The cinematic adaptation of the beloved musical's second act, Wicked: For Good, is casting a powerful spell on the global box office, all while making a significant change to a classic piece of film history.
A Record-Breaking Debut
Starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, the film is projected to achieve the most successful opening weekend ever for a Broadway musical adaptation. It has already amassed an impressive $228 million in global earnings, setting a new benchmark for the genre.
Why Silver Instead of Ruby?
Audiences have quickly noticed a key difference in Dorothy's iconic footwear. Instead of the famous ruby red slippers from the 1939 film, the sequel features them in a shimmering silver. This was a deliberate and thoughtful creative decision by acclaimed costume designer Paul Tazewell.
The choice directly honours L. Frank Baum's original 1900 novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, where the magical shoes were described not as red, but as 'odd little silver boots'.
Navigating Rights and Rival Studios
Beyond paying homage to literary roots, the silver design also serves a crucial legal purpose. The rights to the specific ruby red slipper design from the classic MGM film are held by Warner Bros.
Since Wicked: For Good is distributed by the rival studio Universal Pictures, using the red design would have presented a significant copyright issue. The switch to silver elegantly sidesteps this potential legal conflict while staying true to the source material's first incarnation.
