If you are asking, What is Wicked about? You aren’t alone. For decades, the Land of Oz was defined by a girl in gingham and a yellow brick road. But in recent years, the cultural conversation has shifted to the woman in black and the green skin she can’t wash off.
The question of what Wicked is actually about reveals the story’s unique power. Depending on which version you consume, it is a grim political satire, a sparkling Broadway spectacle about friendship, or a cinematic exploration of destiny. It challenges the official history of Oz, asking us to consider that history is often written by the winners (or in this case, the Wizards).
To truly understand the phenomenon, we have to look at the entire Wicked universe. From Gregory Maguire’s dark 1995 novel to the stage sensation and the 2024 film adaptation, here is the complete guide to the untold story of the witches of Oz.
The Core Story: Oz Before Dorothy
At its simplest level, Wicked is a revisionist prequel to L. Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz. It reimagines the timeline long before Dorothy Gale drops a house on anyone.
The narrative centers on Elphaba Thropp, a young woman born with emerald-green skin. Smart, fiery, and misunderstood, she arrives at Shiz University, where she is forced to room with Galinda (later Glinda), a bubbly, popular, and blonde socialite. What starts as a bitter rivalry evolves into a profound, life-altering friendship.
As they grow closer, they also grow closer to the levers of power in Oz. They eventually travel to the Emerald City to meet the Wizard, only to discover that the government of Oz is corrupt and built on smoke and mirrors. The Animals of Oz (capitalized to denote those with the power of speech) are being silenced and caged.
This discovery forces a choice. Glinda chooses to work within the system to maintain order, becoming Glinda the Good. Elphaba chooses to rebel and fight for the oppressed, leading the state to brand her as the Wicked Witch of the West.
What is Wicked: For Good about?
It is important to note that the cinematic journey of Wicked is split into two parts. The 2024 film covers the first act of the musical—the time at Shiz University and the initial visit to the Emerald City. Wicked: Part Two, titled For Good (scheduled for 2025), will conclude the saga, focusing on Elphaba’s life as a fugitive and her eventual encounter with Dorothy.
Spoiler Alert: Key Plot Details
Click to reveal major plot spoilers
While the endings differ between the book and musical, the core trajectory involves Elphaba becoming a freedom fighter. She attempts to liberate the Animals and exposes the Wizard as a powerless fraud from Earth.
In the climax, Elphaba stages her own death (the famous melting scene) to escape the mob mentality of Oz. The musical and film, it is revealed to the audience but not to Glinda that Elphaba survives and leaves Oz with Fiyero (the Scarecrow). In the book, the ending is far more tragic and ambiguous, with implied death.
The Wicked Trinity: Book vs. Musical vs. Film
One of the biggest sources of confusion comes from the drastic differences between the source material and its adaptations. Understanding these differences is key to knowing what you are signing up for.
| Feature | The 1995 Novel (what is wicked about the book) | The Broadway Musical (what is wicked about on Broadway) | The 2024 Film (What is wicked about the movie 2024) |
| Tone & Themes | Dark, political, and philosophical. It explicitly explores the nature of evil, religious extremism, propaganda, and terrorism. | Hopeful, theatrical, and emotionally resonant. It centers heavily on female friendship, identity, and defying social expectations. | A visual spectacle that expands the musical’s scope. It splits the story to allow for deeper character exploration and world-building. |
| Key Differences | Elphaba’s Fate: Tragic; she does not clearly survive. Content: Covers her entire life, not just the Shiz years. Characters are morally gray and abrasive. | Elphaba’s Fate: Ambiguous, but hints strongly at survival. Content: Streamlines the plot to focus on the “Gelphie” (Glinda/Elphaba) friendship arc. | New Elements: Enhanced visuals of Oz, expanded cameos from original Broadway stars, and musical numbers re-orchestrated for cinematic grandeur. |
| Target Audience | Adults. Contains mature sexual themes, violence, and complex, dense prose. | Family-friendly (ages 8+). Accessible to a broad audience while retaining emotional depth. | General audiences and cinema lovers. Captures the musical fanbase while inviting new viewers into a larger world. |
| Reception | Divided. Praised for its brilliant concept but criticized by some for pacing and dryness. | Phenomenal. One of the highest-grossing shows in history, beloved for its score. | Acclaimed. A major box office success, earning nominations for 10 Academy Awards, including Best Picture. |
Decoding the Enduring Appeal: Why Is Wicked So Popular?
Why does a story about a green witch continue to resonate decades after its release? The answer lies in the universal themes that weave through every version of the story.
The True Nature of Wickedness
The story asks a semantic question that applies to modern politics and society: what is wicked about a person? Is wickedness something you are born with, or is it a label thrust upon you by a society that fears what it doesn’t understand? By showing Elphaba as an activist rather than a villain, the story forces the audience to question the narratives they are fed by authority figures.
The Power of an Unlikely Friendship
At its heart, the adaptation is a love story—not romantic, but platonic. The bond between Glinda and Elphaba is the emotional anchor. It appeals to anyone who has ever felt unpopular or judged on their appearance. It celebrates female solidarity in a way few blockbusters do, showing two women who change each other for good.
Defying Gravity as a Universal Anthem
The act one finale, Defying Gravity, has transcended the show to become a pop culture anthem. It is a song about trusting your instincts, letting go of the need for approval, and acting on your convictions, even if it means flying solo.
Who Should Experience Wicked? Your Ultimate Guide
If you are unsure which version of Oz to visit first, use this quick decision matrix to guide your choice.
Read the book if…
You enjoy dark, high-fantasy world-building similar to Game of Thrones. If you are interested in political philosophy and don’t mind a slower, denser narrative that challenges the happily ever after trope, the novel is for you.
See the musical (or listen to the soundtrack) if…
You want an uplifting, emotional catharsis driven by power ballads. This is the version that captured the world’s heart. It is perfect if you want a story that leaves you feeling hopeful and energized.
Watch the 2024 film if…
You are new to the story or a fan wanting a stunning visual expansion of the musical. If you want to see the details of Shiz University and the Emerald City brought to life with CGI and massive sets, this is the definitive visual experience.
A Note on Content and Ratings
A common query is Is Wicked the movie a musical? Yes, it is. Characters sing their thoughts and feelings throughout. Regarding the wicked age rating, the film is rated PG for some thematic elements and scary action, making it suitable for most families, though very young children might find the flying monkeys intense.
The Verdict on the Green Girl
So, what is Wicked about? It is about perspective. It is about the realization that the villain in someone else’s story might be the hero of their own. Whether you turn the pages of Maguire’s novel or watch the credits roll on the 2024 blockbuster, Wicked challenges you to look beyond the surface—beyond the green skin and the pointy hat—to find the truth underneath.
If you haven’t yet taken the trip down the Yellow Brick Road, now is the time. Pick your medium, suspend your disbelief, and prepare to be changed for good.