Wicked, based on the Tony-winning Broadway musical, adapts the magical tale of Elphaba, Glinda, and the moral struggles in the land of Oz. With its dramatic conclusion, the first part sets the stage for Wicked: For Good in 2025, promising an even deeper exploration of the world. Here, we’ll break down the pivotal moments of the movie’s ending and explore how they set up the upcoming continuation.
Wicked Ending Explained
The movie opens with Glinda the Good revealing to the Munchkins that the Wicked Witch of the West is dead. When they inquire about her past with the infamous figure, the narrative shifts back in time. We are transported to the Shiz University days of Glinda (then known as Galinda) and Elphaba. The two unlikely roommates form a complicated bond, initially filled with disdain but slowly evolving into a deep friendship.
The Bond Between Elphaba and Glinda
At the heart of Wicked is the relationship between Elphaba and Glinda. Forced to share a room at Shiz University, the two women start off as antagonistic toward each other. However, as time goes on, they develop a close friendship, highlighted by moments of genuine kindness, such as when Glinda gives Elphaba a guidebook with a sweet message inside. These small gestures solidify their bond, making it even more tragic when their paths eventually diverge.
A major turning point in Wicked occurs when Elphaba realizes that The Wizard, whom she once revered, is no more powerful than she is. He tricks her into creating wings for the monkeys but reveals his lack of magical abilities. In response, Elphaba rejects his offer to join him in the Emerald City, recognizing the hypocrisy in his promises of safety and power. Her decision stems from her deep empathy for the oppressed, particularly the talking animals who, like her, are considered “different.” Accepting the Wizard’s offer would mean perpetuating their suffering, something Elphaba refuses to do.
Elphaba’s Path Westward
The moment when Elphaba sings “So, if you care to find me, look to the Western sky” is iconic in the musical. In the film, her decision to head west is explored further. The western region of Oz is portrayed as a less controlled, more difficult terrain, offering Elphaba the protection she seeks. The Wizard’s influence wanes in this direction, allowing Elphaba to act more freely in her quest for justice. This choice is hinted at during the “Something Bad” sequence when Elphaba learns about the resistance and sees a map of Oz. Ultimately, heading west symbolizes Elphaba’s rebellion and escape from the Wizard’s manipulations.
Madame Morrible, a key antagonist in Wicked, is revealed to have been manipulating Elphaba from the very beginning. She subtly encourages Elphaba’s actions to serve her own agenda, bolstering her image as a powerful magician and using Elphaba as a pawn in her schemes. Madame Morrible’s actions, from fostering a false sense of trust to using Elphaba’s emotions as a magical trigger, set the stage for Elphaba’s ultimate defiance. Her manipulation of Elphaba plays a crucial role in shaping the young witch’s eventual transformation into the Wicked Witch of the West.
The Wizard’s Hold Over Oz
Throughout Wicked, the Wizard’s role in Oz is questioned. While the musical hints at his rise to power during a time of drought, the film provides a bit more context. The Ozians had once worshipped powerful beings known as “The Wise Ones” who could read the Grimmerie and cast spells. When these leaders died, a prophecy foretold that a powerful person would come to Oz, capable of reading the Grimmerie and saving the land. The Wizard, who could read the book, was believed to be the fulfillment of this prophecy, though, as Elphaba’s story reveals, his power and legitimacy are far from what they appear.
Dr. Dillamond’s firing marks a crucial moment in Elphaba’s journey. As a talking animal, Dr. Dillamond faces harsh discrimination, culminating in his forcible removal from Shiz University. Elphaba, who has always fought for justice, is deeply affected by this event. It’s a defining moment that propels her into direct conflict with the Wizard and the oppressive systems in place. Her choice to stand up for Dr. Dillamond solidifies her commitment to the cause of the talking animals and sets her on the path to becoming the Wicked Witch.
Elphaba’s Ability to See the Future
A mysterious aspect of Elphaba’s character in Wicked is her potential ability to foresee the future. Throughout the film, she experiences flashes of moments to come, including disturbing visions of Dr. Dillamond imprisoned. While these moments may be interpreted as mere figments of her imagination, they hint at a deeper, perhaps supernatural, ability. This possibility, combined with the events that unfold later, suggests that Elphaba might have the gift of foresight, though its true nature remains ambiguous.
The emotional core of Wicked lies in the growing divide between Elphaba and Glinda. Their friendship, once strong, faces increasing strain as their ideals and goals diverge. Glinda, though initially a part of Elphaba’s rebellion, ultimately chooses to side with the Wizard, while Elphaba refuses to compromise her values. Their parting is heartbreaking, underscoring the tragic nature of their bond. This final separation marks the beginning of Elphaba’s isolation as she fully embraces her role as the Wicked Witch of the West.
Wicked’s Cliffhanger Ending
The conclusion of Wicked leaves viewers eagerly awaiting the second part of the story. After Elphaba rejects The Wizard’s offer and vows to protect the talking animals, Madame Morrible spreads the false narrative that Elphaba is evil. This sets the stage for the witch to go on the run, with the Wizard’s forces hunting her down. The movie ends with a sense of anticipation, leaving fans wondering how the story will unfold in Wicked: For Good, where Dorothy’s arrival in Oz will trigger the events leading to the familiar tale of The Wizard of Oz.
A Comparison to the Book
While Wicked is faithful to much of its source material, there are notable differences in how the story is told. In the book, Elphaba and Glinda’s journey to Oz is driven by political motives, as they seek to address the growing instability in the kingdom. In the film, their journey is shrouded in mystery, with the Wizard’s manipulation taking center stage. Additionally, the book’s portrayal of Elphaba’s disappearance is more subdued, whereas the film’s dramatic “Defying Gravity” moment ramps up the stakes for the next part of the story.
At its core, Wicked challenges the notion of inherent evil, asking whether villains are born or made. Through Elphaba’s story, the film asserts that wickedness is often a product of circumstance and manipulation. Her transformation into the Wicked Witch of the West is a direct result of the cruelty and injustice she faces, emphasizing that the true villains of the story are those who oppress and exploit others for their own gain.
