“Wicked,” a fun (and political) musical about the world of The Wizard of Oz

At a time when filmmakers, producers and distributors refuse to qualify their films as “musicals” in an attempt to attract an audience apparently allergic to so much dancing – see Joker: Folie à Deux (2024), mean girls (2024), Wonka (2023), The color purple (2023)—, Witch emerges triumphant, presenting himself as a musical comedy without complexes.

It is true that, in his case, it was almost ridiculous to hide his true nature. Jon M. Chu’s new film isn’t just based on Gregory Maguire’s novel of the same name Wicked: Memoirs of a Wicked Witch (1995)) —prequel to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Lyman Frank Baum, 1900) — but at the same time draws inspiration from the show inspired by the book that has been sweeping Broadway for two decades since its beginnings in 2003.

The legendary musical Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman—whose arrival is planned in Spain in October 2025 could further boost its already promising box office results – tells the story of Elphaba Thropp, a young witch whose life, marked by her characteristic green skin and her quest for justice in the world of Oz, leads her to become the iconic evil witch of the world. West. During her adventure, she will meet Glinda, the Good Witch of the South, with whom she will become a friend rather than an enemy.

That doesn’t make him any less deserving than Jon M. Chu (Intensify, Rich and crazy Asians or the musical In a neighborhood of New York) managed to exploit all the resources of this delicate cinematic genre and make it shine again. Its protagonists have a lot to do with it: Cynthia Erivo, as Elphaba nerdy and sassy, ​​but fragile and vulnerable, and the singer Ariana Grande, a Sharpay Evans (High school musical), more naive and with less bad humor, but with a grace to which it is impossible to succumb.

Their relationship, first rivalry then friendship, is the axis of the film. In Erivo and Grande lies not only the great weight of the acting but also the vocal weight, both interpret with distinction some of the most recognizable songs of the musical: Defy gravity And Popular, as well as one of the most exciting dance scenes, like the one that takes place at the bar, in which both will put aside their differences.

The protagonists find themselves at Shiz, the university for future wizards similar to Hogwarts – although much less dark – and one can wonder how the world of Oz has not been as “exploited” cinematographically as that of JK Rowling. Magic wands, spell lessons, and ancient animals (like Professor Dillamond) who act as teachers.

The subplot, although key to the film, lies in these latter characters. Elphaba, thanks to Professor Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh, always very elegant, even more evil), realizes that these supernatural powers that she has possessed since she was little are not a burden but a gift.

victim of intimidation Even on her father’s side, Elphaba dreamed of asking the Wizard of Oz (the legendary Jeff Goldblum) to change his skin color, to stop being different from others. However, he finds that there is a greater injustice to participate in, as the animals, who in the world of Oz have the ability to speak and reason, are systematically oppressed by a superior leader who turns out to be an imposter and a demagogue. A dynamic which, bridging the gap, could perfectly apply to the current dehumanization of certain groups.

Inclusivity is one of the most notable decisions that Jon M. Chu implemented in his adaptation of Wicked. The director is committed to multiracial casting that breaks with heteronormativity, reflecting both the ethnic and sexual diversity of his characters. It still doesn’t seem to be imposed, so Far from squeaking, it’s refreshing. Remember this racial and historical utopia that is reflected in the series The Bridgerton Chronicles, and not only because there is also Jonathan Bailey in the cast, here in the role of the charming and mischievous Prince Fiyero.

As happened this summer with the phenomenon Barbenheimer, Wicked will coincide on the billboard with another of the great premieres of the season Gladiator 2 and some have already dared to call him Glicked. Although sharing a bill with a giant like Ridley may seem like a challenge, Wicked It has all the ingredients to shine on its own and a visual spectacle that will delight fans and without prejudice skeptics.