The new Wicked movie, the first of a two-part adaptation, concludes with Elphaba’s burgeoning understanding of the systemic corruption within Oz, her declaration of independence, and her embrace of her destiny as the misunderstood “Wicked Witch of the West.” While the ending deviates somewhat from the stage musical’s Act One finale, it strategically sets the stage for a more nuanced and politically charged second installment.
A Shift from Stage to Screen: The New Ending Explained
Unlike the stage version, where Elphaba’s escape is more explicitly a result of Glinda’s deception and the immediate fallout of the Wizard’s confession, the film’s ending offers a more complex and nuanced perspective. The movie builds to a crescendo where Elphaba, already suspicious of the Wizard’s activities, discovers concrete evidence of his manipulative control over Oz and his exploitation of sentient Animals (the talking creatures central to the Wicked narrative).
This discovery happens not just through rumor, but through witnessing firsthand the Wizard’s callous disregard for Dr. Dillamond’s suffering and the horrors inflicted upon Animals in his laboratories. Consequently, Elphaba doesn’t simply run; she makes a conscious decision to become a force of resistance. She sees through the carefully constructed facade of Oz and recognizes the Wizard as a tyrannical oppressor.
Her iconic proclamation of “Defying Gravity” isn’t just about personal freedom anymore; it’s a call to action, a commitment to fighting for the oppressed and challenging the established order. Glinda, witnessing Elphaba’s righteous anger and determination, makes a crucial choice: to publicly denounce Elphaba as “wicked,” knowing it’s the only way to protect her and allow her to effectively operate from the shadows. This is a significant departure from the stage version, where Glinda appears more complicit, at least initially, in the Wizard’s narrative.
The film ends with Elphaba escaping into the shadows, framed as a dangerous outlaw by the Ozian propaganda machine, while Glinda remains behind, struggling with her conscience and the increasingly complex moral landscape of Oz. The final scene underscores the stark contrast between Elphaba’s principled rebellion and Glinda’s growing awareness of the complicity required to maintain power. The anticipation for the second film is therefore not just about seeing how Elphaba ultimately becomes the “Wicked Witch,” but also about witnessing Glinda’s own evolution and the choices she will make in the face of injustice.
Elphaba’s Radicalization: Key Differences from the Musical
The film emphasizes Elphaba’s radicalization more than the musical. Her transformation is driven by tangible evidence of the Wizard’s cruelty and the systemic oppression within Oz, making her decision to “defy gravity” less a flight from personal problems and more a deliberate act of political resistance. This shift aims to resonate with contemporary audiences who are increasingly aware of social injustice and the importance of standing up to oppression. The film paints Elphaba as a revolutionary, not just a misunderstood outsider.
Glinda’s Complicity and Moral Dilemma
Glinda’s character is also given more depth. Her choice to publicly condemn Elphaba is presented as a calculated sacrifice, a way to protect her friend while also navigating the treacherous political landscape of Oz. This sets up a compelling internal conflict for Glinda, who must reconcile her ambition with her conscience. The ending leaves the audience wondering what choices Glinda will make and how far she will be willing to go to protect both Elphaba and herself. This ambiguity makes Glinda a more compelling and sympathetic character compared to her stage counterpart.
The Stage is Set: Anticipation for Part Two
The ending deliberately leaves several key questions unanswered, building anticipation for the second film. Will Elphaba succeed in overthrowing the Wizard? Will Glinda eventually join her rebellion? What role will Fiyero play in the unfolding conflict? These questions, coupled with the more nuanced character development and politically charged narrative, ensure that audiences will be eagerly awaiting the conclusion of the Wicked saga.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: Does Elphaba actually die at the end of Part One?
No. While the Wizard’s propaganda may suggest Elphaba is defeated, the ending clearly shows her escaping and laying the groundwork for her future actions. The entire premise of the second film hinges on her survival and continued resistance. Her “death” is a strategic fabrication used to solidify the Wizard’s control and paint Elphaba as a threat to Ozian society.
FAQ 2: How faithful is the movie’s ending to the book, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West?
