Before it was a Hollywood blockbuster, it was a megahit musical, and before that, it was a 1995 novel. Author Gregory Maguire tells the BBC about the inspiration behind Wicked.
As a child, Gregory Maguire and his siblings would often reenact scenes from the classic 1939 film, The Wizard of Oz. They’d even take creative liberties, rewriting the story and switching perspectives to keep themselves entertained. “The material was so malleable that you could change it and it would still be recognizable,” Maguire recalls. Little did he know that these childhood games would lay the foundation for his life-changing novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of The Wicked Witch of the West.
By the early 1990s, Maguire, a respected children’s author, was eager to explore a more mature theme: the nature of evil. He sought to delve into the complexities of morality and the blurred lines between good and bad. To captivate readers, he knew he needed a compelling narrative, one that would resonate with audiences worldwide.
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The idea struck him while revisiting The Wizard of Oz. He pondered the brief interactions between the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda, imagining a deeper connection between the two, perhaps a shared history. “I thought to myself, ‘They know each other. They’ve crossed paths before. They went to school together!’” The thought made him laugh out loud. “I thought that was so funny. Because it was such a good idea.”
Maguire’s intuition proved correct. Wicked became a word-of-mouth sensation, gradually gaining popularity over the years. The subsequent musical adaptation further elevated its status, captivating audiences with its unforgettable characters and powerful message.
The upcoming film adaptation, while deviating from the book in some ways, remains true to its core themes of friendship, identity, and the complexities of good and evil. The film delves into the perspectives of both Elphaba and Glinda, exploring their evolving relationship and their shared journey of self-discovery.
Dana Fox, co-writer of the film, attributes Wicked’s enduring appeal to Maguire’s innovative approach to the classic tale. By questioning the traditional portrayal of the Wicked Witch of the West, Maguire challenged societal perceptions and invited readers to consider the nuances of morality.
The tragic murder of James Bulger in 1993 further solidified Maguire’s exploration of evil. As the world grappled with the incomprehensible act, Maguire pondered the origins of such darkness. He realized that the incident aligned perfectly with the themes he was exploring in Wicked.
Ultimately, Wicked offers a timeless message of acceptance and self-love. By empathizing with Elphaba’s journey, readers can connect with their own experiences of feeling misunderstood and marginalized. As Fox aptly puts it, “There’s a little Elphaba inside all of us.”
Wicked is set to captivate audiences once again with its powerful story and unforgettable characters. As we eagerly await the film’s release, we can’t help but wonder what new insights and emotions this beloved tale will evoke.
Wicked explores the complex nature of good and evil. It challenges traditional narratives and invites readers to empathize with characters often labeled as villains. The novel delves into themes of prejudice, power, and the consequences of societal expectations.
While the film retains the core themes of the book, it takes creative liberties with the plot and character development. The film places more emphasis on the friendship between Elphaba and Glinda, exploring their evolving relationship in greater detail. Additionally, the film adaptation introduces new plot elements and visual spectacles to appeal to a wider audience.