In 2024’s Wicked, audiences learn that Elphaba is pᴀssionate about the rights of everyone in Oz, especially animals, and this theme is going to come back in a big way in Wicked: For Good. By now, it is no secret that Wicked reworks the beloved tale of The Wizard of Oz, rearranging what viewers thought they knew about the magical land of Oz. Elphaba is a main proponent of that, showing that the Wicked Witch of the West may not be so evil. In fact, several parts of Elphaba’s story unlock dark and surprising secrets about Oz.
So far, audiences have learned a lot about Elphaba’s Oz, but then again, there are still plenty of reveals still on the horizon. In reality, many of the storylines introduced in Wicked will come back in even fuller force in Wicked: For Good. Those who are familiar with the stage musical or the Wicked novel by Gregory Maguire will know that the bond between Elphaba and Fiyero will get further development, for example, and Glinda will take on a much bigger role in the Emerald City. However, viewers may forget about the continuation of Wicked’s animal subplot.
Wicked’s Animal Subplot Shows How Much Elphaba Cares For All Creatures
Why Does Elphaba Care So Much For Animals
In Wicked, one important element of Elphaba’s story is her connection to Shiz’s animals, particularly Dr. Dillamond. While the rest of Shiz’s population treats the goat professor like a second-class citizen, Elphaba gives him the respect he deserves and tries to protect him from others’ cruelty. This is ultimately how she discovers that animals are losing their voices. After that, Elphaba ends up saving the lion cub alongside Fiyero, and brings her concerns to the Emerald City. There, she discovers that the Wizard may be part of the problem rather than the solution.
Elphaba is already an outcast, and though she often lets herself be bullied, she will not stand by the harᴀssment of others.
Wicked’s animal subplot may seem sort of random, especially for those who are familiar with The Wizard of Oz. The original 1939 movie never delves into talking animals and their rights. However, Wicked includes this storyline for an important reason. Elphaba is already an outcast, and though she often lets herself be bullied, she will not stand by the harᴀssment of others. When Elphaba stands up for Dr. Dillamond, it shows that she cares deeply about other outcasts and will not abide by any sort of injustice. Clearly, Elphaba sees herself and the animals sharing the same plight.
Elphaba’s Love Of Animals Is How The Flying Monkeys Become Her Allies In Wicked 2
Wicked’s Flying Monkeys Are An Awesome Reference
Warning: This section contains spoilers for Wicked: For Good.
Ultimately, Elphaba’s love and support of Oz’s animals will come back in a fascinating way in Wicked: For Good. At the end of Wicked, Elphaba is tricked into casting a spell that gives the Emerald City’s monkey guards wings. They resent her for this and try to detain her on behalf of the Wizard. However, Elphaba’s past kindness towards animals will lead her to form a bond with the flying monkeys. Soon enough, they will become her allies. This is essentially the origin story of why the Wicked Witch of the West has flying monkeys in The Wizard of Oz.
The flying monkeys are one of the best Wizard of Oz references within Wicked. At first glance, Wicked seems to be a completely different story from The Wizard of Oz. It subverts just about every expectation. However, the inclusion of the flying monkeys proves that Wicked is an origin story, through and through. Although the characters start off in many different places, their endings will coincide with The Wizard of Oz in interesting and sometimes tragic ways. All in all, Elphaba’s animal subplot is one of many exciting elements that will return in the next Wicked movie.
