A Subtle Detail in Wicked Unveils an Additional Layer to the Animals Storyline

Note: This article contains significant spoilers for Wicked.

Wicked, the cinematic adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, subtly implies a troubling history surrounding the treatment of Animals in the fantastical land of Oz. This narrative, which retells the iconic tale from the viewpoint of Elphaba—commonly referred to as the Wicked Witch of the West—draws its inspiration from Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West.

While Maguire’s original text and the film diverge considerably, the core narrative remains intact. In the film, Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba, marked by her distinctive green skin, faces societal alienation until her time at Shiz University where she forms a bond with Glinda, portrayed by Ariana Grande. This friendship evolves from mutual contempt into a deep connection, and together they journey through Oz, attempting to advocate for the rights of Animals. However, the film’s conclusion reveals the facade of the Wizard, who manipulates Elphaba’s magical abilities for his own gain.

Elphaba’s Unintentional Revelation at Shiz

Early Indications of Shiz’s Neglect of Animal Academics

The narrative unfolds further in Wicked’s climax when Elphaba discovers the systematic discrimination against the Animals of Oz orchestrated by the Wizard. This signifies not only the suppression of this class but serves as an allegorical reflection of fascist regimes that use minorities as scapegoats. The plight of the Animals—highlighted through subplots such as that of Peter Dinklage’s Doctor Dillamond—suggests a broader societal critique, as the remaining Animal professors at Shiz are shown to be marginalized and forgotten.

Wicked Opening Weekend Box Office
$114 million (domestic)
$50 million (international)
$164 million (worldwide total)

Doctor Dillamond does not detail the specific acts of oppression faced by Animals during his classes, but the ominous song “Something Bad”exposes discussions among Animals regarding their diminishing rights. Conversations about silenced protestors and colleagues opting to flee highlight the dangers facing Animals in Oz. Early hints regarding the erasure of Animal history at the university surface when Elphaba inadvertently damages the stone façade at Shiz, unveiling a mural depicting three Animal educators.

The Foundational Role of Animals in Shiz’s History

The Transition of Shiz: From Inclusive to Exclusive

Significantly, the ornate grey stone sculpture of the Wizard serves as a deceptive cover over this mural of Animal educators until Elphaba’s unintentional revelation. This moment not only offers clues about the exploitation of Animals in the storyline but also implies that they were once integral to the founding and operation of Shiz University. While Doctor Dillamond hints that historically, a larger population of Animals served in academic roles at Shiz, he refrains from claiming that they were instrumental in the university’s establishment, likely due to the Wizard’s embellished narrative of history.

The Ongoing Erasure of Animal Histories and Future Implications

Anticipating Further Exploration of Animal Rights in Wicked Part Two

The erasure of Animal history is crucial not only to the development of Doctor Dillamond’s character but also plays a vital role in Elphaba’s journey within Wicked. The forthcoming Wicked Part Two is poised to delve deeper into the themes of Animal oppression, focusing on Elphaba’s advocacy for Animal rights while she navigates her exile and labels as a terroristic figure in Oz. Her visions of Dillamond’s plight are anticipated to manifest as the narrative progresses. The Animal struggle parallels the evolving dynamics among Elphaba, Glinda, and Fiyero in the sequel, as the three characters grapple with their differing ideologies.

As the story unfolds, Elphaba’s lifelong experience with discrimination fuels her dedication to the Animal cause, while Fiyero evolves from naivety to an understanding of their oppression. Conversely, Glinda aligns herself with the oppressive structures represented by the Wizard and Madame Morrible. Ultimately, the quest for Animal rights may provide a pathway to reconciliation among these divergent characters in Wicked Part Two, potentially concluding a compelling narrative about discrimination and the fight for justice.

Wicked Part Two is scheduled for release on November 21, 2025.

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