The Thing About Witch Hunts Wicked For Good Movie: The Transformation of a Witch
Episode Description:
Just saw Wicked: For Good (Wicked Part 2) and wondering what it all means? The sequel to 2024's blockbuster Wicked movie starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande delivers the pure magic and joy of Wicked's fairytale storytelling while also serving as a mirror reflecting our world's darkest patterns of persecution. Join hosts Sarah Jack and Josh Hutchinson for a spoiler-filled celebration of this magical film as they explore both the enchantment of the story and the surprisingly relevant themes hiding behind flying monkeys, sparkly shoes, and that iconic green skin.
From Gregory Maguire's beloved novel to the Broadway phenomenon with music by Stephen Schwartz, Wicked has captured hearts worldwide. This sequel delivers stunning musical numbers, an enchanting fairytale ending, and America's greatest modern fairy story—while also offering profound insights about our world. Discover why Elphaba, Glinda, Fiyero, Dorothy, and the Wizard of Oz create a story that's both entertainment magic and meaningful social commentary.
From the breathtaking songs like "For Good" to the animals in cages vault scene that's impossible to look away from, this episode explores how the Wicked movie with Jonathan Bailey and Jeff Goldblum delights audiences while helping us understand who gets labeled "wicked"—and who decides.
What You'll Explore:
The pure magic and joy of Wicked's fairytale storytelling
Standout musical moments and how the Broadway songs translate to film
The chilling parallels between Oz's animal persecution and real-world witch hunts
Elphaba and Glinda's friendship, sisterhood, and the choices that change everything
Why the treatment of talking animals in Oz mirrors modern oppression
How Dorothy's witch hunt against Elphaba reflects real accusation patterns
Why Nessarose, Boq, and Fiyero's transformations matter for understanding persecution
How the word "witch" is weaponized as a political tool today
Whether movies like Wicked help or harm the fight against modern persecution
Deep dive into Cynthia Erivo's Elphaba and Ariana Grande's Glinda
This is the next installment in our ongoing look at Wicked and Oz! If you haven't already, be sure to check out our previous episodes "Witchcraft and Stagecraft: Unmasking Wicked's Magic with Paul Laird and Jane Barnette" and "Wicked Movie: The Making of a Witch" to explore how this beloved story connects to real witch trial history and contemporary persecution.
Content Warning: This episode includes movie spoilers and discusses themes of persecution, banishment, and contemporary witch hunts affecting millions globally.
Ready to see beyond the emerald curtain? This isn't your childhood Oz anymore—and that's exactly the point. But it's also a wicked good time.
For more information about ending witch hunts or to get involved, visit EndWitchHunts.org
Keywords: Wicked For Good, Wicked Part 2, Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Elphaba, Glinda, Fiyero, Dorothy, Wizard of Oz, animals in Oz, Wicked sequel, Broadway musical, Stephen Schwartz, Gregory Maguire, Wicked songs, For Good, Wicked movie explained, witch hunts, Wicked themes, Wicked analysis
Links
Watch Episode: Witchcraft and Stagecraft: Unmasking Wicked’s Magic with Paul Laird and Jane Barnette
Watch Episode: Wicked Movie: The Making of a Witch
Sign the Amnesty International Petition for Ghana Anti Witchcraft Legislation