Wicked is a stage and screen musical that reimagines the backstory of the witches of Oz, primarily focusing on Elphaba, Glinda, and their shared experiences in the Land of Oz before Dorothy’s arrival. It asks when these events occur within the broader continuity of Oz and how the show fits into the wider cultural timeline. This guide provides an answer-first summary, backed by production milestones and narrative clues, to clarify when the story is set and when key versions of Wicked were introduced to audiences.
Core Timeline of the Story
Within the world of Gregory Maguire’s novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West and the stage musical adapted from it, the events of Wicked are set in a fictional past that overlaps with—and reinterprets—L. Frank Baum’s original Oz books. The story begins with the childhoods of Elphaba and Galinda (later Glinda) at Shiz University and follows their paths into the political and magical upheavals of Oz. In the continuity of the musical, these events occur before Dorothy Gale’s cyclone-driven arrival, which is famously depicted in the 1939 MGM film The Wizard of Oz. While Baum’s books established the broader world, the musical situates its central conflict in the years leading up to that iconic story, offering a revisionist look at good, evil, and the nature of fame.
Stage Production Rollout
The stage version of Wicked premiered on Broadway after a tryout period, establishing the musical in New York and later expanding to a West End production in London and numerous international stagings. Its long-running success has made it a defining contemporary musical, frequently referenced in popular culture and studied as a landmark in modern theatre. The table below outlines key milestones in its development and rollout.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Broadway tryouts | San Francisco, 2003 | Production History |
| Broadway opening | October 30, 2003 | Official Press Release |
| West End opening | September 27, 2006 | London Theatre Records |
| Global productions | Multiple international stagings since 2006 | Touring Data |
Film and Television Adaptations
Beyond the stage, Wicked has reached broader audiences through film and related media. The major motion picture adaptation, directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as Elphaba and Glinda, began principal photography in early 2024 and has faced production delays. Its first part is scheduled for release in 2025, while the second part is set to follow in 2026. In the interim, the popularity of the stage musical, cast recordings, and televised performances continues to shape how audiences encounter the story. Below are key production milestones for the film version.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Film part 1 announced release | 2025 | Studio Schedule |
| Film part 2 announced release | 2025, part 2 in 2026 | Studio Schedule |
| Principal photography start | Early 2024 | Production News |
| Source material | Wicked musical by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum | Copyright and credits |
Relationship to The Wizard of Oz
Wicked is explicitly framed as a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, exploring the political tensions between the Emerald City and the lands of the East and West. Elphaba’s defiance and her complicated relationship with Glinda shed light on how public perception of the witches evolved. The story deliberately avoids direct references to Dorothy, instead centering on themes of destiny, media manipulation, and institutional power. This narrative positioning allows Wicked to function both as an independent drama and as a companion piece to Baum’s original work, deepening the mythology of Oz without contradicting its iconic imagery.
Clarifying Common Misconceptions
Because Wicked is set in a magical version of Oz that exists prior to Dorothy’s story, some assume it shares the exact timeline as the 1939 film. In reality, the musical is a reimagining that occupies an earlier, distinct stretch of Oz history. Additionally, while rumors sometimes circulate about casting changes or shifting release windows for the films, the confirmed schedule points to a 2025 and 2026 rollout for the two-part cinematic adaptation. Understanding these distinctions helps separate the enduring appeal of the story from fleeting production updates.
Why This Timeline Matters
Clarifying when Wicked takes place enriches audience appreciation of both the musical and the original Oz canon. It contextualizes the political and emotional stakes faced by Elphaba and Glinda and highlights how the story comments on fame, othering, and resistance. For long-term cultural relevance, the narrative’s pre-Dorothy setting ensures that Wicked remains a flexible, interpretable work that can be revisited across generations. By anchoring the story in a clear framework, fans and newcomers alike can better understand its themes and lasting impact.
Conclusion
The story of Wicked is set before Dorothy’s arrival in Oz, functioning as a richly detailed prequel that expands the world created by L. Frank Baum. The stage musical debuted in the early 2000s and has since become a global phenomenon, while the film adaptation is progressing toward releases in 2025 and 2026. These milestones, alongside the narrative framing, confirm that Wicked exists in a distinct but complementary timeline within the broader Oz universe. For anyone asking when Wicked takes place, the answer is rooted in a fantastical past that invites ongoing exploration and reinterpretation.