30 Years Of Different Takes On Gregory Maguire's 'Wicked'
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The novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire, published in 1995, reimagined the classic Wizard of Oz narrative from the perspective of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West. This dark fantasy novel delves into themes of good versus evil, propaganda, and the nature of identity, offering a sympathetic portrayal of a character traditionally seen as villainous. Maguire's work has since spawned a successful series and numerous adaptations across various media.
The Novel: Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West
Gregory Maguire's Wicked serves as the foundational text for all subsequent adaptations. It introduces Elphaba, a green-skinned girl born in Oz. It chronicles her life from childhood through her time at Shiz University, her involvement in political activism, and her eventual transformation into the infamous Wicked Witch of the West.
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The novel explores the complex political landscape of Oz, the subjugation of sentient Animals, and Elphaba's personal struggles with ostracism and her search for purpose. Maguire derived Elphaba's name from L. Frank Baum, the author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The book received largely positive reviews, praised for its imaginative take on the Oz universe and its philosophical depth, though some critics found its political commentary too strident.
Image Source: Wicked The Musical
The Wicked Years Series
Maguire's Wicked is the first installment in a series known as "The Wicked Years." The series expands upon the world and characters introduced in the initial novel, continuing the narrative beyond Elphaba's story. The subsequent books in the series are:
Son of a Witch (2005)
This sequel follows Liir, who may or may not be Elphaba's son, on his journey through a war-torn Oz after the events of Wicked.
A Lion Among Men (2008)
This book centers on Brrr, the Cowardly Lion, as he seeks information about Elphaba and navigates the political turmoil of Oz.
Out of Oz (2011)
The final book in the original quartet, it focuses on Glinda and Elphaba's granddaughter, Rain, as they grapple with the ongoing conflicts and secrets within Oz.
The Brides of Maracoor (2021)
This novel continues the story with Rain, Elphaba's granddaughter, as she washes ashore on a foreign island.
Elphie (forthcoming Spring 2025)
A prequel to the original Wicked novel, set to be released in March 2025, further explores Elphaba's early life.
The Broadway Musical
Perhaps the most widely recognized adaptation of Maguire's novel is the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Wicked. Premiering in 2003, the musical features music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman. While inspired by the novel, the musical takes a different tone, often described as "sweet and sugary" compared to the book's darker, more tragic narrative. It focuses heavily on the unlikely friendship between Elphaba and Glinda, and their differing paths to becoming the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch of the North, respectively. The musical has achieved immense success, becoming the 4th longest-running Broadway show in history with over 8,500 performances.
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Film Adaptations
The popularity of the musical led to the development of a two-part feature film adaptation. Universal Pictures began work on the film in 2010, with various directors and release dates announced over the years. The first part of the film, starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, was released on November 22, 2024. The second part is scheduled for release on November 21, 2025. These films are based on the Broadway musical, rather than directly on Maguire's novel.
Other Adaptations that have been inspired include the following:
Unproduced Television Program
In 2009, Gregory Maguire sold the rights for an independent, non-musical TV adaptation of Wicked to ABC. While Salma Hayek's production company was attached to a miniseries project in 2011, it ultimately never entered production.
Graphic Novel
A graphic novel adaptation of Wicked is also in the works. The first volume, with illustrations by Scott Hampton, is slated for publication by William Morrow Paperbacks in March 2025.
Expanded Oz Universe
The success of Wicked has also contributed to a broader interest in the Oz universe, leading to numerous retellings, reimaginings, and expansions of L. Frank Baum's original stories. These include books like Toto by A.J. Hackwith, After Oz by Gordon McAlpine, and Dorothy Must Die by D.M. Paige, which offer new perspectives on the classic characters and settings. Graphic novel versions and annotated editions of Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz also continue to be popular, providing historical context and alternative interpretations.
The enduring appeal of Wicked lies in its ability to challenge conventional narratives and explore complex moral questions, making it a rich source for continued adaptation and interpretation across different artistic media.
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