Warning! This article contains spoilers for Wicked: Part 1.

Wicked: Part 1 culminates with a shocking revelation about a key character, who is unveiled as a villainous figure working in secret for The Wizard of Oz all along. The film’s gripping finale sees the protagonists, Elphaba and Galinda, making their way to the Emerald City for a pivotal meeting with the enigmatic Wizard. Notably, there are several distinctions between the Wicked movie and its musical counterpart, particularly concerning the backstory of the Wizard and the surprise cameos from Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, the original stars of the Broadway show that inspired Wicked.

As the stirring soundtrack of Wicked builds towards the iconic “Defying Gravity,” numerous unexpected twists unfold, further propelling Elphaba and the newly-christened Glinda down their fateful paths as the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch of the North, respectively. These shocking developments delve deeper into the manipulative dynamics that will ultimately shape the ending of The Wizard of Oz, revealing the true nature of its titular character. Additionally, audiences discover that the Wizard has a seemingly helpful accomplice who appears throughout Wicked: Part 1, masking their true allegiance.

The Shocking Revelation of Madame Morrible’s True Nature in Wicked’s Ending

Unveiling the Betrayal: Elphaba’s Magic Teacher Collaborates with the Wizard

The character that embodies this betrayal is Madame Morrible, portrayed by the talented Michelle Yeoh in Wicked‘s impressive ensemble cast. Morrible is introduced early in the film, initially taking the fall for one of Elphaba’s accidental magical outbursts, which sets the stage for her complex relationship with the young witch. Demonstrating a distinct preference for Elphaba, Morrible declares her intention to mentor her, a rare opportunity at Shiz University. Throughout the film, she assists Elphaba in unlocking her immense potential, all under the guise of preparing her for an audience with The Wizard of Oz, but her true motives remain hidden.

At first glance, all of Morrible’s seemingly supportive actions appear genuine. However, once Elphaba arrives in the Emerald City to confront The Wizard, the true nature of Morrible’s intentions is dramatically revealed. Instead of being a mentor who wants to see Elphaba succeed, Morrible has been grooming her to enhance her magical abilities, intending to use those powers for her own ends and to reinforce The Wizard of Oz’s authority over the land of Oz. This shocking discovery drives Elphaba away from the Emerald City, leading Morrible to further cement her villainous role by framing her former student as the Wicked Witch of the West.

Understanding Madame Morrible’s Alliance with the Wizard in Wicked

What Are Madame Morrible’s True Objectives?

The intricacies of Madame Morrible’s motivations will likely be further explored in Wicked: Part 2, yet Wicked: Part 1 lays the groundwork for understanding her collaboration with the Wizard. As highlighted in The Wizard of Oz, the Wizard himself is depicted as a charlatan, employing his skills as a conman to deceive the denizens of Oz into believing he wields divine power. Given that Wicked serves as a prequel, the Wizard is actively working to refine his manipulations to secure his control over Oz, illustrating the ongoing struggle for power.

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Wicked Part 2’s Story Explained: What Happens After Part 1’s Ending

The fast-paced ending of Wicked: Part 1 serves as a midpoint to the overall narrative, setting up a compelling story for Wicked: Part 2.

To achieve his goals, the Wizard resorts to subjugating the talking animals of Oz and claims that the best way to unify the people is by creating a common enemy. This strategy is crucial in framing Elphaba as the antagonist responsible for the oppression of the talking animals, thereby consolidating the Wizard’s rule by positioning himself against this new foe. In her alliance with the Wizard, Madame Morrible shares a close and strategic friendship with him, working together to enhance their power. Additionally, her apparent disdain for talking animals further elucidates her villainous motivations.

Comparing Madame Morrible’s Villain Twist in Wicked to the Original Book & Musical

Wicked draws inspiration from the Broadway musical of the same name, which in turn is based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. When examining how the film adapts the core themes from these original works, it becomes evident that Madame Morrible’s villainous twist takes on different forms. In the source material, Morrible’s villainy is explicitly established, a narrative thread that remains consistent throughout Wicked: Part 1.

However, the musical adaptation presents Morrible’s character in a less overtly villainous light. While the musical hints at her manipulative nature, it refrains from fully confirming her villainy until later in the narrative. Her ultimate fate diverges in both the book and musical, leaving viewers eager to see how these storylines will unfold when Wicked: Part 2 hits theaters on November 21, 2025.

Implications of Madame Morrible’s Villain Twist for Wicked: Part 2

Ultimately, the revelation of Madame Morrible’s villainy in Wicked: Part 1 not only enriches the narrative by introducing a formidable antagonist for the film’s climactic moments but also sets the stage for Wicked: Part 2. Given that Wicked serves as a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, the original story’s titular character cannot serve as the primary antagonist in Wicked: Part 2, as his ultimate downfall is tied to Dorothy’s tale. However, with Madame Morrible now positioned as a central villain, Wicked: Part 2 gains a robust focal point for its storyline.

As Elphaba finds herself on the run and Glinda is seemingly pulled deeper under Morrible’s influence by the conclusion of Wicked: Part 1, the dynamics between these characters will become increasingly complex. Madame Morrible is poised to become a significant force in Elphaba’s struggle against authority, potentially exacerbating the tension between Elphaba and Glinda. While The Wizard of Oz will maintain a presence in Wicked: Part 2, it is clear that Madame Morrible will take center stage as the primary antagonist, a character arc that aligns with her portrayal in the Broadway musical.