Sometimes, real miracles still happen—like these past days in Syria, where an oppressive terror regime was overthrown. There’s hope that the country and its people might finally find peace. Even the magical Land of Oz was freed from evil. But what does it take for someone to become truly wicked? And is everyone we call wicked really so? This very question echoes through Oz, where Glinda the Good Witch and the people celebrate the death of the Wicked Witch of the West, leaving us to wonder: what does it really mean: Wicked?
THE WICKED WITCH: ELPHABA
Elphaba Thropp is a kind-hearted girl, born in Munchkinland with a unique feature—her skin is green. This unusual trait makes her an outsider from the start. Elphaba Thropp’s life is one of constant struggle and rejection. The other children tease her relentlessly, always stirring up trouble.
Her father, Frex, a devoutly religious man, not only failed to accept her but seemed to resent her very existence, seeing her as a punishment for his sins. The constant rejection hardened Elphaba, but it also gave her a sharp intellect and a fierce sense of independence.
Elphaba feels completely alone. Things only get worse when her little sister, Nessarose, is born with a disability. Of course, their father blames Elphaba for her sister’s condition as well.
Despite her father’s disdain, Elphaba possesses remarkable intelligence and a strong will, setting her apart in ways beyond her appearance. Her green skin, often seen as a curse, hides her potential to wield immense power. She is naturally gifted in magic, though her abilities initially go unnoticed, even by herself.
Life takes another turn when Elphaba unexpectedly ends up at university. Elphaba’s time at Shiz is far from smooth. Her green skin continues to make her a scapegoat, and her bold, outspoken nature only alienates her further. Even at Shiz, she faces hatred, prejudice, and, to top it off, a roommate who is the absolute last person she would ever want to share a room with.
THE GOOD WITCH:
GALINDA A.K.A. GLINDA
Galinda (later Glinda) is the ultimate queen of superficiality, ego trips, and diva vibes. Spoiled, arrogant, and totally obsessed with herself, she glides through life thinking everyone should either float with her or worship the ground she walks on.
But college? That’s a whole different game. Things don’t go her way—until she crosses paths with Elphaba, her unwanted, totally mismatched roommate. They couldn’t be more different, and of course, they can’t stand each other at first.
Thus, the unlikely and rocky friendship between the roommates begins as a clash of personalities. Glinda is everything Elphaba is not—privileged, popular, and seemingly shallow. However, over time, their differences give way to a bond that changes them both.
Elphaba, for all her misfit qualities, begins to find strength in her isolation, using it as a catalyst to challenge the norms and injustices she sees in the world.
Glinda starts to think deeply about herself, her life, and others. She’s deeply moved when she sees that Elphaba, who she once despised—and even tried to hurt emotionally—steps up to help her achieve her biggest dream.
So, wait… could it be that an outsider and a prom queen actually become real friends? And maybe, just maybe, even team up to visit the Emerald City and meet the ruler of the Oz?
THE WICKED STARS
ELPHABA A.K.A. CYNTHIA ERIVO
Sensitive, emotional, and deeply empowering, British actress and singer Cynthia Erivo enchants us as Elphaba. She takes us on an intensely emotional journey, where we witness an introverted girl transform into a fearless and powerful witch.
Through her performance, she shows us how quickly someone can be labeled wicked just for refusing to follow the crowd, standing up for the vulnerable, or daring to challenge the status quo. Elphaba dares to rise, defend her beliefs, and fight for the rights of the marginalized.
But that kind of bravery doesn’t sit well with the masses. After all, standing with her means leaving the comfort zone, engaging with others, and maybe even facing conflict or confrontation.
It’s easier to discredit a true fighter, branding her an outsider—or worse, wicked—just because she doesn’t fit society’s shallow mold.
Cynthia Erivo’s journey is just as inspiring as the character she plays. At 24, she burst onto the London West End scene before conquering Broadway.
Her extraordinary talent didn’t go unnoticed, earning her nominations for major awards like the Academy Awards and Golden Globes. She’s already taken home prestigious wins, including Tony and Grammy Awards.
While her filmography is still growing, Cynthia has proven her prowess in every role she’s tackled. From her debut in Widows as Belle to standout performances in Bad Times at the El Royale, Harriet, and other projects, this British powerhouse consistently leaves her mark.
GLINDA A.K.A. ARIANA GRANDE BUTERA
As an exaggerated and provocative parody of today’s social media starlets, Glinda might come off as unlikable at first, despite her countless admirers. From the moment she enters the scene, you’re left wondering: What does it really mean to be good, and what’s truly wicked?
Spoiled and completely lacking empathy, she’s all about chasing her benefits—even at the expense of others.
She’s gorgeous, sure, but also kind of clueless. Why? Because that’s what’s expected of her, and she surrounds herself with the wrong crowd—superficial yes-men and wannabes.
But deep down, Glinda has a huge heart and the courage to stand up to her followers. That’s a powerful message to put out into the world.
