In 2024, Jon M. Chu’s movie adaptation ofWickedmade a huge splash, and because of this, another musical spinoff ofThe Wizard of Ozshould also get its time in the sun. Released at the end of last year,Wickedtook audiences by storm, earning $752 million at the box office and scoring an 87% critics score and a 95% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Now, viewers are patiently awaitingthe movie’s sequel,Wicked: For Good,but in the meantime,they should consider checking out anotherWizard of Ozmusical that came out 50 years earlier.
Without a doubt,Wickedhas a unique concept, butit isn’t the only story that is deeply inspired by L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel,The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.Originally published as a book by Gregory Maguire,Wickedtells the story of Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West who grows up facing incredible prejudice due to her skin color, and begins attending a magic school called Shiz. Clearly,Wickedtakes the prequel routewhen adaptingThe Wizard of Oz,but there is another spinoff that goes in a completely different (yet equally amazing) direction.
Wicked’s Success Proves The Wiz Deserves A Cinematic Remake
The Wiz Explained
In 1974, decades before the development ofWicked,there was anotherWizard of Ozmusical spinoff that entered Broadway:The Wiz.This musical reimaginesThe Wizard of Oz, but with an all-Black cast.InThe Wiz,24-year-old school teacher Dorothy Gale lives in Harlem with her aunt and uncle, and one night, follows her dog Toto into a snowstorm and finds herself transported into the world of Oz. Along with boasting new versions of Baum’s beloved characters, the musical also includes new music. In 1978, it was adapted into a movie starring Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Richard Pryor, and more.
Fast-forward to 2024, there is no doubt thatWickedhas been a massive success, and because of this, it could be the perfect time forThe Wizto also make its comeback. With interest inThe Wizard of Ozhigh,The Wizmay be as intriguing to audiences asWicked, despite their different storylines.It would also make sense to remakeThe Wizsince the original movie adaptation came out so long ago, and was panned by many critics. IfThe Wizwere to be remade, it could redeem itself and keep the post-Wickedexcitement alive.
Why The Wiz Works As A Unique Counter To Wicked
The Wiz Is Eternally Relevant
Aside from just sharing similar subject matter,The Wizalso acts as an interesting counterpoint toWicked.Through Elphaba’s character,Wickedshows how Oz is full of prejudice, specifically against people and creatures who are deemed to be too different. Elphaba and Glinda’s relationship represents the power of friendship and understanding. In a similar vein,The WizusesThe Wizard of Oz’sworld and characters to showcase the Black experience,and the effect slavery and displacement had on Black individuals. In this way,WickedandThe Wiztackle very similar issues, just through different lenses.
The Wizis real representation made specifically to highlight racial issues.
A remake ofThe Wizwould not only add to the conversationWickedhas recently started, but it would also be culturally relevant. Even 50 years after the musical’s premiere, the issue of racism in America is still critical. With some polishing,The Wizcould easily present these same problems for a more modern audience. On top of that, this type of project is a far better representation of Black characters than other remakes, which change a character’s race just for the sake of it.The Wizis real representation made specifically to highlight racial issues.
Now Is The Perfect Time For A Movie Based On The Wiz
The Wiz’s Cast Could Be Outstanding
Really, now is the perfect time to remakeThe Wiz.Following the hype generated byWicked,The Wizcould keep audiences' interest in the world ofThe Wizard of Ozalive. More than that, the movie has a serious story to tell that is particularly important in this day and age. This is a meaningful time to remake a film with such important themes. Finally,interest in movie musicalsseems to be increasing, andThe Wizcould easily capitalize on the success of films likeWicked, West Side Story, In The Heights,and more.
Wicked: For Goodis set to premiere on June 24, 2025.
One last plus would be casting a modern version ofThe Wiz.The 1978 cast ofThe Wizwas incredibly iconic, with massive music icons like Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.Wickedhas actually followed this trend with actors like Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. In 2025, a similar cast could definitely be put together forThe Wiz,which would help increase the hype to an even higher degree. All in all, a door has opened forThe Wizdue toWicked’ssuccess, and hopefully, Hollywood will take this opportunity.
