Quick Read
- 2025 marks the 125th anniversary of The Wizard of Oz.
- Wicked: For Good film reinterprets the Oz story, focusing on Elphaba and Glinda.
- San Diego’s Hotel del Coronado hosts a Wizard of Oz-themed holiday event.
- The Wicked Witch’s green skin in the 1939 film was created for Technicolor impact.
- Margaret Hamilton suffered burns from the toxic green makeup during filming.
Wicked: For Good – Rethinking Oz’s Classic Narrative
In 2025, the world of The Wizard of Oz is experiencing a powerful resurgence, catalyzed by both its 125th anniversary and the release of Wicked: For Good, the much-anticipated film sequel to the Broadway hit. Directed by John M. Chu, this cinematic adaptation tackles a long-standing challenge: how to honor the original story while deepening its characters and themes for a modern audience.
Since Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, creators have grappled with the tension between Maguire’s nuanced, politically charged reimagining and the iconic scenes of the 1939 MGM film. The novel—and subsequent stage musical—brought complexity to Elphaba, transforming her from a one-dimensional villain into a rebel fighting injustice. Yet, at pivotal moments, the narrative has felt forced to revert to familiar Oz tropes: the obsessive pursuit of Dorothy’s ruby slippers and the infamous showdown with the Kansas girl, moments that rarely feel fully motivated or organic within the new context.
Wicked: For Good attempts to solve this problem. The film, starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, benefits from a script by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox that subtly shifts focus away from Dorothy’s quest and toward the emotional journey of its central characters. Rather than reducing Elphaba to a vengeful antagonist, the story explores her grief, her disillusionment, and, most importantly, her relationship with Glinda. The film expands their connection, offering more scenes and reprises that allow the women to confront their shared history and reshape their destinies. Dorothy, her shoes, and her role in Elphaba’s downfall become a side plot—a wink to viewers familiar with the original, but no longer the emotional core of the story.
This approach resonates with fans and critics alike. Audiences at early screenings have embraced the movie’s fresh take, donning green and pink costumes to celebrate their favorite characters. Social media buzzes with praise, though critics note the film’s willingness to prioritize character over spectacle. By allowing Elphaba’s decision to abandon her fight in Oz to feel genuinely motivated, Wicked: For Good sidesteps the narrative pitfalls that have long dogged adaptations. The result is a film that feels true to its source material while carving out space for new interpretations—an evolution that feels both overdue and refreshing (Polygon).
A Holiday in Oz: Immersive Nostalgia at Hotel del Coronado
The Wizard of Oz’s cultural footprint extends beyond cinema and theater. This holiday season, San Diego’s iconic Hotel del Coronado pays tribute to the story’s legacy with an immersive event: “A Holiday in Oz.” Running from November 21 to January 4, the resort transforms into a whimsical celebration of Baum’s world, complete with Oz-inspired decorations, a projected yellow brick road, and a dynamic light show titled “Wonder of Oz.”
Guests are invited to walk in the footsteps of Dorothy, Toto, the Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, and the Cowardly Lion, guided by dazzling displays and themed Christmas trees. The event also honors Baum’s personal connection to the hotel—he frequently visited between 1904 and 1917, and elements of the property are said to have influenced his later Oz books. Notably, the hotel’s famous crown room once featured a chandelier designed by Baum himself (People).
This year’s festivities coincide with the premiere of Wicked: For Good, amplifying the sense of nostalgia and celebration. Broadway star Jenna Leigh Green, known for her roles in the national tour of Wicked, headlines the opening weekend, bridging the gap between Oz’s literary roots and its modern musical legacy. For many visitors, the event is more than a holiday spectacle—it’s a chance to reconnect with stories that have shaped generations, to experience wonder in a way that feels both familiar and newly magical.
The Technicolor Legacy: Why the Wicked Witch Is Green
Of all the visual icons associated with The Wizard of Oz, few are as instantly recognizable as the Wicked Witch of the West’s green skin. But this was not Baum’s original vision. The decision to paint Margaret Hamilton’s face, neck, and hands green for the 1939 film was a product of technological innovation and artistic necessity.
Technicolor, an early full-color film process, was at the cutting edge in the late 1930s. MGM’s production team wanted to showcase the vivid palette that Technicolor allowed, so the Kansas scenes were shot in sepia, while Oz exploded into color. Dorothy’s silver shoes became ruby red; the Emerald City gleamed; and the Witch’s skin was painted a striking green to maximize contrast on screen. As Hamilton explained in Aljean Harmetz’s The Making of The Wizard of Oz, black makeup created unwanted white lines at the edges, while green solved the problem—albeit with significant cost to the actor.
The paint was copper-based and toxic. Applying it took hours, and Hamilton’s skin remained tinged green for weeks after filming wrapped. During a stunt, the paint contributed to serious burns on her hand, forcing her to leave the set for six weeks. The risk was so great that makeup artist Jack Young noted only two colors were truly hazardous: gold, which sealed the skin, and green, which could be dangerous due to its copper content (History.com).
This behind-the-scenes story highlights the lengths to which filmmakers went to create Oz’s magical world—a testament to the power of technology to shape cultural memory, but also a reminder of the human cost behind the legend.
Oz’s Enduring Power: Why the Story Still Resonates
As The Wizard of Oz turns 125, its influence is everywhere—from blockbuster movies to festive hotel experiences, and even in the enduring appeal of its imagery and metaphors. The story’s ability to evolve while remaining true to its core themes of courage, friendship, and the search for home is what makes it timeless. Whether reimagined through the lens of Elphaba’s rebellion or celebrated in holiday lights, Oz remains a place where generations can rediscover wonder.
The tale’s legacy is more than nostalgia. It’s a living tradition, constantly reframed for new audiences and new moments. In 2025, Oz is not just a memory; it’s an ongoing conversation about identity, belonging, and the courage to challenge the stories we inherit.
Assessment: The 125th anniversary of The Wizard of Oz in 2025 is not merely a milestone—it’s a testament to the story’s adaptability and emotional depth. Through creative reinterpretations like Wicked: For Good and experiential celebrations at venues like Hotel del Coronado, Oz continues to spark imagination while inviting critical reflection on its legacy. The enduring relevance of its themes, and the willingness of artists to reshape its narrative, ensure that Oz remains a vital part of our cultural landscape, rather than a relic of the past.