Over time, she becomes Elphaba’s first and closest friend, helping her discover who she truly is. Together, they form a genuine friendship that leads them on an unforgettable journey to the Emerald City.
Standing at just 5’1” (1.54m) but commanding over 350 million Instagram followers, Ariana Grande isn’t just one of the biggest stars on stage and screen—she’s also one of the most influential figures in social media.
Ariana is a mesmerizing phenomenon with an endless list of talents. But she’s not just about looking good or knowing how to work the spotlight; she’s put in the hard work to earn her success.
She’s been in the game since she was 15, gracing Broadway stages and starring on screen. But her journey started even earlier—at just 8 years old, she performed the U.S. national anthem at a Florida Panthers game (2002) and had her first brush with The Wizard of Oz at the Fort Lauderdale Children’s Theater.
With her determination, charisma, and magical four-octave voice, Ariana has built a fiercely loyal fanbase—one that’s bound to grow even bigger now.
MADAME MORRIBLE A.K.A. MICHELLE YEOH
Madame Morrible is the Academy’s formidable and manipulative headmistress. Moreover, she’s not easily swayed by Glinda’s flattery.
Instead, she reserves her lessons for a select few with true magical potential. From the moment she witnesses Elphaba’s raw power, Morrible is captivated and takes her under her wing for special training.
With Michelle Yeoh in the role, Wicked brings another powerhouse woman to the screen. Born in Malaysia, Michelle Yeoh isn’t just known for her breathtaking action roles or her iconic performance alongside James Bond in Tomorrow Never Dies.
She made history in 2022 by becoming the first Asian woman—and only the second Woman of Color—to win an Academy Award for her groundbreaking role in Everything Everywhere All at Once. But Michelle’s impact goes far beyond the silver screen. The stunning Malaysian actress is a passionate advocate for countless causes, from HIV/AIDS awareness and gender equality to road safety and environmental conservation.
She’s a patron of Save China’s Tigers project and starred in National Geographic’s documentary Among the Great Apes with Michelle Yeoh, highlighting her deep commitment to wildlife and environmental protection.
THE WIZARD OF OZ A.K.A. JEFF GOLDBLUM
In the Emerald City, everything is—of course—green. Elphaba feels right at home here. For once, she’s not an outsider but a respected figure, even earning a private audience with the Wizard of Oz himself.
Oscar Zoroaster Phadrig Isaac Norman Henkle Emmannuel Ambroise Digg is the ruler of the Land of Oz and the Emerald City. He is better known as The Wonderful Wizard of Oz or Oz the Great. Besides, he is a leader with a shining façade.
So, like many world leaders, there’s another side to him that’s yet to be fully revealed. Will he be able to fulfill Elphaba’s greatest wish? In any case, Elphaba’s true destiny begins to unfold here.
It’s almost magical how untouched Jeff Goldblum seems by time. At 72, he still looks incredibly fresh and brings that same energy to his roles. He’s fought aliens in Invasion of the Body Snatchers and Independence Day. Then, he battled dinosaurs in Jurassic Park, helped Michelle Pfeiffer survive in Into the Night, and guided Cindy Lauper through the Ecuadorian Andes in Vibes to find the Source of Psychic Energy.
And of course, there’s the cult classic The Fly, where Jeff literally transformed into a fly. In Thor: Ragnarok, he even portrayed a ruler not unlike the Wizard of Oz. But Jeff isn’t just a legendary actor—he’s also a gifted jazz pianist, performing worldwide. With his lanky charm and signature humor, he’s captivated us for decades, and we’re hopeful that he’ll continue to do so for many more.
FIYERO TIGELAAR A.K.A. JONATHAN BAILEY
Fiyero is a prince—or more like a snob. His superficiality and self-love make him a perfect match for Glinda. But somehow, he’s captivated by Elphaba’s magical presence, her emotional depth, and the rawness she exudes. He starts to rethink everything.
Jonathan Bailey, who brings Fiyero to life, hails from Oxfordshire, a land steeped in legends and myths. It’s no surprise that, after seeing the musical Oliver! in London at the age of five, he decided he wanted to become an actor.
Before Wicked, the English actor had already charmed audiences on London’s stages, from local theaters to the prestigious West End. His early TV roles earned him critical acclaim, and his later work, including the Netflix hit Bridgerton, garnered international applause.
Like many of his fellow cast members, Jonathan is deeply involved in charity work. Since his coming out, he’s particularly focused on supporting the queer community and LGBTQ+ rights. This year, he launched The Shameless Fund, an initiative dedicated to helping queer people around the world live with dignity and pride.
NESSAROSE A.K.A. MARISSA BODE
Elphaba’s younger sister is determined to stand on her own two feet—though for her, that’s easier said than done.
Born with a disability due to an unfortunate twist of fate, she relies on a wheelchair. Now an adult, all she wants is to be seen, loved, and respected as the woman she truly is. What she doesn’t want anymore? Elphaba’s constant mothering.
