Wicked emerged as one of the standout films of 2024, adapting the beloved 2003 stage musical inspired by the classic *The Wizard of Oz*. Critics lauded the movie for its rich character development and remarkable performances, making even minor roles unforgettable. Characters such as Nessarose, Boq, Dr. Dillamond, and Madame Morrible have become integral components of this reimagined Oz narrative.
As **Wicked** introduces a plethora of new characters previously unseen in *The Wizard of Oz*, it raises intriguing questions about their roles during the events of the original tale. Among these is the enigmatic Madame Morrible, a character whose deep connection with the Wizard of Oz makes her absence in the original film particularly significant. Fortunately, the latter half of *Wicked* unveils her actions and ties to the original story.
Discovering Madame Morrible’s Role in *Wicked’s* Act 2
Madame Morrible: A Central Figure in Act 2
The first act of *Wicked* covers crucial developments, culminating at the intermission point of the musical. It’s in Act 2 where the narrative becomes truly captivating, intertwining significantly with the events of the original *The Wizard of Oz*. As the plot unfolds, viewers witness Madame Morrible engage in strategic machinations with the Wizard. Her initial move? Elevating Glinda to become the Wizard’s primary spokesperson and shocking Fiyero with the announcement of their engagement.
Importantly, Morrible’s most critical act was orchestrating Dorothy’s entry into Oz by manipulating nature itself—summoning the tornado that swept Dorothy away from Kansas. While her original motive was to eliminate Nessarose, the Wicked Witch of the East, to spring Elphaba into action, Morrible inadvertently becomes a pivotal figure in Dorothy’s journey. In a turn of fate, Glinda ultimately holds Morrible accountable, leading to her arrest for her role in the chaos.
The Absence of Madame Morrible in *The Wizard of Oz*
The Original Story Lacks Madame Morrible
The primary reason Madame Morrible isn’t featured in the original film or the book lies in her inception as a character specifically created for the *Wicked* musical. The original narratives are densely packed with characters and plots, suggesting that adding more would dilute the storytelling. However, with new interpretations and expansions of the story, creating fresh characters like Morrible enhances the richness of the universe.
Initially perceived as merely the Wizard’s subordinate, Morrible’s significance grows as she emerges as a key player in the overarching plot. While some may argue that adding new characters could detract from the source material, Morrible’s role is compelling, making *Wicked* an engrossing prequel that masterfully connects to *The Wizard of Oz*. Her involvement not only deepens the narrative but also elevates her character to a critical position in the saga.
Madame Morrible: The Architect Behind *The Wizard of Oz*
The Instigator of the Wizard of Oz’s Journey
Morrible’s role as the architect of Dorothy’s arrival in Oz transforms her into a pivotal figure within the Wizarding narrative. This compelling twist implies that Dorothy’s journey was not mere happenstance; it was orchestrated by Morrible, who remains unacknowledged in the original story. Without her intervention, Dorothy may have never known Oz’s wonders, significantly altering the trajectory of the legendary tale.
This insight into Oz’s lore positions Madame Morrible as a fascinating character within the broader *Wizard of Oz* universe. Though she may have been absent from the original tale, her influence extends throughout its history. Upcoming projects like *Wicked: For Good* may explore this further, but given how *Wicked* has remained true to the story’s essence, audiences can look forward to seeing this intricate connection fully explored on screen.
Leave a Reply