The highly-anticipated “Wicked: For Good” has taken the media by storm since its release in late November.
After the premiere of the initial installment, “Wicked: For Good” broke box office records and started an internet phenomenon. Their brand collaborations and marketing made the upcoming sequel film hard to escape. The initial feature follows the first act of the Broadway musical, where Elphaba and Glinda are rivals in their college years. The second act includes the same bond between the two characters as they face personal trials, public conflicts and complications within their friendship. Their slow development from academic competitors to companions made individuals connected to its deep, thoughtful themes of unbreakable bonds and inclusivity. This past Thanksgiving, the sequel was released, adapting the second act of the Broadway musical, and the public’s reaction was just as memorable this time.
“I believe “Wicked’s” impact was huge. It’s taken this musical that can be considered one of the faces of Broadway being on for 20 plus years, and turned it into a dual film adaptation for the world to enjoy. […] Not only was it cinematically significant, but the themes of the story also hold such importance. Themes such as friendship, betrayal and propaganda all take place in our everyday lives. That’s how you know a movie is good, when its world is completely separate from ours but its themes and importance carry over and apply to us personally, ” said sophomore Logan S., via email.
Despite the magical and fantasy aspects of the movies, the characters and themes present were very applicable to the real lives of viewers. Some characters who were initially portrayed as kind or perfect in “Wicked” became deceptive or developed more relatable flaws. Characters were betrayed, misjudged, and made sacrifices. The relatability of these aspects of the film made the characters comforting and more realistic. For some, the connections to characters may have even strengthened due to the deeper exploration into the flaws and underlying feelings.
“My favorite message and the one that should definitely be taken away from the films are its themes of friendship. […] Something was just so important and sacred to me about watching ‘Wicked: For Good’ with my friends who have been there since the beginning and have literally changed me for good. The powerful message of friendship and the beauty of being around those you believe have actually changed you, is enough to be memorable and enough to make you emotional,” said Logan.
In this second “Wicked” film, the stakes are much higher. The sequel explores the alienation of Elphaba after the Wizard’s claims, Glinda’s desire to be loved for herself despite the veil she wore in front of the public, and the animals’ struggle with being cast out by the plot of the Wizard and Madam Morrible. While individuals who have seen the Broadway musical saw this coming, those who didn’t might’ve been surprised by the change in tone from lighthearted to intense. Nevertheless, the same lessons of impactful relationships and the effects of propaganda stayed strong and people felt the same connection.
“‘Wicked’ had the impact that it did because it was this beautiful fantastical world, but people were able to still see the characters as very flawed individuals. Part of what made ‘Wicked’ so popular is how people were able to see themselves in these characters. A way I’ve seen people describe Elphaba and Glinda is ‘platonic soulmates’ and I think a lot of people our age can relate to that […] a lot of people our age, I feel, see their friendships as almost more important than their family relationships, like they can tell their friends anything and that they are a piece of their heart,” said Junior Josephine D.
Through the films’ popularity on social media, especially with the younger generations, both “Wicked” and “Wicked: For Good” blossomed into a widespread way to connect with others. People enjoyed making videos relating to the meaningful songs and with the symbolic colors of pink and green presented in the movies. Not only did it connect those within generations, but the fondness for Elphaba and Glinda’s friendship transcended generations and connected all with adoration for “Wicked” or “The Wizard of Oz.”
“I think it had the impact that it did because it shows that you might not know someone’s full story and they might be different than how they’re perceived. […] You shouldn’t judge a book by its cover,” said freshman Maya G.
“Wicked: For Good” was able to combine important and relevant lessons with the love of magic, fantasy, and music that countless people have. The powerful messages of empowerment and companionship in “Wicked” have sparked a connection between generations and has given people a wide array of beloved characters to relate to and learn lessons from. 
