As the curtain rises on 2024, the entertainment landscape is abuzz with anticipation for the high-budget musical film, Wicked: Part One. Slated for a Thanksgiving release, this cinematic gem serves as a prelude to the timeless tale of The Wizard of Oz.
Through the lens of the upcoming two-part saga, audiences are invited to traverse the diverging destinies of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the Good Witch. The narrative promises a spellbinding exploration of their journey from friends to foes amidst the backdrop of Oz’s enchanting yet tumultuous realm.
The Enigma of Dorothy’s Appearance in Wicked
The release of Wicked’s first trailer during the Super Bowl was met with a wave of exhilaration from the franchise’s loyal followers. However, the excitement soon gave way to puzzlement as eagle-eyed fans detected a significant deviation from the musical’s storyline.
The trailer offers a fleeting glimpse of Dorothy, alongside her iconic companions—the Tin Man, Scarecrow, and Cowardly Lion—on their quest to meet the great Wizard of Oz. This inclusion sparked a whirlwind of speculation and debate among the Wicked fandom.
The Dorothy Dilemma: A Twist in the Tale
The presence of Dorothy in the trailer has left fans scratching their heads, given her absence from the musical adaptation of Wicked. While the original stage production subtly nods to her existence through the lyrical narrative of ‘No One Mourns the Wicked‘ and the tragic demise of Elphaba’s sister, Dorothy herself remains unseen, an elusive figure lurking in the shadows of the storyline.
The decision to bring her character to the forefront of the film adaptation has ignited discussions across social media platforms, as fans attempt to unravel the implications of her role in the unfolding saga.
THIS LOOK IS DEFINITELY FOR THE WICKED TRAILER LAUNCH ANNOUNCEMENT pic.twitter.com/AUfFDbkfHQ
— noah 💋 (@bloodlineprint) February 5, 2024
A Fresh Perspective on a Classic Conflict
Cynthia Erivo, stepping into the role of Elphaba, offers a perspective that encourages audiences to view the movie and stage play as distinct entities—akin to comparing “apples to oranges.”
This artistic choice to diverge from the Broadway script by integrating Dorothy more prominently into the film’s narrative presents an intriguing angle for both newcomers and seasoned Wicked enthusiasts. It offers a fresh vantage point to explore Elphaba’s character, potentially deepening her storyline and providing a new layer to her evolution into the notorious Wicked Witch of the West.
Bridging Two Worlds: A Cinematic Convergence
Incorporating Dorothy into Wicked: Part One achieves a dual purpose: it serves as a familiar anchor for fans of The Wizard of Oz who may be less acquainted with the Broadway musical, and it enriches the tapestry of the story by offering a new lens through which to view Elphaba’s journey.
This strategic narrative decision not only heightens the intrigue surrounding the film but also sets the stage for a richer, more nuanced exploration of the themes of friendship, identity, and destiny that lie at the heart of the Wicked saga.
As Wicked: Part One prepares to enchant audiences this Thanksgiving, the inclusion of Dorothy marks just the beginning of what promises to be a captivating reinterpretation of a beloved tale. With the stage set for a magical odyssey, fans are eagerly awaiting to see how this twist will weave into the vibrant fabric of the Wicked universe, forever altering the legacy of Oz’s most infamous witches.
