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Jeff Goldblum portrays the Wonderful Wizard of Oz in both Jon M. Chu's musical films, Wicked and Wicked: For Good, revealing him to be a charismatic yet non-magical con man.
Initially revered, the "Sentimental Man" uses his political authority, supported by Michelle Yeoh's character Madame Morrible, to propagate lies and oppress the Animal citizens of Oz, making him the central villain Elphaba fights against.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers about the film. Viewer's discretion is advised.
In the Wicked: For Good conclusion, Glinda exposes the Wizard’s true nature as a fraud and confronts him with the shattering realization that he is Elphaba’s biological father. Broken by the truth and stripped of his power, the Wizard is banished from Oz forever by Glinda and departs the Emerald City in his iconic hot air balloon.
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Jeff Goldblum's Wizard of Oz fate in Wicked: For Good and the character's history
Jeff Goldblum's Wizard of Oz is established in the Wicked films not as a powerful sorcerer, but as a deceitful carnival huckster. His history with Elphaba is defined by manipulation; he seeks to exploit her genuine magical ability to secure his political power and establish a tyrannical regime against the Animals of Oz. Unbeknownst to both of them, this animosity is deeply personal.
In the climax of Wicked: For Good, Glinda makes a devastating discovery about the Wizard and forces him to face it. After Elphaba’s staged death, she confronts him with a small green elixir bottle that Elphaba left behind.
The moment he sees it, everything comes crashing down: the bottle belonged to Elphaba’s mother, and the Wizard realizes he is Elphaba’s biological father and the very reason she was born green.
The truth hits him hard. He finally understands that he has spent years tormenting and hunting the daughter he never knew he had. Consumed by shame and guilt, and with Glinda now morally resolute and unwilling to protect him any longer, the Wizard loses all remaining power. He thus quietly leaves the Emerald City in his familiar hot air balloon.
Reflecting on his time on the sets of Wicked and Wicked: For Good, Jeff Golblum stated:
“This whole experience has been unexpected and beautiful. I have been lucky to work with some of the most extraordinary people, and to witness up close the way they act and make music at the same time. You cannot be around that and not be made better. The story, about building a world that works for everyone, has stayed with me.”
Now playing in theatres, Jon M. Chu's Wicked: For Good features Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo in the lead roles alongside notable actors such as Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum and Colman Domingo, among other actors.
Stay tuned for more updates.
