visuals and heart-wrenching story.
Wicked is the story of Elphaba Thropp, an “unusually-and-exceedingly-peculiar-and-altogether-quite-impossible-to-describe” green girl with a flair for magic and a heart full of braverism. Born into a family that never quite understood her, Elphaba finds herself at Shiz University, where she meets the bubbly and blonde Galinda (GUH-linda). Their unlikely friendship blossoms amidst their differing ideals, classes, and a love triangle with the scandalocious Prince Fiyero. The story focuses on their journey from friends to rivals, leading up to Elphaba’s iconic “Defying Gravity” moment as she embraces her destiny. Along the way, we meet the other characters, including the power-hungry Wizard, the linguification professor Madame Morrible, and Galinda's heart-eyed fanboy Boq, all of whom make this tale ever more wonderful.
The heart and soul of Wicked however is its soundtrack. From the moment Ariana Grande belted out “No One Mourns the Wicked,” it was clear that this movie was going to deliver powerful performances. Equally compelling is Erivo’s rendition of “Defying Gravity,” which is truly spellbinding, as she was able to convey what Elphaba was feeling during the climax of the story. Meanwhile, Grande was galindafied as she performed “Popular,” with matching choreography that includes twirls and leaps. The ensemble numbers like “One Short Day” and “Dancing Through Life” are equally show-stopping, blending dazzling visuals with an emotional resonance that leaves the audience enchanted. While some fan favorites like “For Good” don’t appear in the first part of the musical, the songs that did make the cut charmed viewers worldwide.
Since its Broadway debut in 2003, Wicked has bewitched pop culture, inspiring everything from confusifying memes to TikTok trends. The 2024 movie amplified its influence, with fans gathering at theaters wanting to witness the magic unfold on the big screen and steal standees of the main stars outside the theater. Social media became flooded with videos of people attempting to hit the iconic riff in “Defying Gravity” and dancing to the famous choreography of “What Is This Feeling?” or “Dancing Through Life.” Many have also dressed up as characters in the musical, expressing their support through fashion and makeup, while numerous posts pop up about those who are holding space to the lyrics of “Defying Gravity.”
But while the cast of Wicked undoubtedly worked hard, they aren’t the only reason for the success of the movie. From star-studded promotional tours across the globe and talk shows to immersive pop-up experiences in major cities such as London, Sydney, and New York, the film’s creative promotional team left no broomstick unturned. Collaborating with notable brands such as H&M, Stanley, Target, Mattel, and Grande’s makeup line, R.E.M. Beauty maintained the movie’s visibility in the public eye. The promo team’s magic was everywhere, making Wicked not just a hit movie but a cultural phenomenon.
At its core, Wicked is a story about embracing what makes you different. Elphaba’s journey through life is a reminder that being different isn’t a curse but a chance for everyone to fly—to challenge norms and rewrite our own stories. Decades after its Broadway debut, Wicked continues to inspire audiences, dominate pop culture, and serve as a reminder that we don’t have to degreenify ourselves to defy gravity. Fans eagerly await its sequel’s release this November, readying their hearts for more rhythmic tunes and the conclusion to the wicked witch’s story.