Hidden Elphaba Detail in Wicked Reveals Another Wizard of Oz Easter Egg

Wicked delves into the riveting backstory of the Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz, offering a fresh perspective that enriches the original narrative. Scheduled for release in 2024, the upcoming film closely follows the acclaimed Broadway musical that has captured audiences for years. This theatrical adaptation is rooted in Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel, which intricately explores the complexities of the characters inhabiting the Land of Oz. One of Maguire’s significant contributions is the creation of the name Elphaba for the Wicked Witch, a choice that continues to resonate in both the musical and the upcoming film.

Maguire’s original novel gained immense popularity shortly after its publication, leading to a successful Broadway adaptation almost a decade later. Today, Wicked stands as a theatrical titan, being the fourth-longest-running show on Broadway and a recipient of over 100 prestigious awards. As the narrative transitions from stage to screen, audiences can look forward to Wicked Part 1, set to hit theaters on November 22, 2024, with Wicked Part 2 following on November 21, 2025. The incorporation of clever Wizard of Oz Easter eggs serves to further enhance the enjoyment of this multifaceted story.

Elphaba: A Name with Meaning

Reinventing the Character

Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba singing The Wizard and I in Wicked

In L. Frank Baum’s original work, the Wicked Witch remained nameless, prompting Maguire to elaborate on her identity. He aimed to honor Baum’s legacy while adding depth to the character’s backstory. In a recent TikTok interview, Maguire revealed that the name Elphaba is derived from the initials of the Wizard of Oz author—L.F.B. By using “El”for the first letter and applying phonetics to the subsequent letters “Fa”and “Ba,”Maguire ingeniously coined the name “Elphaba.”

The Significance of the Name Elphaba

Exploring Alternative Names

Elphaba crying at the Ozdust in Wicked Part One

Maguire has openly discussed his creative process in naming Elphaba, admitting he experimented with other variations of L.F.B., including “Lafaba”and “Labella.”However, these alternatives lacked the unique essence he desired. He ultimately settled on “Elphaba,”a name that, while distinctive and unusual, also underscores the character’s struggles with acceptance and beauty standards imposed by society. Despite her remarkable abilities, Elphaba faces prejudice due to her green skin, which leads to her being perceived as unattractive, even by her own parents. This context makes the less-than-lovely name fitting, as it resonates with the challenges she endures.

The name Elphaba has transformed over the years, becoming a beloved identifier for fans of Wicked and the larger musical community. It’s fascinating to consider that if Maguire had chosen a name lacking in character, the impact of Elphaba’s story might not have been as profound. With the imminent release of the film adaptation, the name Elphaba is poised to reach new heights of recognition, all stemming from the initials of a 19th-century writer.

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