Why The Wizard of Oz is a Must Before Watching Wicked

With the Wicked movie adaptation just around the corner, there’s no better time to revisit—or perhaps experience for the first time—the original Oz story. Whether you pick up a physical copy or choose the audiobook version for a more immersive experience, diving into L. Frank Baum’s classic before watching will add a new layer of magic and meaning to your journey through Oz. Here’s why The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is essential reading (or listening) for anyone excited about Wicked whether you’re new to Oz or returning to this beloved world.

Here’s why The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is a must-read (or listen) for anyone excited about Wicked—no matter if you’re new to Oz or coming back to this treasured world.

1. The Original Characters of Oz: Meeting the Inspirations Behind Wicked

Fans adore Wicked for its richly developed characters like Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West) and Glinda the Good. But these figures first appeared in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, where their stories began.

By exploring Baum’s book, you’ll meet Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion as they were originally envisioned. Listening to the free audiobook can bring each character’s voice and personality to life, making their classic traits stand out before Wicked gives them darker twists and added complexity.

Gregory Maguire’s Wicked reimagines these characters with deeper backstories, unique motives, and gray moral areas. Knowing the roots of these iconic figures will let you appreciate their evolution in Wicked even more.

2. Seeing Good and Evil Through a New Lens

In Baum’s original story, the Wicked Witch of the West is a straightforward villain—ruthless and bent on capturing Dorothy. However, Wicked flips this script by depicting Elphaba as a misunderstood and compassionate character, questioning the simplistic idea of who is “good” and who is “evil.”

Experiencing The Wonderful Wizard of Oz first enriches Wicked’s themes of morality and prejudice. A free audiobook allows you to immerse yourself in Baum’s original conflict between Dorothy and the Witch, making Wicked’s re-interpretation of Elphaba’s struggles and Glinda’s role feel that much deeper.

3. Exploring Oz’s Magical Landscape

Baum’s Oz features iconic landscapes—poppy fields, the shimmering Emerald City, Munchkinland, and the Witch’s eerie castle. These vivid settings lay the foundation for Wicked’s extended look at Oz, where the land’s political tension and personal stakes come into sharper focus.

Listening to the audiobook helps you visualize these classic locales, setting the stage for how Wicked reimagines them with added complexity. When you watch the Wicked movie, you’ll recognize the same places but appreciate how they’ve been transformed to explore power dynamics and hidden secrets in Oz.

4. Understanding the World That Inspired Wicked

Beyond introducing characters, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz also tackles universal themes like friendship, courage, and the pursuit of identity. Dorothy’s quest to return home resonates because it’s about finding one’s place and relying on the bonds of friendship.

Wicked expands on these ideas, offering a more nuanced take on loyalty and companionship—most notably with Glinda’s evolving relationship with Elphaba. Reading or listening to Baum’s original first shines a light on the foundation Wicked builds upon, making the emotional moments in the musical or movie more impactful.

5. A New Perspective on Oz’s Most Powerful Figures

In Baum’s Oz, the Wizard is revered but ultimately revealed to be a mere illusionist. Wicked goes deeper, depicting the Wizard’s motives and the political climate he creates in Oz. Understanding the Wizard’s original role provides crucial context for Wicked’s more critical portrayal, examining themes of authoritarian rule and societal manipulation.

Listening to the audiobook can make the Wizard’s cunning and deception even clearer, enhancing the tension and offering insights into how Wicked takes his character in a darker direction.

6. The Perfect Read (or Listen) Before Watching Wicked

Whether you’re new to Wicked or a longtime fan, experiencing The Wonderful Wizard of Oz beforehand will add depth to your enjoyment. You’ll approach the Wicked movie with an understanding of the source material, enriching your appreciation of Maguire’s inventive twists.

Opting for the free audiobook is a convenient way to revisit this timeless classic on the go, bringing Baum’s words to life with an engaging narration. This sets a strong foundation for you to step into Wicked’s morally complex and visually captivating realm.

Ready to explore Oz? Download the Fabuly app today and listen to for free. Embrace Baum’s enchanting world, and prepare to see Wicked’s story through new eyes.

Whether you choose the physical book or the audiobook, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is an unforgettable journey. It heightens your understanding of Wicked and ensures you won’t miss the magic or meaning of every twist and turn.