Yahoo Lifestyle I Saw 'Wicked' in Theaters and I Found These Incredible Easter Eggs
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This story contains light spoilers for Wicked Part 1.
When I first saw Wicked on Broadway at the age of 13, I knew my life as a theater kid had been changed for good. I loved seeing a story inspired by the book and The Wizard of Oz come to life, and it was a unique way to give fans insight into how the Wicked Witch of the West came to be. And if that wasn't enough, I immediately fell in love with the musical cast recording and have the opening lyrics to "Dancing Through Life" embedded in my brain to this day.
Now, more than two decades after Wicked first hit the Great White Way, we get see the story brought to the silver screen in Wicked Part 1. This time, we see Cynthia Erivo portraying our favorite green witch, with Ariana Grande playing a younger version of Glinda the Good. Couple them with other incredible cast members (Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh and more), and this is a movie that'll have you defying gravity after seeing it.
If you're heading to the movie theater thinking that a movie as iconic as Wicked has to have some nods to the stories it was inspired by, well, that's definitely the case. As the cast alluded to ahead of its release, there are some thrillifying Easter eggs that fans may miss if they're not paying close attention. I saw a screening of the movie, and I found these swanikified ways Wicked pays homage to its movie, book and musical predecessors.
Now, what is this feeling that's sudden and new? Let's go explore!
RELATED: Where Does 'Wicked' Fit Into the 'The Wizard of Oz' Timeline?
'Wicked' Opening Title Sequence
Although fans have seen the Wicked title sequence as a way to promote the movie, the opening credits actually don't use this version of the logo this at all.
In a way to directly nod to The Wizard of Oz, the opening credits for Wicked look identical to the ones seen in The Wizard of Oz, including the font showing off the movie title. It's a great way to pay homage, but also put its own spin on the film.
'Wizard of Oz' Characters
In possibly the most direct call out to The Wizard of Oz, the opening sequence features none other than Dorothy Gale, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion skipping down the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City.
Although we know Dorothy won't be part of Wicked until the second movie, we do get to see a version of these characters come to life in the first film. It just takes a real Wicked fan to pick up on who's who...
Glinda's Pink Ball Gown
One of the most iconic looks from the original Wizard of Oz movie is Glinda (played by actress Billie Burke)'s pink bejeweled ball gown she wears while in her magical bubble.
As a way to honor Billie's legacy, Wicked sees Ariana Grande wearing an updated version of that gown as Glinda rides in her magical bubble. But keep in mind — Glinda's outfit in the musical is different with her light blue dress.
Fiyero's Blue Outfit
Now, Fiyero (played by Jonathan Bailey) is famous for his white shirt and cream-colored pants in the Wicked musical, but we first meet the Winkie prince while he's wearing this elaborate cerulean and gold embellished ensemble.
This change of costume may be a small nod to the appearance of Fiyero in the Wicked novel, as he's described as having blue markings painted on his ochre-colored skin.
Fiyero's Pants
For those worried they'd never see Fiyero in his memorable pants, do not worry.
Wicked made sure to pay homage to the character's musical ensemble by having him wear a white shirt and light colored pants in the movie poster. What's more, the look shows up again when Elphaba and Fiyero run into the forest to let the lion cub go free from being caged at Shiz University.
Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth's Cameos
You can't have a Wicked movie without the original Elphaba and Glinda in it!
Fans already picked up on Kristin Chenoweth making a cameo in the movie, and Idina Menzel is right alongside her in the process. Fans can see them portray actors in the Emerald City, telling the story of how the Wizard came to Oz and became all powerful.
"BALL GOWN!"
Speaking of iconic actresses in Wicked, the movie actually referenced a scene that musical fans will definitely recognize.
As Glinda joyfully sings "Popular" in her and Elphaba's dorm room, she tries to magically change Elphaba's clothes and give her a ball gown like the ones she owns. As she struggles to do so, Elphaba just stands there cracking up. This is directly picked up from the Broadway show, and Kristin and Idina's version went viral on TikTok in early January 2024.
Glinda's Pink Rose
Fans of the Wicked musical know that after "Popular," Glinda gives Elphaba the pink rose as a way to help her feel beautiful.
As a way to honor that scene, the movie pulled that out of the musical and plopped it in the exact same place for a sweet bonding moment between the two women.
Red Poppies
Wizard of Oz fans may remember an iconic scene in which the Wicked Witch of the West magically causes Dorothy and her friends to fall asleep in a poppy field. Well, viewers will get to see the beginning of how Elphaba was able to do this in Wicked!
When Doctor Dillamond (played by Peter Dinklage) is captured and a new Shiz University professor is brought in his place, he brings in a lion cub who's stuck in a cage. Not able to control her anger, Elphaba manages to summon poppies and put everyone (except for Fiyero) to sleep. This leads the two to rescue the animal, with Fiyero wondering why he's the only one immune to this interesting quirk of Elphaba's.
Red Ruby Slippers
You know those red ruby slippers Dorothy is famous for wearing in The Wizard of Oz? Well, they make an appearance in Wicked... just not in the way one would think.
During the scene where Glinda sings "Popular," folks see her toss Elphaba a pair of red ruby sequined heels. While they aren't the silver shoes that Elphaba's sister Nessarose (played by Marissa Bode) is seen wearing and later get passed on to Dorothy, it's definitely a fun moment!
Nessarose's Silver Shoes
As for the silver shoes Nessarose receives from her and Elphaba's father before attending Shiz University, this is actually a nod to the creator of The Wizard of Oz universe.
When the 1939 movie was in production, author L. Frank Baum originally wanted Dorothy's shoes to be a silver color. Playbill notes they were changed to red for an eye-popping effect, but the Wicked musical honored Baum's wishes by bringing the color back onstage. So, it totally makes sense that the shoes would stay silver in the Wicked movie.
Hot Air Balloon
As Elphaba and Glinda try to escape the Emerald City and Madame Morrible and the Wizard's wraths, they do so by jumping into a hot air balloon.
While it's unclear why the Wizard had a hot air balloon, we do know he leaves Oz in one at the end of the musical. What's more, in The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy tried to use one as a way to get back home to Kansas.
Stephen Schwartz's Cameo
The Wicked musical had musical theater composer Stephen Schwartz pen the iconic music and lyrics folks know and love today. It wouldn't be right to have a Wicked movie without featuring him in some shape or form.
In a blink-or-you'll-miss-it moment, folks actually see him interacting with Elphaba and Glinda while they meet with the Wizard. Ahead of them going into the great room where he's inside, Stephen plays the messenger telling the women the Wizard is ready for them.
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