Why Wicked Still Has Us Under Its Spell

createdbybecca
Nov 21
2 min read

Some fandoms rise, fall, and fade… and then there’s Wicked — a story so powerful it’s been defying gravity (literally and figuratively) for over 20 years. This week, we’re heading back to Oz to talk about the impact of the Broadway phenomenon, the magic of the first film, and the excitement bubbling up for the upcoming sequel, Wicked: For Good.

💚 The Musical That Changed Broadway

When Wicked premiered in 2003, nobody could have predicted just how deeply it would root itself into pop culture. But it wasn’t just the spectacular score or the emerald aesthetic; it was the story.

Suddenly, we were seeing Oz through the eyes of the misunderstood: the “wicked” girl who wasn’t wicked at all. Elphaba’s journey became a symbol of outsider resilience, individuality, and fighting for what's right, even when the world tries to paint you as the villain.

And Glinda? A reminder that sparkles and status don’t shield you from making impossible choices.

Not to mention, the musical gave us Defying Gravity, Popular, and For Good songs that have been belted in bedrooms, rehearsal studios, talent shows, and cars for two decades. No matter how the musical landscape changes, Wicked remains an untouchable classic.

🎬 The First Wicked Film: A Dream Come True

After years (and years) of fans begging, theorizing, fan casting, and occasionally losing hope, the first Wicked movie finally arrived, and it was an event.

Seeing the world of Oz brought to life with modern visuals, expanded storytelling, and a new take on beloved characters was emotional for both longtime fans and first-timers experiencing the magic. The performances, the costumes, the world-building… it all felt like a love letter to the musical, while still offering something new.

The film didn’t replace Broadway; it honored it. And for many, it made the story feel even bigger, richer, and more accessible.

✨ Looking Ahead to Wicked: For Good

Now, with Wicked: For Good on the horizon, the excitement is unreal. Part two promises more profound lore, greater emotional payoff, and a closer look at the relationships that shaped Elphaba and Glinda’s paths.

Fans are especially buzzing about:

What songs will be rearranged or expanded
How the film will portray Elphaba and Glinda’s final choices
The deeper dive into Oz’s political corruption
The emotional weight of For Good on the big screen (grab your tissues now)

If the first film was the visual spectacle we’d dreamed of, Wicked: For Good feels like it will be the emotional crescendo of the chapter that brings everything together.

🌪️ Why the Wicked Fandom Endures

Wicked isn’t just a show. It’s a feeling.

A movement.

A reminder that stories can be both enchanting and deeply human.

It’s the celebration of unlikely friendships.

The reclaiming of narratives.

The courage to challenge the world, even when you stand alone.

Fans have carried this musical through generations, art trends, and changing pop culture landscapes because its themes remain universal — and because its world is endlessly enchanting.

Whether you’ve been here since 2003 or just joined Oz thanks to the film, this fandom has room for everyone.