Every The Wizard of Oz Reference in the WICKED First Look
Over two decades in the making, with the project falling through multiple times, the WICKED movie is finally real, and we have a teaser to prove it.
Universal Pictures dropped the first look during the Super Bowl, and it seems Jon M. Chu's adaptation is putting a twist on things.
Incorporating elements of Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel, which the musical is based on and combining that with L. Frank Baum's The Wizard of Oz, Chu offers audiences a new perspective on two incredibly well-known stories.
It wasn't clear just how many references there would be to The Wizard of Oz, but from what we can see, it plays a huge role.
Here are all the references we spotted.
Elphaba's Hat
Universal Pictures
The opening shot of the first look will be familiar to fans of the Broadway production and The Wizard of Oz as it mirrors the witch's final moments.
After Dorothy melts Elphaba in the Broadway production, Elphaba's hat lays over a trap door which she then emerges from to run away with Fiyero.
The Yellow Brick Road
Universal Pictures
The second shot shows Elphaba's hand on broken remains of the infamous yellow brick road which plays a prominent part in The Wizard of Oz.
The Emerald City's Poppy Fields
Universal Pictures
Another homage comes in the form of the Emerald City's poppy fields, which sends Dorothy and crew to sleep.
Related: Filming Wraps on WICKED: Cast and Crew Share Heartfelt Tributes
Nessarose's Shoes and Toto
Universal Pictures
The first introduction to Dorothy's direct involvement in WICKED comes in the form of the famous slippers, with Toto trotting merrily behind.
Dorothy is given the shoes of Elphaba's younger sister that, in The Wizard of Oz, are ruby red. However, it appears WICKED opts for the book-accurate silver shoes instead.
The Wizard of Oz
Universal Pictures
Fans of The Wizard of Oz will be familiar with this iconic shot of Dorothy meeting the Wizard for the first time. Director of WICKED, Jon M. Chu, has even lined the characters up in the same order as Victor Fleming's 1939 film.
There is new context now knowing what we know about WICKED and how Fiyero is actually the Scarecrow. It is going to be interesting to see how Chu blends the two worlds.
Glinda's Pink Dress
Universal Pictures
Finally, Ariana Grande can be seen in a pink dress similar to the one Billie Burke wears in The Wizard of Oz.
This differs from the blue ballgown Glinda is known for wearing in the musical.
