The Wicked Film Series: A Fresh Take on a Classic Tale
The Wicked film series, much like the acclaimed book and musical that inspired it, offers a captivating retelling of The Wizard of Oz, but through a lens that shines a light on the untold stories of fan-favorite characters. This new narrative invites audiences to rethink everything they thought they knew about Dorothy, the Cowardly Lion, the Tin Man, and the Scarecrow, unveiling a different reality with each twist and turn.
Redefining the Familiar
In the world of Wicked, we’re encouraged to examine the perspectives of characters traditionally seen as mere sidekicks or comic relief. Instead of only seeing the heroic journey of Dorothy, we dive deep into the lives of the witches and their struggles against societal labels. This exploration fundamentally alters our perception of these iconic figures and introduces a complexity that resonates with modern themes of individuality and acceptance.
The Humor of SNL’s “Wizard of Oz Deleted Footage”
This new narrative exploration closely parallels a comedic sketch featured on Saturday Night Live titled “Wizard of Oz Deleted Footage.” This sketch parodies the classic tale by presenting an absurd, yet hilarious, take on what might have happened during the characters’ encounter with the Wizard. While Wicked takes a more dramatic approach, the sketch delivers laughs by suggesting the Cowardly Lion had a rather different wish—a punchline that embodies the show’s signature humor.
Bowen Yang as the Wizard: A Comedic Twist
In the aforementioned SNL sketch, Bowen Yang takes on the role of the Wizard, presenting a character that veers more towards the outrageous. His portrayal humorously resembles a cross between Megamind and a stereotypical figure of power, contributing to the absurdity of the situation. The choice to make the Wizard more comically tyrannical than wise adds yet another layer to the iconic tale, positioning him as an antagonist rather than a mere source of hope.
The Confrontation at Emerald City
As Dorothy, played by Sarah Sherman, and her companions—the Tin Man (Josh O’Connor), the Scarecrow (Andrew Dismukes), and the Cowardly Lion (Kenan Thompson)—approach the Wizard, the humor intensifies. The Wizard’s abrasive response to their desires flips the script entirely. Think of all the earnest dreams we ascribe to characters, only to find the Wizard dismisses them with absurdity and sarcasm: “Shut the hell up, girl! The great and powerful Oz knows exactly why you’ve come.”
The Lion’s Bold Request
The Cowardly Lion’s desire, humorously revealed by the Wizard, showcases a hidden vulnerability beneath his fierceness. The line between bravery and desire for acceptance becomes blurry when the Lion, ducking behind Dorothy, is confronted with his real wish—funny yet meaningful in a context that ultimately examines self-acceptance and identity. The dialogue takes it a step further, proving that even within humor, sincere themes emerge.
A Tiny Hint of Innuendo
The Wizard’s revelation about the Lion’s “big ol’ thang” opens up a vault of double entendres that plays into the sketch’s laughter factor. The humor, while edgy, also reflects how humor can serve as a vehicle for exploring deeper social anxieties regarding self-image and confidence. Each character’s desire veers into comedic absurdity but, at the core, prompts the audience to reflect on insecurities that often lie hidden.
The Absurdity Continues
The hilarity doesn’t end with the Cowardly Lion; it expands to the Tin Man and the Scarecrow as well. The Wizard reveals previously written letters where all three characters express their bizarre yearnings, underscoring a theme of camaraderie despite their quirks. This light-hearted yet outrageous interaction showcases the vulnerability shared among friends, ending on an empowering note as each character acknowledges their peculiar desires.
Watching the Laughs Unfold
For those wishing to see the comedic brilliance of this SNL sketch unfold, the “Wizard of Oz Deleted Footage” is available for viewing, echoing past versions of the story while adding a contemporary, humorous twist that redefines it. By mixing pointed humor with established lore, the characters are revitalized in a way that audiences find relatable and engaging.
The Bright Future of Wicked’s Cinematic Endeavors
As the Wicked film series prepares to dazzle audiences with its unique storytelling, the interplay between nostalgia and innovation becomes crucial. The narrative’s embrace of complex themes reflects current societal values, while comedic interpretations like those seen in Saturday Night Live provide a playful counterbalance to the original themes of struggle and triumph.
In this vibrant interplay of storytelling and comedy, both Wicked and SNL reinforce the idea that even the most beloved tales can be explored and challenged, remaking them for new generations to enjoy.