In the land of Oz, the citizens of Munchkinland celebrate the death of the Wicked Witch of the West, prompting Glinda the Good to reflect on their shared past. Years earlier, green-skinned Elphaba arrived at Shiz University to care for her sister Nessarose. Elphaba's raw magical talent caught the attention of Madame Morrible, who began tutoring her with the promise that she could one day work with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
Initially clashing with her popular roommate Galinda, Elphaba eventually bonded with her after a social gathering at the Ozdust Ballroom. Meanwhile, Elphaba and her allies grew increasingly concerned about the mistreatment of talking Animals at the university, particularly after their history professor, Dr. Dillamond, was forcefully removed from his position. Driven by her ambition to meet the ruler of Oz and set things right, Elphaba eventually traveled to the Emerald City alongside Galinda, who had renamed herself Glinda in solidarity with their beloved professor.
Elphaba discovers that the Wizard and Madame Morrible are behind the oppression of the Animals in Oz.
Refusing to cooperate with the fraudulent regime, Elphaba steals the Grimmerie and flees the Emerald City.
Glinda chooses to stay behind in the city, leading to an emotional separation between the two friends.
The story leaves their paths divergent as Elphaba embraces her destiny and flies west on a broom.
The final act of Wicked unfolds in the Emerald City, where Elphaba and Glinda finally meet the ruler of Oz. To their surprise, the man behind the curtain is an ordinary individual lacking any real magical abilities of his own. Madame Morrible is also present and encourages Elphaba to use the sacred spellbook known as the Grimmerie.
Trusting the regime, Elphaba casts a levitation spell, which has a horrifying result. The Wizard's monkey guards painfully sprout wings, and Elphaba suddenly realizes that the ruler and Morrible plan to use the winged monkeys as spies to further subjugate the Animals of Oz. Horrified by the truth and recognizing that the fraud used her to advance his oppressive agenda, Elphaba seizes the Grimmerie and flees the room.
Glinda follows her, trying to persuade her to return, apologize, and ask for forgiveness. Elphaba firmly refuses, recognizing that she can no longer be part of such corruption. Outside, Madame Morrible publicly denounces Elphaba to all of Oz, labeling her dangerous.
Seeking escape, Elphaba attempts to use the ruler's hot air balloon, but the pathway is blocked and the balloon burns up in the process. Determined to get away, Elphaba climbs high into a palace attic and successfully casts the levitation spell on a broomstick, allowing her to take flight. Before leaving, she urges Glinda to join her in escaping the corrupt regime together.
Torn between her friendship and her desire for social standing and acceptance, Glinda chooses to remain behind in the Emerald City. The two friends share a deeply emotional farewell as their paths officially diverge. Down below, Fiyero departs Shiz on horseback during a mass evacuation, while Governor Thropp suffers a fatal heart attack upon hearing the devastating news about Elphaba. The story's final images show Elphaba flying west into the sky on her broom, leaving Glinda behind as she fully steps into her new life and reputation.
What does the ending of Wicked mean?
One reading of the ending of Wicked centers on the painful cost of integrity and the corrupting nature of political power. The narrative explores how institutions manipulate well-meaning individuals by disguising oppression as order. Elphaba's choice to reject the Wizard highlights a theme of resistance against systemic injustice, even when it requires standing entirely alone.
Conversely, Glinda's decision to stay behind illustrates the allure of conformity, prestige, and the fear of social ostracization. The parting of the two friends resolves their contrasting character arcs, transforming them from reluctant roommates into opposing figures in the history of Oz. Rather than offering a simple resolution, the story leaves their ultimate fates open, focusing instead on how personal choices shape public perception and myth.
Average audience ratings from the source database. Click a title to read its ending explained.
Where to watch Wicked
How
Available on
Stream
JioHotstar
Rent
Apple TV Store, Zee5, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Amazon Video
Buy
Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube
Listed for region IN. Availability varies by country.
Wicked ending FAQ
Why does Elphaba steal the Grimmerie?
Elphaba steals the Grimmerie after discovering that the Wizard and Madame Morrible tricked her into using its spells to wing the monkey guards. Realizing they are using her magic to oppress the Animals of Oz, she takes the sacred book to keep it out of their fraudulent hands.
Does Glinda leave the Emerald City with Elphaba?
No, Glinda ultimately decides to stay behind in the Emerald City. Although Elphaba begs her to come along, Glinda chooses to remain, leading to an emotional farewell as Elphaba flies away on her broomstick alone.
What happens to the Wizard's monkey guards?
When Elphaba casts the levitation spell from the Grimmerie at the request of the Wizard and Madame Morrible, the monkey guards painfully sprout wings. The rulers intend to use these winged creatures as spies to tighten their control over Oz.
Why does Governor Thropp die?
Governor Thropp suffers a fatal heart attack after he and Nessarose receive the news of Elphaba's rebellion and denunciation. The sudden shock and the public scandal surrounding Elphaba prove to be too much for him to bear.
Is the Wizard actually a powerful sorcerer?
No, when Elphaba and Glinda finally meet the ruler of Oz in the Emerald City, they are shocked to discover that he is just an ordinary man with no real magical powers and an inability to read the Grimmerie.
Where can I watch Wicked?
Stream: JioHotstar. Rent: Apple TV Store, Zee5, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Amazon Video. Buy: Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube. Availability listed for region IN and varies by country.
Wicked cast
Actor
Character
Cynthia Erivo
Elphaba
Ariana Grande
Galinda / Glinda
Michelle Yeoh
Madame Morrible
Jonathan Bailey
Fiyero
Ethan Slater
Boq
Marissa Bode
Nessarose
Jeff Goldblum
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Peter Dinklage
Dr. Dillamond (voice)
Movie
★ 8.3
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