Wicked
Wicked is an American musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Winnie Holzman, loosely based on the 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire. For other uses, see Wicked (disambiguation).[1][2] The story serves as a prequel to L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, reimagining the origins of Elphaba, the green-skinned woman who becomes the Wicked Witch of the West, and her unlikely friendship with the popular Galinda (later Glinda the Good), set against a backdrop of political corruption, discrimination against sentient animals, and societal prejudice in the Land of Oz.[1][3] Premiering on Broadway at the Gershwin Theatre on October 30, 2003, after an out-of-town tryout in San Francisco, Wicked has run for over 7,500 performances as of November 2025, making it one of the longest-running shows in Broadway history.[2] The musical explores profound themes of identity, power, and moral ambiguity through its central characters' journeys at Shiz University, where Elphaba discovers her magical abilities and challenges the Wizard's regime, while Glinda navigates her ambitions and growing conscience.[3] Iconic songs such as "Defying Gravity," "Popular," and "For Good" have become cultural staples, contributing to the show's global appeal with productions in over 100 cities across five continents.[1] Wicked won three Tony Awards in 2004 for Best Scenic Design, Best Costume Design, and Best Leading Actress in a Musical (Idina Menzel as Elphaba), along with six Drama Desk Awards, including Outstanding Musical.[2] As of November 2025, the Broadway production alone has grossed over $1.79 billion, underscoring its status as a blockbuster phenomenon.[2] In 2024, Wicked expanded into film with the release of Wicked: Part One, directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, which grossed over $758 million worldwide and earned ten Academy Award nominations; Wicked: For Good (Part Two) is scheduled for release on November 21, 2025.[4][5][6] This adaptation has revitalized interest in the original stage production, which continues to tour nationally and internationally, drawing diverse audiences to its message of empathy and defiance.[7]Books
Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West
Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West is a 1995 novel by American author Gregory Maguire, published by ReganBooks, an imprint of HarperCollins.[8] The book serves as the first installment in The Wicked Years, a series that reimagines L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz through a darker, more politically charged lens, focusing on the origins and life of the character known as the Wicked Witch of the West.[9] Maguire, drawing from themes of marginalization and authoritarianism, presents Oz not as a whimsical fantasy but as a stratified society rife with prejudice against non-human creatures and ethnic minorities.[10] The narrative chronicles the life of Elphaba Thropp, born green-skinned and toothless in the rural Munchkinland region of Oz to a hedonistic mother, Melena, and a rigid missionary father, Frex.[11] Shunned from birth due to her appearance, which is attributed to her mother's rumored infidelity and possible exposure to a green elixir, Elphaba grows into a brilliant but volatile young woman.[11] Sent to Shiz University, she forms a complex friendship with the privileged, blonde Galinda (later Glinda Upland) while uncovering systemic injustices, including the oppression of sentient Animals like Professor Doctor Dillamond.[11] As Elphaba delves into sorcery and activism against the Wizard's regime, her efforts to protect the vulnerable lead to her exile and eventual vilification as the Wicked Witch, exploring profound questions of identity, power, and moral ambiguity in a land on the brink of revolution.[11] Upon release, the novel received generally positive reviews for its inventive world-building and thematic depth, though some critics noted its mature, often grim tone diverged sharply from Baum's childlike original. Kirkus Reviews highlighted its "magical and intriguing" expansion of Oz's lore.[12] The Los Angeles Times commended its exploration of the Witch's "untold history," emphasizing her evolution from alienated student to revolutionary figure.[13] Initial sales were modest, but the book's popularity surged after the 2003 Broadway musical adaptation, ultimately selling more than 5 million copies worldwide.[14] As the inaugural volume of The Wicked Years tetralogy, Wicked laid the foundation for subsequent novels including Son of a Witch (2005), A Lion Among Men (2008), and Out of Oz (2011), which expand the Oz universe without directly continuing Elphaba's personal arc in detail.[15]Wicked! (novel)
Wicked!: A Tale of Two Schools is a 2006 novel by British author Jilly Cooper, published by Bantam Press as the eighth installment in her Rutshire Chronicles series.[16] The book, spanning 846 pages, marks Cooper's exploration of the British education system through a satirical lens, distinct from her earlier works focused on rural equestrian and media worlds within the same fictional universe.[17] Aimed at adult readers, it incorporates elements of romance and comedy typical of Cooper's bibliography, which often blends humor with social observation in contemporary British settings.[18] The plot centers on the rivalry and eventual collaboration between two schools in the fictional county of Larkshire: the elite independent Bagley Hall, known for its academic rigor and celebrity offspring, and the struggling state-run Larkminster Comprehensive, facing closure due to funding issues and poor performance.[19] At Larkminster, Janna Curtis, a young and determined headteacher from northern England, battles unruly students, resistant staff, and property developers to save the institution.[17] Meanwhile, Bagley Hall's ambitious headmaster, Hengist Brett-Taylor, proposes a resource-sharing partnership that ignites class tensions, pranks, budding romances among pupils, and personal entanglements, including an affair between Janna and Hengist.