Before Jon M. Chu’s “Wicked” (2024) was a record-breaking film grossing over $700 million worldwide, or even a hit Broadway musical, it was first an allegorical novel written by Gregory Maguire in 1995.
Living through a time period of political tragedies like the first Gulf War and the rise of despotic regimes in the Middle East and Asia, Maguire drew parallels to the history of fascism. Through “Wicked” (1995), he examined the way in which corrupt leaders consolidate power and push oppressive agendas by using vilifying rhetoric—words such as “wicked”—to dehumanize others.
While the musical and film adaptations have changed elements of Maguire’s original plotline over the years, the not-so-hidden political meaning has remained. So while “Wicked” (2024) is the story of the unexpectedly profound friendship between misunderstood, green-skinned Elphaba and beautiful blonde Glinda, it is likewise a commentary on the effect that societies under oppressive leaders have on marginalized communities.
The movie takes place in the Land of Oz, riddled with economic despair and political turmoil. In this way, the circumstances in Oz mirror the historical conditions which have often given rise to fascism. The fear and instability create an opening for authoritarian control to take hold. In the context of “Wicked,” this authoritarian control is The Wizard.
The Wizard is praised by the civilians of Oz, who look to him for help and support. Revealed to have lost his magic at the end of the movie, The Wizard maintains power while having no real capability by inspiring the people through proclamations and promises—but mostly, propaganda. Much like real-life dictatorial leaders, by presenting himself as charismatic and all-powerful, he is able to use propaganda and manipulation tactics to villainize a community on the grounds of unifying the people against a common enemy.
The community, or “common enemy,” in question is the Animals of Oz. Symbolically, the goat professor of “Dear Old Shiz” University, Dr. Drillamond, represents the scapegoats of society, alongside the rest of the Animals. Despite the fact that economic and political hardship stems from the system of power itself, The Wizard manipulates the Ozians by framing Animals as the root of all of their struggles. This “scapegoating” technique mirrors a well known fascist and discriminatory political tactic. The Animals are used as a political tool, unjustly persecuted despite their innocence—much like oppressed groups in fascist regimes.
In contrast to the scapegoated Animals is deuteragonist Glinda, the quintessential portrayal of the privileged elite. Glinda has never faced hardship nor interacted with those who have, and does not truly understand the struggles of marginalized groups. Blonde, able and wealthy, she has never been subject to racism, ableism, poverty or any form of discrimination inherent to her identity or background. In this sense, Glinda almost has a hero complex; she presents herself as altruistic for the sake of gaining admiration and popularity rather than a true desire to help. Glinda shows how the privileged are outwardly virtuous, with their mere appearances defining their goodness regardless of how their actions impact others.
And lastly, the beloved protagonist and namesake of “Wicked”: Elphaba, Maguire’s symbol of marginalized communities. Born with green skin, Elphaba was rejected from the moment she was born for a characteristic beyond her control. This ostracization from society caused Elphaba to develop a nature which makes her abrasive and aloof, but also granted her a perspective of solidarity with other marginalized communities—which is what drove her activism and inclination to help the Animals of Oz (and initial “loathing” of the privileged Glinda). In addition, the Wizard’s aspersion of Elphaba reflects how fascist leaders propagate groundless race-based fear to instill hatred and gain more power.
“Wicked,” nearly 30 years after its creation, serves as a modern-day warning against fascism and exposes oppressive regimes. It is a statement urging the importance of standing in solidarity with the marginalized, recognizing injustice and rethinking who authorities deem “wicked.”