How Wicked’s Most Iconic Scene Was Unintentionally Inspired by Spider-Man

The highly anticipated film Wicked Part 1 is poised to take theaters by storm, captivating audiences much like an EF5 tornado. Film enthusiasts are set to be enchanted by its lively performances and delightful storytelling, reminiscent of an exuberant drama enthusiast fueled by caffeine.

Jas’s recent review, awarding the film 4 stars, highlights its charm, revealing how easily she fell under the spell of the lead character, Elphaba. This begs the question: is Hollywood on the brink of a significant shift towards theatrical adaptations? Could this genre ultimately overshadow the omnipresent superhero films that haunt contemporary cinema discussions?

Hollywood’s Dilemma

The consensus seems to be a resounding no. In reality, Wicked may very well owe its success to the superhero genre that has been instrumental in revitalizing Hollywood. Interestingly, viewers may catch an unintended nod to the iconic Spider-Man during the film.

Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba in Wicked movie — Universal Pictures

Am I imagining things? Let me elaborate. In a pivotal moment of Wicked, Elphaba and Glinda escape the clutches of the Wizard by taking refuge atop his castle. As they find themselves cornered, Elphaba attempts to escape on her enchanted broomstick. However, her magical prowess falters, resulting in a descent that mimics the struggles of many heroes.

Falling with Style

During her turbulent flight, Elphaba grapples with voices from her past, confronting self-doubt and harsh criticisms. This striking scene echoes a similar narrative found in the first trailer for the PS4 Spider-Man game, where a hero falls while haunted by previous failures.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fD8yWforTtM

Marvel’s Spider-Man – Be Greater Trailer | PS4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fD8yWforTtM)

Many audience members noted the parallels, resonating with the idea that Wicked might inadvertently pay homage to the Spider-Man franchise. Audiences cheered for Elphaba’s moment, a testament to the shared hero’s journey that transcends genres.

One wonders how director Jon M. Chu perceives this comparison. Likely, he may not embrace it, but it becomes clear that elements of superhero narratives are increasingly prevalent. For instance, while training to harness her powers, Elphaba’s experiences mirror a pivotal scene from X-Men: First Class. Both characters struggle to perform a seemingly simple task but unleash remarkable abilities under pressure—a classic trope in the superhero playbook.

Influence of Superhero Narratives

My assertion here is not to claim that Wicked owes its success to the superhero genre, but rather to highlight the pervasive influence of these cinematic tropes on contemporary storytelling. As the lines blur, the framework established by superhero narratives becomes a familiar guide for audiences.

Those yearning for the era of non-superhero stories may not fully appreciate the depth of these influences. The strategic cameos throughout the film serve as a nod to this intertwined cultural lexicon.

As we dive into this spellbinding cinematic experience, we’ve also prepared insights on optimal viewing times during the nearly three-hour runtime, alongside discussions on the film’s family-friendliness.

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