Adding to Wicked’s lineup of incredible women is Marissa Bode, who brings authenticity and strength to the role. At just 11 years old, Marissa lost the ability to walk after a car accident, and she’s been using a wheelchair ever since.
But that hasn’t stopped her from pursuing her passion for acting. She honed her craft at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Los Angeles and has graced local productions like Peter Pan, Little Shop of Horrors, and Mary Poppins. Beyond the stage, Marissa took on the roles of producer, director, and screenwriter for her first short film, You’re Adorable. With Wicked, this talented actress from Mazomanie, Wisconsin, is poised for a breakout moment. It’s only a matter of time before we see much more of her on the big screen or streaming into our homes.
THE WICKED CONCLUSION
Beyond the incredible cast and the fact that Wicked takes place in the Emerald City, the story is as rich as a high-quality diamond. Wicked is as multi-layered as an encyclopedia and as emotionally charged as the Christmas season. With its vibrant imagery and captivating music, Wicked transports us to a magical world that, despite all its enchantment, isn’t as wonderful as it seems.
Wicked means being inhuman
Classism, racism, superficiality, and greed for power run rampant. People and animals are manipulated. Propaganda controls the media and shapes public opinion. Doesn’t all of this feel strangely familiar? Can’t we replace Elphaba’s green skin with something else and find ourselves right here and now?
Don’t we recognize Galinda and her crew in the superficial social media stars who will do anything for follower counts—and the followers who never question their idols’ actions?
Doesn’t all of this feel strangely familiar? Can’t we replace Elphaba’s green skin with something else and find ourselves right here and now? Don’t we recognize Galinda and her crew in the superficial social media stars who will do anything for follower counts—and the followers who never question their idols’ actions? Wicked also echoes the time of fascism—not just the Nazi era in Germany.
In Wicked, the different are removed from society. Those who can escape, flee; those who cannot are imprisoned, locked away in cages.
THE HUMAN, SOCIAL MESSAGE
Wicked dives deep into socio-political and, more importantly, human structures. It’s precisely for this reason, it seems, that Wicked has dominated social media for weeks and is thriving at the box office. The success proves that people in this world are searching for peace, love, authenticity, belonging, friendship, honesty, and other human values.
We all live on one planet, some in beautiful wonderlands, others in regions ravaged by war or environmental destruction. What unites us is humanity, our understanding of each other, and mutual respect. These are the things we must hold onto, despite the struggles of daily life.
Isn’t it completely irrelevant what skin color or sexual orientation the person standing before us has? Isn’t it insignificant where they come from or what religion they follow? Isn’t the heart and soul far more important?
EMOTIONAL WICKED MOMENTS
In Wicked, a moment that initially seems cruel—Elphaba’s dance performance in the Ozdust Ballroom—turns into one of the most emotional scenes of the story.
The dancefloor scene touches us deeply and reminds us that if a spoiled it-girl can open her heart and step beyond her comfort zone, we all can. It shows us that in doing so, we can experience joy, grow, and learn.
THE PICTURES
Alongside the brilliant story, we’re, of course, treated to breathtaking visuals. From Munchkinland to Shiz University, to the Emerald City and beyond, the imagery of Wicked is overwhelming without being overwhelming. There’s enough space left for deep emotions, and despite the fantasy, it still holds a mirror to humanity.
THE SCORE
But in the end, Wicked is a musical. Hence, the brilliant songs are truly at the heart of it all. Of course, in the original version—which we highly recommend—Ariana Grande-Butera and Cynthia Erivo belt out the catchy tunes. But for the various dubbed versions, top artists have been brought in, many of whom have previously played roles in Wicked on stages around the world.
For example, Sabrina Weckerlin portrayed Elphaba in Hamburg for a long time. Unfortunately, the German version, at least as we experienced it, was over-amplified, making it difficult for those with sensitive ears to understand the lyrics. It could also have been an issue with the settings of the premiere cinema.
In the original, the mood and emotions truly resonate. They can unfold intensely, and you can feel that the songs weren’t just sung—they were performed with full passion and immense feeling. The songs are powerful and beautiful, just like the entire film. Of course, there’s always room for critique here and there, but sometimes it’s better to simply ride the wave of emotion and thoughtfulness that Wicked floods us with over its 160-minute runtime.
OUR RATING
We can only give this masterpiece—based on one of the most beautiful stories, not just for children—top marks for the cast, the music, the visuals, and above all, the message. A message that, perhaps only upon second glance, becomes clear but is especially crucial in today’s world.
Let’s hope that the people in Syria and around the world can learn from it, find peace, and strive for a shared future—one built on friendship, peace, and unity, for each other and with each other. 10/10—don’t miss it.
Videos: © Universal Studios. Edit: Marco Kokkot for VALEUR MEDIA. All Rights Reserved.
Images: © Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
Text: Marco Kokkot
