Hidden Details in Wicked’s New Film

‘Wicked’ Movie Easter Eggs

​The film adaptation of Wicked incorporates numerous subtle references and Easter eggs. These elements enrich its connection to the source material. For instance, the Grimmerie spellbook plays a pivotal role in Elphaba’s transformation into a powerful witch. This draws from Gregory Maguire’s novel. Additionally, the film features cameos by original Broadway stars. This enhances the narrative’s depth.

The Wizard of Oz in Wicked’s Opening Sequence

In the opening sequence of the Wicked film, as the camera pans across the land of Oz, there’s a subtle but exciting Easter egg for fans of The Wizard of Oz. For just a brief moment, we catch a glimpse of four beloved characters from the classic story: Dorothy, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, and the Scarecrow.

This is a clever nod to the original Wizard of Oz story, connecting the Wicked film to its historical roots and offering a sense of continuity within the Oz universe.

The Wizard of Oz Reference

In the Wicked film, there’s a clever musical nod to The Wizard of Oz. The song “No One Mourns the Wicked” opens with a subtle blend of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and the instrumental version of “Miss Gulch,” both iconic pieces from The Wizard of Oz.

The inclusion of these familiar melodies creates a sense of continuity between The Wizard of Oz and Wicked, linking the two stories even though Wicked tells a very different version of the events.

Real Tulips and a Nod to ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’

In the upcoming Wicked film, one of the most stunning visual details is the scene featuring 9 million colorful tulips in the fields of Oz. These tulips are carefully arranged in a rainbow pattern, which is a direct homage to Judy Garland’s iconic song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz.

Here’s the wild part: Instead of relying on visual effects, the Wicked film crew planted all 9 million tulips for real. Jon, the director, insisted on using practical effects wherever possible to create a more authentic experience for the film. This commitment to realism shows in the grand, vibrant visuals, and it’s an impressive feat that adds to the magic of the Oz landscape.

Subtle Echoes of “For Good”

It symbolizes the close bond between Glinda and Elphaba and appears subtly throughout the film. The melody of the song can be heard throughout significant points of connection between the two characters, even though the song itself isn’t usually sung. Parts of songs like “Popular,” “Dancing Through Life,” “No One Mourns the Wicked,” and “Defying Gravity” are included in this.

By including “For Good” in these sequences, the movie emphasizes Glinda and Elphaba’s emotional connection. Even when they aren’t thinking about their friendship specifically, the song’s soft echoes serve to emphasize their common experiences.

Hidden Musical Nod

In one scene, as the citizens celebrate the Wicked Witch of the West’s death, a group of children from Munchkinland ring small bells while playing a familiar tune. They’re performing “Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead,” the iconic song from The Wizard of Oz.

This subtle musical moment is more than just background noise; it’s a clever Easter egg. By having the Munchkin children play the melody themselves, the film pays tribute to the classic 1939 movie while weaving the song naturally into the world of Wicked.

Hidden Meaning in the Slippers

Dorothy’s famous ruby shoes from The Wizard of Oz are directly referenced when Glinda sports a pair of red heels in the “Popular” scene.

There are other references to slippers, though. The fact that their father gives Elphaba’s sister, Nessarose, a pair of silver shoes relates to the original L. Frank Baum’s novel, Dorothy’s magical shoes were made of silver rather than ruby. The silver shoes are housed in a ruby-red case, which unifies the movie and book adaptations of Oz and brings everything together.

Hidden Symbolism in Nessarose’s Costume

Clever references to The Wizard of Oz can be found in Nessarose’s outfit in the Wicked movie. A subtle allusion to the famous twister that takes Dorothy to Oz is made by the tornado motif on her slippers.

Throughout the film, Nessa also dons striped socks. With the same recognizable striped socks, this detail honors the iconic scene where her feet are seen protruding from beneath Dorothy’s collapsing house.

By imaginatively tying Wicked to its Oz roots, these additions provide viewers with well-considered visual Easter eggs.

Nostalgic Typography

The title card for the Wicked movie features a typeface that is strikingly similar to the one used in The Wizard of Oz. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, this design decision is a conscious homage to the original 1939 masterpiece.

The producers create a sense of continuity and familiarity by evoking the classic font, which discreetly connects Wicked to the Oz universe that viewers are already familiar with.

A Familiar Face from the West End

British stage actress Alice Fearn plays Glinda’s mother in the Wicked movie. Given that Fearn is most known for portraying Elphaba, the green-skinned, misunderstood witch, in the Wicked West End production, her casting is a cunning Easter egg for musical aficionados.

For theatergoers who are familiar with her from the original, her portrayal of Glinda’s mother in the movie creates a playful connection between the stage show’s heritage and its film adaptation. It’s a subdued homage to the musical’s stage history, demonstrating how the movie pays respect to those who have contributed to the production of Wicked throughout the years.

The Role of Hot Air Balloons in Wicked

Throughout the Wicked movie, hot air balloons are used for purposes beyond simple amusement. They are symbolic of power, delusion, and escape, and allude to the Wizard’s famous origin myth, which involves traveling to Oz in a balloon.

Balloons have a number of functions in the film, including decorating Emerald City, conveying invitations to visit the Wizard, and ultimately acting as a route of escape for Glinda (Ariana Grande) and Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo).

The Wizard’s impact and the greater themes of illusion and freedom are emphasized by his recurring appearances.

Fiyero’s Foreshadowed Fate in Wicked

Fiyero’s future is subtly but cleverly hinted at in the lively song “Dancing Through Life.” Corn insignias are seen in the background as he moves through the area. Fans of the Wizard of Oz universe will recognize this as a subtle hint to his final metamorphosis into the Scarecrow, which is more than simply a random set design.

Naturally, scarecrows, which are customarily positioned in cornfields, are closely linked to corn.

The Bench, the Mural, and the Message

The scene in Wicked where Elphaba does her first magical display at Shiz University is quiet yet powerful. She accidentally bumps into a mural of the Wizard while floating on a bench. When the mural collapses, one of the animal professors who was hidden by it is revealed.

Beyond simple mistake or physical humor, this scene has a deeper meaning. It makes reference to one of the story’s main themes, which is Oz’s suppression of talking animals. The falling mural represents the crumbling illusion of the Wizard’s perfect authority.

A Subtle Connection Across Oz

Elphaba uses a strong sleep spell in Wicked that has an impact on everyone in her vicinity, with the exception of Fiyero. The magic has no effect whatsoever on him. The Scarecrow is likewise untouched by the Wicked Witch of the West’s sleep-inducing spell in the poppy field, a subtle comparison to this seemingly little detail from The Wizard of Oz.

There is a reason for this link. Fiyero eventually changes into the Scarecrow in the Wicked universe, binding the two characters together.

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Boq’s Transformation Into the Tin Man

A little yet impactful scene in Wicked foreshadows Boq’s transformation into the Tin Man. Glinda delicately puts Boq’s crimson handkerchief in the pocket next to his heart after rejecting his romantic desires. This insignificant act foreshadows Boq’s eventual heartbreak, which is a crucial component of his metamorphosis in Part 2.

Boq also said that he bursts into tears “a lot.” When he transforms into the Tin Man—a figure renowned for rusting when he cries—this seemingly insignificant detail takes on great significance.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.