The upcoming Wicked movie, adapted from the hit Broadway musical, has sparked renewed interest in the timeline of Oz. While Wicked is often referred to as a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, the relationship between the two stories is more nuanced than a simple predecessor. This article delves into the chronological placement of Wicked within the broader Oz narrative.
Unraveling the Oz Timeline: Wicked’s Place in History
Wicked tells the “untold story” of the Witches of Oz, offering a backstory for iconic characters like the Wicked Witch of the West (Elphaba) and Glinda the Good. However, determining precisely when Wicked occurs relative to The Wizard of Oz isn’t straightforward. Wicked, based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel, presents a revisionist interpretation of L. Frank Baum’s original The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900), the book that inspired the classic 1939 film.
Wicked – Poster
While Wicked retains core elements from Baum’s work, it doesn’t adhere to a strict, linear timeline. The story unfolds over several years, encompassing Elphaba and Glinda’s time at Shiz University and the subsequent events leading to Elphaba’s transformation into the Wicked Witch of the West.
Wicked: Decades Before Dorothy’s Arrival?
In Maguire’s novel, the Wizard rules Oz for approximately 40 years before his eventual departure. The Wicked movie, divided into two parts, is expected to follow this trajectory. The first film focuses on Elphaba and Glinda’s younger years, showcasing a very different Oz compared to the one Dorothy encounters.
Considering Elphaba’s estimated age of 18 during her Shiz University days, and accounting for the period she spends consolidating her power after leaving school, it’s reasonable to assume that the first Wicked movie takes place roughly a decade or more before Dorothy’s arrival in Oz.
The Impact of Wicked on the Wizard of Oz
Wicked significantly enriches the existing Oz narrative by providing context for events in The Wizard of Oz. It explores the political and social turmoil that shaped Oz, including the Great Drought and the enactment of discriminatory anti-animal laws.
The musical also delves into the origins of key characters like the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion, offering insights into their backstories. Perhaps most importantly, Wicked exposes the Wizard’s true nature as a manipulative and power-hungry ruler, contrasting with his more benign portrayal in the original story.
Conclusion: A Complex Chronological Relationship
While Wicked serves as a prequel in the sense that it explores events preceding The Wizard of Oz, it’s not a direct, year-by-year lead-in. It provides a richer understanding of the world of Oz, its history, and its inhabitants, adding layers of complexity to the familiar story. Wicked enhances, rather than simply precedes, The Wizard of Oz, inviting audiences to re-examine the classic tale through a new lens.