[19] The narrative weaves in subplots involving gifted but troubled students like the poetic Paris Alvaston from Larkminster and tabloid journalist Dora Belvedon, culminating in scandals and a forced merger that exposes deeper societal fractures.[20] The novel satirizes the British education system's inequalities, highlighting class divides between privileged private schooling and underfunded comprehensives, while critiquing youth disaffection, institutional racism, and mental health challenges among teenagers.[17] Cooper infuses the story with her signature humor and mild scandals, such as underage drinking and romantic dalliances, to underscore themes of resilience, unlikely alliances, and the clash between rural idyll and urban decay.[20] These elements serve as a backdrop for exploring leadership struggles and the personal costs of ambition in a stratified society.[19] Reception was mixed, with praise for Cooper's witty prose and engaging character dynamics akin to her adult Rutshire novels, though critics noted the book's excessive length and occasional stylistic shortcomings.[17] The Guardian described it as "hilarious, daring and sporadically enchanting," appreciating its addictive quality despite uneven pacing, while The Independent highlighted its unpretentious charm but questioned its handling of heavy topics like rape and mental illness in a lighthearted format.[17][20] Overall, it appealed to fans seeking escapist entertainment with social commentary, earning commendations as a "perfect beach companion" from the Daily Mail.[19]Galinda: A Charmed Childhood
Galinda: A Charmed Childhood is an upcoming prequel novel by American author Gregory Maguire, to be published by HarperCollins with a release date of September 29, 2026.[21] Billed as a sister volume to Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, it explores the early life of Galinda (later Glinda).[21]Film, television and stage
Wicked (musical)
Wicked is a musical with book by Winnie Holzman, music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, and direction by Joe Mantello.[22] It premiered on Broadway on October 30, 2003, at the Gershwin Theatre, where it has remained in continuous production.[22] Adapted from Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, the show reimagines the backstory of characters from L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.[22] The plot centers on Elphaba, a young woman born with green skin who is intelligent, passionate, and often misunderstood, and her unlikely friendship with the bubbly and popular Glinda at Shiz University in the Land of Oz.[3] As they navigate college life, political intrigue, and personal growth, Elphaba discovers her magical abilities and clashes with the Wizard of Oz and Madame Morrible, leading to her being branded the "Wicked Witch of the West."[23] The first act culminates in Elphaba's defiant solo "Defying Gravity," where she rejects societal expectations and flies away on a broomstick.[3] The second act explores the consequences of her rebellion, the deepening bond and eventual rift between the two women, and themes of prejudice and redemption, ending with a reflection on their lasting impact on each other.[3] The score features 20 musical numbers, including ensemble pieces and solos that highlight character development and emotional arcs.[24] Key songs include "Popular," in which Glinda attempts to makeover Elphaba to fit in socially; "The Wizard and I," where Elphaba dreams of acceptance from the Wizard; and "For Good," a poignant duet reflecting on how their friendship has transformed them both.[25] These tracks, performed with elaborate staging and choreography by Wayne Cilento, blend pop, Broadway, and operatic elements to underscore the narrative's emotional depth.[22] By November 2025, the Broadway production had surpassed 8,570 performances, making it one of the longest-running shows in history.[22] It has grossed over $1.79 billion at the box office, setting records for weekly earnings, including the first musical to exceed $3 million in a single week in 2013.[23] In 2004, Wicked won three Tony Awards: Best Scenic Design (Eugene Lee), Best Costume Design (Susan Hilferty), and Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical (Idina Menzel as Elphaba). International tours and productions have reached audiences in over 100 cities worldwide, including ongoing runs in London, Australia, and multiple North American tours.[7] The musical has had a profound cultural impact by delving into themes of friendship, personal identity, and social injustice, challenging audiences to reconsider judgments based on appearances and power structures in Oz as metaphors for real-world issues.[3] Its original Broadway cast recording, released in 2003, won a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album and has sold millions of copies, introducing the score to global audiences.[26] Extensive merchandise, including apparel, accessories, and collectibles, is available through official channels, further embedding Wicked in popular culture as a symbol of empowerment and camaraderie.[27]Wicked (2024 film)
Wicked (titled on-screen as Wicked: Part One) is a 2024 American musical fantasy film directed by Jon M. Chu and written by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox, serving as the first part of a two-film adaptation of the first act of the Broadway musical Wicked by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman, which is itself based on the 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire.[28] The film stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Thropp, the future Wicked Witch of the West, and Ariana Grande as Galinda Upland, who becomes Glinda the Good, alongside Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero Tigelaar, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard of Oz, Ethan Slater as Boq, and Marissa Bode as Nessarose Thropp.[29] Principal photography for both parts began in December 2022 at Sky Studios Elstree in Borehamwood, England, and other UK locations including Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, East Sussex, and Norfolk, with production halting in July 2023 due to the SAG-AFTRA strike before resuming and wrapping in late 2023.