Why Elphaba decides to stay green in Wicked

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Why Elphaba decides to stay green in Wicked

Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for 2024’s Wicked.The first part of the film adaptation of Jon M. Chu’s musical Evil begins to present a tragic but inspiring version of the origins of the Wicked Witch of the West. However The Wizard of OzThe ending of portrays his defeat as a triumphant event after framing her as an evil sorceress who hopes to conquer Oz, like the 2024 Broadway musical Evil The film presents Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) as a young woman who is misunderstood and discriminated against by almost everyone because of her green skin. Evil centers on Elphaba’s relationship with Glinda (Ariana Grande), which affects how both witches view each other and their place in Oz.

In short, Elphaba’s character arc is one of the most compelling parts of Evilas it makes the film a powerful story of self-acceptance in the face of oppression. Elphaba even expresses a wish and probably spends most of the film hoping to change the color of her skin; but at the end of EvilShe realizes that this is not what she wants. While she wouldn’t have been able to achieve this goal anyway, her growth as a character makes this harsh truth far from disappointing.

Elphaba learns to embrace her green skin in Wicked

Elphaba’s arc in Wicked is a journey of self-acceptance


Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba with an expression of fear and concern in Wicked

When Elphaba is admitted to Shiz University, she hopes to master her magical skills and prove herself worthy enough to meet the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum). In one of Evilmusical numbers, “The Wizard and I”, Elphaba expresses her belief that the Wizard will appreciate her talents and accept her regardless of her green skin.. However, she also believes that with her powers, the Wizard could change the color of her skin so that she would be accepted by everyone else.

However, Elphaba’s desires change after she gains new friends in Shiz, most notably Galinda, who changes her name to Glinda, and Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey). Having been accepted by her new colleagues, Elphaba gains a sense of belonging and learns to be comfortable in her own skin. Therefore, when Elphaba finally meets the Wizard in the Emerald City, she proudly states that she does not want to change the color of her skin, having discovered that she wants something more.

Elphaba wants to help animals more than herself

Elphaba chooses to fight for animal rights rather than submit to the wizard

A significant issue that Elphaba engages in Evil is how the talking animals of Oz are facing discrimination from humans, resulting in the gradual loss of the ability to speak. It is implied that the human population blames animals for the Great Drought that nearly destroyed Oz long ago. Elphaba sympathizes with animals in Evilincluding her talking goat professor, Dr. Dillamond (Peter Dinklage), as she was also the target of prejudice for the way she was born.

When Dr. Dillamond is fired from Shiz University, Elphaba is one of the few people at school willing to speak out against this injustice.. She even helps free the young Cowardly Lion from captivity and returns him to the desert. Due to her experiences fighting for the animals of Oz, Elphaba realizes that she cannot conform to her oppressive society by changing her green skin, instead embracing her differences from everyone else.

Elphaba discovers that the wizard cannot grant her wish anyway

Although Elphaba doesn’t get her wish, she finds she doesn’t need it.


Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande in Wicked movie poster

Although Elphaba realizes that she is fine with her skin the way it is, she also realizes that the Wizard couldn’t change it anyway. As expected, the film version of Oz is a con man who doesn’t possess any magical powers. In truth, the only reason Oz invited Elphaba to the Emerald City was so she could harness the magical power of the Grimmerie spellbook for him..

Knowing that the Wizard used animals as scapegoats to control Oz reinforces Elphaba’s decision that she cannot change who she is or what she looks like.

Knowing that the Wizard used animals as scapegoats to control Oz reinforces Elphaba’s decision that she cannot change who she is or what she looks like. Refusing to let the world hold her back, Elphaba soars with her magic, embracing the title of “The Wicked Witch” placed on her by Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh). Although Morrible says her green is a manifestation of her “evil,” Elphaba leaves the Emerald City, finally proud of who she is and taking a stand against the Wizard’s lies.

Elphaba’s journey in 2024 Evil is a strong and inspiring introduction to her character. The people of Oz consider her a threat at the end of the film, but the story shows her learning to love and accept herself and her green skin, while also fighting for the animals that raised and supported her throughout her life. . Whether she will achieve the freedom and happiness she deserves will be seen in Wicked: Part II.

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