Movies
Can 'Wicked' Be Spoiled? 21-Year-Old Musical's Writers' Take
2024-12-15
When scrolling through TikTok, one can't help but notice videos about Universal's Wicked. These videos vary, yet the comment sections share a common thought - "Don't spoil the rest of Wicked!" The film, featuring only act one of the stage production with part two set to hit theaters next November, has been running for over two decades. This raises the question - can it be spoiled? The film's writers, Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox, seem to have their own views.
Wicked - The Untold Story and the Spoiler Debate
Wicked's Long Journey and Its Impact
It's fascinating to see how Wicked has been a part of the entertainment scene for over two decades. While the film only shows act one, the stage production has been touring worldwide and in multiple languages. As Winnie Holzman jokes on a Zoom with The Hollywood Reporter, "It [the stage musical] didn't open yesterday, it's been running for 21 years." This longevity speaks volumes about the show's popularity and charm.The fact that Wicked has withstood the test of time is a testament to its quality. It has touched the hearts of audiences around the world and continues to do so. The decision to split the movie into two parts allows for a more in-depth exploration of the story, as Holzman and Fox point out. They were able to expand many moments and explore aspects that were previously left behind.The Writers' Perspective and the Spoiler Rule
Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox have been deeply involved in the Wicked project. Holzman, who also wrote the book for the stage musical, and Fox have been working hard to stay true to the spirit of the stage production. Fox has a rule with her children and others about spoiling what's to come. She believes that there are some answers in the play that one can know if they figure it out themselves.Holzman and Fox understand the passion of fans and the concern about spoilers. They feel for the fans and are touched by their responses. As Holzman says, "I really feel for them. I really do. Passion is beautiful. It shows how they gave their hearts." Their dedication to the project is evident in every word of the script.The Adaptation Process and Changes
The adaptation process of Wicked was not an easy one. Fox initially thought it would be easier due to the source material, but she found it to be more challenging. The pressure of doing right by the original material and the fans was immense.During the adaptation, changes were a hot topic of discussion. However, the team's goal was not to make Wicked into something else but to create a whole other version of the same thing. As Holzman says, "We were never going, 'How can we make Wicked into something else?' Yet it is something else. It is a whole other version of the same thing."The decision to split the movie into two parts allowed for more exploration. They were able to expand on various aspects, such as Elphaba's childhood, which was something Holzman and Stephen Schwartz always wanted to do. They also added new songs to the second part to enhance the story.The Fan Theories and the Relationship Between Glinda and Elphaba
There have been fan theories about the romantic relationship between Glinda and Elphaba. Author Gregory Maguire has hinted at this intentional subtext, and Ariana Grande has also suggested the possibility. However, Holzman did not go into writing the original music book or the film with this thought in mind.She believes that the show is mostly about the friendship between the two witches that changes them for the better. As she says, "Both of them have a destiny and they needed each other to reach that destiny, and to me, isn't that fulfilling enough?"The Box Office Success and Future
Wicked has continued to perform well at the box office. It broke records as the highest opening for a musical adaptation and dethroned Grease. The success of the first part has set the stage for the release of Wicked: Part Two on Nov. 21, 2025.The future looks bright for Wicked. With its dedicated fan base and continued popularity, it is sure to make a mark in the entertainment industry. The team's hard work and dedication have paid off, and audiences are eagerly awaiting the next installment.