[30] The project had a reported budget of $145 million. The story follows Elphaba, a green-skinned young woman ostracized for her appearance, as she enrolls at Shiz University and forms an unlikely friendship with the popular Galinda, amid political intrigue in the land of Oz; the narrative builds to Elphaba's decision to defy authority in the climactic song "Defying Gravity," setting up the sequel. The soundtrack features 12 songs from the musical's first act, including "No One Mourns the Wicked," "Dear Old Shiz," "What Is This Feeling?," "Dancing Through Life," "Popular," "I'm Not That Girl," "One Short Day," and "Defying Gravity," performed live on set by the principal cast with musical direction by Stephen Schwartz, enhanced by orchestral arrangements and new interpolations for cinematic flow.[31] Visual effects and production design expand the world of Oz through CGI, creating immersive environments like the Emerald City and Shiz University, while incorporating Easter eggs referencing The Wizard of Oz, such as brief glimpses of Dorothy and her companions.[32] Released theatrically by Universal Pictures on November 22, 2024, Wicked: Part One achieved commercial success, grossing $756.5 million worldwide against its $145 million budget, making it the highest-grossing film adaptation of a Broadway musical and the top-earning film set in the Oz universe.[33] Critically, it received praise for its stunning visuals, vocal performances—particularly Erivo and Grande's chemistry and singing—and faithful yet expansive take on the source material, earning an 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 403 reviews and a 73/100 Metascore on Metacritic from 63 critics, with reviewers highlighting the film's emotional depth and technical achievements.[29] At the 97th Academy Awards in 2025, the film secured 10 nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actress for Erivo, and Best Supporting Actress for Grande, ultimately winning two Oscars: Best Costume Design for Paul Tazewell and Best Production Design for Nathan Crowley and Lee Sandales.[34] The sequel, Wicked: For Good, was released in theaters on November 21, 2025.[35] Compared to the stage musical, the film introduces additional backstory for characters like Elphaba's family and the Wizard, enhances relationships through extended scenes, and employs extensive CGI for dynamic set pieces, such as the flying sequences in "Defying Gravity," while altering some dialogue for pacing and adding visual motifs absent in the theater production, resulting in a runtime of 2 hours and 40 minutes.[32] These changes emphasize spectacle and emotional intimacy, with live singing replacing pre-recorded tracks to capture authentic performances.[36]Wicked (1998 film)
''Wicked'' is a 1998 American independent psychological thriller film directed by Michael Steinberg and written by Eric Weiss.[37] The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 17, 1998, and received a limited theatrical release later that year before being released directly to video in 2001.[38] With a runtime of approximately 85 minutes, it was produced on a low budget by independent companies including Frankestein Entertainment and Flipped Out Productions.[39][40] The plot centers on Ellie Christianson (Julia Stiles), a dissatisfied teenager living in a gated Los Angeles suburb with her parents Ben (William R. Moses) and Karen (Chelsea Field), and her younger sister Inger (Vanessa Zima). Following the brutal murder of her mother in their home, Ellie becomes increasingly obsessed with her father and jealous of the family's new live-in nanny, Lena (Louise Myrback), while the police investigation raises suspicions about various family members, including Ellie herself.[37] The story explores themes of family dysfunction, repressed desires, and psychological unraveling, blending elements of mystery and dark psychodrama.[40][41] The cast features Julia Stiles in one of her early leading roles as the troubled protagonist Ellie, marking a breakout performance that highlighted her ability to portray complex, intense characters. Supporting roles include William R. Moses as the grieving father, Chelsea Field as the victimized mother, Vanessa Zima as the younger sister, Louise Myrback as the enigmatic nanny, Michael Parks as a detective, and Patrick Muldoon as a neighbor.[42] The production was handled by a small team, with Steinberg's direction emphasizing suburban unease and character-driven tension over overt action.[41] Upon release, ''Wicked'' received mixed reviews, with critics praising its atmospheric tension and Stiles' performance but critiquing its uneven pacing and predictable twists.[41] Variety noted its potential for "latenight cult interest and bright ancillary afterlife," highlighting its appeal to fans of psychological thrillers.[41] It holds a 20% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on limited reviews and a 5.3/10 average on IMDb from over 3,600 user ratings.[39][37] Due to distribution issues, including a financial dispute that delayed its wider release, the film achieved only modest visibility in theaters but gained a minor cult following through home video and late-night cable airings, appreciated for its bold exploration of taboo family dynamics.[40] The movie did not receive any major awards or nominations.Music
Albums
Several notable music albums titled Wicked have been released across various genres, often employing the term to evoke themes of rebellion, intensity, or moral ambiguity. These works span heavy metal, blues, electronic, hip hop, and pop rock, reflecting the word's versatility in capturing edgy narratives.| Album Title | Artist | Year | Genre | Label | Peak Chart Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No Rest for the Wicked | Ozzy Osbourne | 1988 | Heavy metal | Epic Records | No. 13 (Billboard 200) |
| Wicked | Shemekia Copeland | 2000 | Blues | Alligator Records | — |
| Wicked Album | M-Beat | 1994 | Ragga jungle | Renk Records | N/A (independent release) |
| W.I.C.K.E.D. | Twiztid | 2009 | Horrorcore hip hop | Psychopathic Records | No. 11 (Billboard 200) |
| Pray for the Wicked | Panic! at the Disco | 2018 | Pop rock | DCD2/Atlantic Records | No. 1 (Billboard 200) |