Wicked: Dorothy’s Silver Slippers in New “For Good” Film

As anticipation builds for the release of “Wicked: For Good,” the second installment of Jon M. Chu’s cinematic adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, fans are keen to discover how the film will bring the magical world of Oz to life. One particular detail that has sparked much discussion is the appearance of Dorothy’s iconic slippers. While the 1939 classic film cemented the image of ruby red footwear in the public consciousness, “Wicked: For Good” will, in fact, feature silver slippers, staying true to L. Frank Baum’s original novel and the stage musical.

The Original Vision: Silver Slippers in Oz

L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” presents Dorothy wearing silver shoes. This detail is significant, especially considering the historical context of the Gilded Age in which the book was written. Many literary scholars interpret Baum’s work as a political allegory, suggesting that the yellow brick road symbolizes the gold standard, while Dorothy’s silver slippers represent the bimetallism movement (specifically the Silverite position) favored by populists and unions who advocated for a less rigid money supply. By adhering to the silver depiction, “Wicked: For Good” aligns itself with the foundational text and its deeper thematic layers, offering a consistent narrative for those familiar with the source material.

Navigating Rights and Artistic Choices

The decision to feature silver slippers in “Wicked: For Good” is not solely an artistic choice rooted in fidelity to Baum’s novel. It also stems from practical considerations regarding intellectual property. The rights to the famous ruby slippers, specifically designed for the Technicolor spectacle of the 1939 “The Wizard of Oz” film, belong to MGM (now owned by Warner Bros.). Given that the “Wicked” films are distributed by Universal Pictures, there are clear boundaries on what elements from the classic movie can be referenced or directly depicted. Director Jon M. Chu has previously confirmed this, stating, “We never use the ruby slippers.”

A Fiery Nod: How ‘Wicked’ Embraces the Ruby Hue

Despite the legal and creative commitment to silver slippers, the production team for “Wicked” has found ingenious ways to pay homage to the globally recognized ruby red color. In the first “Wicked” film, the slippers are introduced as an heirloom within Elphaba’s family, passed down to her sister, Nessarose. While the shoes themselves are silver, they are presented in a case encrusted with ruby red jewels, providing a subtle yet distinct visual cue to the 1939 film.

“Wicked: For Good” takes this allusion even further. Cinematographer Alice Brooks revealed that red lighting is used strategically in the film to convey moments where Elphaba and Nessarose are making a “wrong choice.”

A notable scene in “Wicked: For Good” involves Nessarose, who uses a wheelchair, levitating after Elphaba uses her powers to enable her to walk. As Nessarose ascends, both her silver slippers and the surrounding room are dramatically bathed in red light. Brooks explained that as Elphaba’s powers intensify and Nessarose rises, the shoes appear to glow from within, becoming “hotter and hotter,” with the red light becoming “our most vibrant red.”

The Significance of Elphaba and Nessarose’s Slippers

Within the narrative of “Wicked,” the slippers hold particular significance for Elphaba and Nessarose. They are presented as a family heirloom, initially gifted to Nessarose by her father, Governor Thropp, upon her arrival at Shiz University. Costume designer Paul Tazewell added a unique detail to the silver slippers: a tornado-shaped design on the heel. This serves as a clever and subtle nod to the iconic twister that transports Dorothy from Kansas to Oz, connecting the shoes to the very event that sets much of the Ozian story in motion. These silver slippers, therefore, are not just a point of contention regarding color but are woven into the fabric of the characters’ backstories and the unfolding events in Oz.

Conclusion

“Wicked: For Good” meticulously balances faithfulness to its literary and theatrical origins with clever nods to cinematic history. By featuring silver slippers, the film honors L. Frank Baum’s original vision and navigates complex intellectual property rights. However, the creative team ensures that the iconic ruby red hue is not entirely absent, integrating it through evocative lighting and symbolic presentation. This approach allows the film to stand on its own narrative merits while still acknowledging the enduring legacy of “The Wizard of Oz,” promising an engaging and thoughtfully constructed cinematic experience for audiences.