TW: discusses body dysmorphia and disordered eating habits
The biggest release of the year was put into theaters nearly 10 days ago:“Wicked: For Good.” The film continues the story of Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande)—two friends ripped apart by the fabrics of society—and ends with girls and gays in all places in tears when they hear the twinkle of “For Good.” But it has also sparked a lot of controversy.
Glinda, now having a strong presence throughout Oz, struggles to keep up with appearances as she misses her dear friend, Elphaba, after her outcasting, and feels her love, Fiyero (Johnathan Bailey), slipping through her fingers. While she sings about never being happier (“song title”), everyone knows her bubble is about to pop. Elphaba, on the other hand, is living freely in the forest, helping her cause to what? and trying to convince the animals to stay in Oz.
Throughout the film’s beautiful melodies and overarching commentaries on society, there have been a lot of differing opinions coming out about the movie. Some are saying they like the first one more, with others strongly disagreeing. Personally, I think that both movies are beautifully done. The cinematography was incredible, and the costumes were surprisingly vibrant even through the movie screen. Despite all of the conflicting opinions, one thing is for sure: the talent between the two lead actresses, Erivo and Grande, is supernatural.
As the movie makes its rounds, so does the press tour, where these leading ladies are being scrutinized. Since the start of Wicked, Erivo and Grande have downsized dramatically, which has become a major source of commentary on the two women’s bodies. Both of their fan bases have conflicting ideas, with some thinking that no one should be talking about their bodies, while others speak out in fear for their health.
Obviously, fans don’t know what happens behind the scenes, but there are legitimate worries that the decreasing weight of Michelle Yeoh—who plays Madame Morrible—Erivo, and Grande could be a threat to their lives and affect the viewers who watch their films.
Women’s bodies are constantly something so focused on, and the way the media talks about the subject sticks with young girls forever. I remember a news clipping from my childhood that said: “If Beyoncé doesn’t have a thigh gap, you don’t need one either!”This statement degrades a beautiful woman to lift others up. Similarly, as big of a fan as I am of Grande, Erivo, and the movies, I cannot deny that their bodies make me look at my reflection differently. I can’t even imagine the impact that this also has on young girls sitting in movie theaters.
Consequently, one major question the world has been asking is: “What happened on the Wicked set?” Unfortunately, we won’t ever know unless these women come out and speak about their experiences. Until then, fans are left wondering: is Wicked saying goodbye for good, or is it taking another round trip to Oz? Personally, I always say to stop whilst you’re ahead, as no more movies are needed, and the story would probably get butchered anyways. I don’t want to see the background story of the Wizard or Madame Morrible, and please don’t even get me thinking about Wicked from the perspective of Chistery—the leader of the flying monkeys. I think it’s best we all say goodbye to the five and a half hour duo and let this chapter close in the adaptation of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.