The poster for “Wicked: For Good,” the movie adaptation of the Broadway musical, is shown. The film told a story about the powerful influence of scapegoats and misinformation in controlling public opinion, as shown by the treatment of Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), the “Wicked Witch of the West,” as she tries to speak up and defend the powerless animals of Oz. “Elphaba, with her otherworldly green skin, stands out whether she says anything or not, but when she does, her outward support for those who feel powerless causes a stir,” Managing Editor Peter Atchley wrote. “Her story is a reminder of what those considered “different” often go through in a society that punishes those who challenge the norm.” Photo fair use of Universal Pictures
In a time of political distrust, the movie“Wicked: For Good” shows how easily the government can manipulate the public through scapegoats to distract from real issues affecting society.
Over half of Americans see left-wing and right wing extremism as major problems, with 85% saying that politically-motivated violence is increasing, according to a study done by the Pew Research Center in 2025.
After the release of “Wicked: For Good,” the second part of the film adaptation of the iconic Broadway musical to theaters on Nov. 21, the persistent struggle between the confusingly good-hearted and questionably wicked, feels uncomfortably familiar. Such as the 2024 Presidential Election, where a qualified candidate lost to a convicted felon. Just like “Wicked,” the election forced some to question their own perception of good and evil.
“Wicked,” tells the story of two polar opposites, Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande), as they face the Wizard they learn was manipulating the citizens all along, using illusions to disguise his own corruption. Oz, the fantastically detailed setting which may seem like a beautiful backdrop, is actually a world founded on propaganda, where the “powerful” Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) reigns over it all.
The Wizard and his loyal subjects target Elphaba when she questions his real power by advocating for animal rights. Instead of addressing her concerns, the regime brands her the “Wicked Witch,” turning her into a national enemy, making the citizens fall right into his trap. A witch-hunt society has seen play out in modern politics time and time again.
This resembles the Senator Joseph McCarthy era and the Red Scare, a period in the ‘50s when widespread fear of communism caused countless Americans to be accused of being a sympathizer without any evidence. More recent examples include the ongoing attack on LGBTQ+ and drag performers as threats to children creating panic that take up major news headlines and discussion that distract federal officials from broader issues like education and school shootings.
Much like those targeted in the real world, Elpaba stands out whether she says anything or not, but when she does, her outward support for those who feel powerless causes a stir. Her story is a reminder of what those considered “different” often go through in a society that punishes those who challenge the norm.
The official trailer for “Wicked: For Good,” the second part of the adaptation of the Broadway musical is shown. The story alluded the eternal struggle between the powerful manipulators and the outcast do-gooders. “The Wizard targets Elphaba because she questioned his real power in advocating for animal rights. Instead of addressing her concerns, the regime brands her the “Wicked Witch,” turning her into a national enemy,” Atchley wrote. Video fair use of Universal Pictures
More than that, “Wicked” proves how easy it is for scapegoats to be used as political tools to distract from real issues.
This is seen in modern politics as well. Democrats targeting the wealthy top 1% of Americans as never “paying their fair share” and being the reason poor people struggle. Republicans targeting immigrants, whether they are documented or not, as being “job stealers” and “dangerous criminals.”
The animals in the land of Oz are much like the minorities of modern America, afraid and under attack. In “Wicked,” they are put into cages and robbed of the ability of speech. After multiple animals have their speech taken, they start to flee Oz to escape a system that won’t protect them.
Elphaba’s story is a reminder of what those considered “different” often go through in a society that punishes those who challenge the norm.
By the end of 2024, only 22% of Americans said they trust the government to do the right thing, according to the Pew Research Center, an unfortunate fact. But that doesn’t mean people have to leave their homes or roll over and let powers go unchecked, rather that fighting for the truth and defending the powerless can make real change.
In the end, “Wicked” serves as a vivid reminder that societies should always demand truth and think critically. That unquestioned power is the most dangerous magic of all.
