Wicked Before Or After Wizard Of Oz: Complete Guide & Key Details
Okay, so let's dive into something super fun. We're talking about Oz. But not just any Oz. We're talking about Wicked and the original Wizard of Oz. And the big, juicy question: which came first? And does it even matter? Spoiler alert: it’s a blast to think about!
It’s like trying to figure out if you should watch the prequel or the original movie first. Does it change everything? Sometimes! And with Oz? Oh boy, does it ever.
The OG: The Wizard of Oz
First up, the classic. We all know it. The ruby slippers. The yellow brick road. The tin man who just wants a heart. This movie, released in 1939, is a total legend. It’s pure, technicolor magic.
Dorothy’s journey is iconic. She’s whisked away to Oz. Meets some quirky friends. Fights a wicked witch. It’s a straightforward tale of good versus evil, with a sprinkle of wishing you were home.
Think about it. This is the story that gave us “There’s no place like home.” It’s a sentimental journey. And it’s been enchanting audiences for decades. Millions grew up with this version. It’s etched into our cultural DNA.
And that witch? The one with the pointy hat and the cackle? She's the villain. Pure and simple. Or is she? Even back then, there were hints. Little whispers. But nothing concrete.
Enter Wicked: The Untold Story
Now, fast forward a bit. The musical Wicked bursts onto the scene in 2003. And BAM! Everything we thought we knew about Oz gets flipped on its emerald head.
This isn't just a story; it's a reimagining. It takes the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba, and tells her side. And let me tell you, her side is way more complicated. And way more interesting.
We learn Elphaba wasn't born evil. Far from it! She's born with green skin. A bit of an outcast from the get-go. Her parents? Not exactly Hallmark card material.
The musical is all about perspective. It shows how easily someone can be misunderstood. How circumstances can shape you. How the “wicked” might just be fighting for what they believe in.
And Elphaba? She’s smart. She’s passionate. She’s got a killer voice (and a killer broom). She’s even got a romantic side. Totally different from the cackling menace of the 1939 film.
So, Which Came First?
This is the fun part, right? Technically, the Wizard of Oz movie came way before the musical Wicked. The movie is based on L. Frank Baum's 1900 novel, "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz." So, the book is the ultimate ancestor!
Wicked, on the other hand, is based on Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel, "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West." That book itself is a response to Baum's original story.
So, the timeline is:
- 1900: L. Frank Baum's "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" (the book)
- 1939: "The Wizard of Oz" (the iconic movie)
- 1995: Gregory Maguire's "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West" (the book that inspired the musical)
- 2003: "Wicked" (the Broadway musical)
Mind. Blown. Right?
Why Does It Matter?
Honestly? It doesn’t have to matter. You can love them both independently. But knowing the order adds a whole new layer to the fun.
If you see The Wizard of Oz first, then watch Wicked, it's like getting the ultimate behind-the-scenes scoop. You see Dorothy's story, then you get to understand the why behind the “villain.” It’s a revelation!
You start looking at Elphaba’s actions in the movie differently. You think, "Oh, that's why she was so angry!" It’s like finding out your grumpy neighbor actually has a really sweet backstory.
And the details! Wicked plays with all sorts of elements from the original. The name "Elphaba"? It's a nod to L. Frank Baum himself! How cool is that?
Then there’s the whole political commentary in Wicked. It’s not just a fairy tale. It talks about censorship, conformity, and the manipulation of public opinion. It's surprisingly deep for a story about a green girl and a wizard!
Think about the flying monkeys. In the movie, they just seem like scary henchmen. In Wicked, their origin is… well, it’s a bit tragic. And it makes you feel for them.
What If You Watch Wicked First?
If you dive into Wicked first, then watch the 1939 Wizard of Oz, it's a different kind of magic. You might find yourself rooting for Elphaba even when she’s being “wicked.” You’ll see her motivations. You’ll probably feel a bit sad for her when she’s melting.
The original movie might even feel a little… simplistic? Or maybe just a different kind of charming. You’ll see the characters you’ve come to love (or love to hate) in a new light.
It's like knowing a secret. You know the whole complex story of Elphaba, so when you see her as the antagonist, you're in on the joke. You understand the irony.
Quirky Fun Facts!
Here are some tidbits to impress your friends:
- The Ruby Slippers: In the book, they were silver! The switch to ruby red was for the 1939 movie to take advantage of the new Technicolor process. Imagine Dorothy in silver slippers!
- The Wizard's Real Job: In Baum's book, the Wizard is just a regular guy from Omaha who got to Oz in a balloon. He's a humbug! Not quite the all-powerful wizard we imagine.
- Elphaba's Name Origin: As mentioned, it’s a portmanteau of L. Frank Baum's initials: L.F.B. So clever!
- The "Wicked" Soundtrack: "Defying Gravity" is basically an anthem for anyone who's ever felt like an outsider. It’s epic.
- Glinda's Transformation: In Wicked, Glinda isn't the ditzy blonde we often imagine. She's complex, and her relationship with Elphaba is the heart of the story.
It’s just so much fun to play connect-the-dots with these stories. They’re two sides of the same coin, and both are brilliant in their own way.
The Verdict?
There's no "right" or "wrong" order. Honestly, the best way to experience it is probably to watch The Wizard of Oz first. It’s the foundational fairy tale. Then, let Wicked be your delightful, eye-opening sequel.
It makes you appreciate the original even more, while also giving you a whole new appreciation for the complexities of storytelling. And who doesn't love a good twist on a classic tale? It’s all about Oz, baby!