Spoiler alert: references, characters and hidden secrets that will make you sing ‘Defying Gravity’!
The long-awaited film adaptation of Wicked arrived in Brazilian cinemas on November 21st. Directed by Jon M. Chuthe film brings Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glindaexploring the first act of the story that precedes the events of The Wizard of Oz. In addition to the central plot, the production surprised with an avalanche of easter eggs.
WARNING: SPOILERS ALERT!
If you haven’t seen the film yet, this article contains details about the plot, songs and characters.
For those unfamiliar, easter eggs they are small details or hidden messages. In WickedEaster eggs abound, connecting the film to the Broadway musical, Gregory Maguire’s original book, and, of course, the classic film The Wizard of Oz (1939). Check out the full list and get ready for a trip to the world of Oz!
1. Universal logo
The Universal Pictures logo was replaced with a vintage version of the globe, inspired by the design of 1939 — the year in which The Wizard of Oz debuted.
2. Nessarose’s socks
Elphaba’s younger sister, Nessarose, wears striped stockings with heels, a reference to her destiny as the Wicked Witch of the East.
3. Oscar Diggs in the attic
In the attic of the Wizard’s palace, you can see a sign promoting the magician “Oscar Diggs” and a trunk from the character’s old magic act, a nod to the Wizard’s past before arriving in Oz.
4. “Don’t pay attention to the man behind the curtain”
In The Wizard of Ozthe Wizard tells everyone to “pay no attention to the man behind the curtain”. In the film, Jeff Goldblumwho plays the Wizard, dances behind a curtain as he shows Elphaba and Glinda his vision for the future of Oz.
5. “Follow the yellow brick road”
The composer Stephen Schwartz included in the soundtrack of Wicked musical easter eggs that refer to The Wizard of Ozlike the melody of Follow the Yellow Brick Road inserted during One Short Day.
6. Elphaba’s name
Elphaba’s name is inspired by L. Frank Baumauthor of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. When saying “LF Baum” slowly, the sound resembles “El-pha-ba”. His surname, Thropp, which is rarely mentioned, becomes more prominent in the film.
7. Dorothy and companions
During the opening of No One Mourns the Wickedthe camera pans through Oz and shows Dorothy, the Tin Woodman, the Cowardly Lion, and the Scarecrow walking down the Yellow Brick Road.
8. Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth in scene
The original Broadway stars, Idina Menzel (Elphaba) and Kristin Chenoweth (Glinda), make a cameo appearance during the One Short Day. The two play artists who narrate the story of the Magician and recreate iconic moments from their roles in the musical.
9. Fiyero’s blue costume
Jonathan Baileywho plays Fiyero, first appears in the film wearing an elaborate blue costume, a reference to the novel Wickedwhere he is described as having blue spots painted on his skin.
10. Nessarose’s silver shoes
The silver shoes that Nessarose receives from her and Elphaba’s father before attending Shiz University are a direct homage to the creator of the universe of The Wizard of Oz, L. Frank Baum. When the 1939 film was in production, Baum originally wanted Dorothy’s shoes to be silver. However, they were changed to red in order to make better use of the visual impact.
In the film adaptation of Wickedthe silver shoes remain true to Baum’s original idea. Additionally, the detailed design includes glittering ornaments and an aesthetic that nods to the glamor of the Oz universe while foreshadowing Nessarose’s tragic fate as the Wicked Witch of the East.
11. Glinda’s red heels
During the scene Popularwhile trying to transform Elphaba, Glinda tosses her a pair of red, sequined heels. Although they are not the iconic shoes worn by Dorothy in The Wizard of Ozthese heels are a fun nod to the 1939 film’s visual legacy.
12. Stephen Schwartz as Messenger
The composer Stephen Schwartzresponsible for the iconic songs of Wickedmakes a quick cameo as the messenger who announces that the Wizard is ready to welcome Elphaba and Glinda.
13. ‘Defying Gravity’ and the balloon
The famous scene from Defying Gravity pays homage to the theatrical moment when Elphaba takes to the air on her broom. In the film, her and Glinda’s escape includes an attempt to use the Wizard’s balloon before Elphaba resorts to magic to fly.
14. Rain
Madame Morrible protects Elphaba from the rain with an umbrella before using her magic to clear the skies. But before doing so, she tells Elphaba: “We can’t let you get wet” — a nod to the Wicked Witch of the West’s famous weakness when Dorothy throws a bucket of water at her.
15. Bike Ride with the Lion
During their escape, Elphaba and Fiyero get on bicycles, with the newly rescued lion cub in a basket. This is a reference to Margaret Hamilton’s portrayal of the Wicked Witch in “The Wizard of Oz”, where she rides a bicycle with Toto in a basket like Almira Gulch in Kansas. As they pedal away, the famous Wicked Witch theme song plays in the background.
16. Poppies
Dr. Dillamond reveals in one scene that he likes poppies. Fans of “The Wizard of Oz” will remember the crucial role flowers play in the film when Dorothy and the gang venture into a poppy field.
17. Shiz Library
Production designer Nathan Crowley created the library with rotating circular shelves. The stairs were designed to move separately from the wheels, allowing the letters “O” and “Z” to form at different points during the choreography.
18. Madame Morrible’s hair
Madame Morrible’s magical specialty is controlling the weather (including tornadoes). In honor of her stormy powers, hair and makeup designer Frances Hannon shaped her hairstyles to resemble clouds.
19. Rainbow Tulips
More than 9 million tulips bloom in the fields of Oz, planted in a rainbow pattern as a tribute to the iconic song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”
Source: Rollingstone
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