The film’s ending draws inspiration from both the stage musical and Gregory Maguire’s novel. While the book offers a much darker and more morally ambiguous portrayal of Oz and its inhabitants, the film retains the core themes of political manipulation, systemic oppression, and the importance of questioning authority. However, the film is likely to streamline some of the more complex and controversial elements of the novel to appeal to a broader audience. The book serves as a foundation, but the film crafts its own narrative.
FAQ 3: What role does Fiyero play in Elphaba’s escape at the end of the movie?
While Fiyero’s role in the first movie’s ending is more limited than in some iterations of the story, his growing feelings for Elphaba and his increasing disillusionment with Ozian society are evident. His actions lay the groundwork for his more significant involvement in the second film, where he will likely play a pivotal role in aiding Elphaba’s rebellion. Fiyero’s moral compass is clearly pointing towards Elphaba, hinting at a powerful alliance in the future.
FAQ 4: Why does Glinda publicly denounce Elphaba at the end?
As explained above, Glinda’s denouncement of Elphaba is a calculated act of self-preservation and a misguided attempt to protect her friend. By publicly distancing herself from Elphaba, Glinda hopes to maintain her position within Ozian society and potentially influence events from within. This creates a complex and morally ambiguous situation, forcing Glinda to grapple with her own conscience and the consequences of her actions. It’s a strategic maneuver, not a betrayal.
FAQ 5: What are the themes explored in the ending of the movie?
The ending explores several key themes, including political corruption, systemic oppression, the power of propaganda, the importance of individual resistance, and the complexities of moral choices. The film encourages viewers to question authority, challenge injustice, and consider the consequences of their actions. Social justice and moral ambiguity are central themes.
FAQ 6: How does the ending set up the plot for the second Wicked movie?
The ending establishes Elphaba as a fugitive and a symbol of rebellion, setting the stage for her to gather allies and challenge the Wizard’s control over Oz. It also creates a compelling internal conflict for Glinda, who must decide whether to remain complicit in the Wizard’s schemes or join Elphaba’s fight for justice. The ending creates a clear divide, but also a potential for future reconciliation and alliance.
FAQ 7: Will we see more of the Ozians who are oppressed in the second movie?
Yes. The first film lays the groundwork for exploring the plight of the oppressed Ozians, particularly the Animals, in greater detail in the second movie. Elphaba’s rebellion will likely focus on liberating these marginalized groups and exposing the Wizard’s cruelty. Expect to see a stronger focus on the social and political landscape of Oz.
FAQ 8: How does the movie ending differ for audiences who haven’t seen the stage musical?
The movie ending is designed to be accessible to audiences unfamiliar with the stage musical. While some elements may resonate more strongly with those who know the source material, the film provides sufficient context and character development to ensure that the ending is comprehensible and emotionally engaging for all viewers. The film aims to stand alone while still honoring its source material.
FAQ 9: Will the second movie explore the origins of the Wicked Witch’s green skin?
The first movie touches on the societal prejudice Elphaba faces due to her green skin. The second movie will likely delve deeper into the historical and cultural reasons for this prejudice, exploring the themes of otherness and discrimination. It will provide further context to Elphaba’s identity and her role as an outcast. The origins of her green skin are integral to understanding her journey.
FAQ 10: Is there a post-credit scene that hints at the second movie?
While specific details cannot be confirmed without seeing the final cut, it is possible that the film includes a post-credit scene that offers a glimpse into the future and hints at the events of the second movie. Post-credit scenes are a common tactic used in franchise films to generate excitement and anticipation for the next installment. Stay tuned for potential surprises after the credits roll.
FAQ 11: Will we see more of Madame Morrible in the second movie?
Absolutely. Madame Morrible’s influence is only beginning to be felt. Expect her manipulative hand to be even more apparent in the second film as she consolidates her power and works to undermine Elphaba’s efforts. She will serve as a primary antagonist, actively working against Elphaba and Glinda.
FAQ 12: What is the overall message of the ending in the context of the larger Wicked story?
The ending of the first Wicked movie reinforces the idea that appearances can be deceiving, and that those in power are not always to be trusted. It highlights the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of overwhelming opposition, and encourages viewers to question the narratives they are presented with. The central message is about questioning authority and fighting for justice.