Cinemalarities/2024/Wicked

Similarities Between Wicked (2024) and The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

Warning: Spoilers! if you have not seen both movies
Aspect	Wicked (2024)	The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
“Delusions of Grandeur” Dynamic	Glinda's lyric "Can't I make you understand you're having delusions of grandeur?" Context: Glinda's pleading with Elphaba during “Defying Gravity”, trying to convince her to back down and not rebel against the Wizard. Tone: Concern mixed with frustration—Glinda doesn’t understand Elphaba’s need to defy the system and sees her actions as reckless. Irony: Elphaba is about to do something truly heroic, but Glinda’s fear makes it seem foolish.	C-3PO famously exclaims, “I’m standing here in pieces, and you’re having delusions of grandeur!” to R2-D2 during their desperate escape from Cloud City. Context: Right after being reassembled during the Cloud City escape, C-3PO is complaining, while R2 is working to save them. Tone: Exasperation and sarcasm—3PO doesn’t grasp that R2’s “grandeur” is actually competence and heroism in action. Irony: R2 is literally saving everyone, but 3PO’s panic makes it seem like arrogance.
Art Deco “City in the Clouds” Setting with Dusky Sunset Palette	Emerald City has a sleek, streamlined, almost Metropolis-inspired Art Deco aesthetic. The climactic tower scene takes place above the city, with Elphaba’s broom flight framed against dusky, orange-tinted clouds.	Cloud City has a similar Art Deco futurism, with curved metallic architecture and floating platforms. The climax unfolds amid sweeping orange sunset skies as Leia rescues Luke, who clings precariously to the city’s underbelly.
Cloud City, Emerald City, and the Gingerbread House Trap	Emerald City → When Elphaba and Glinda arrive, it seems like a place of opportunity and magic. It becomes a place of betrayal and painful choices.	Cloud City → When Han, Leia, and the group arrive, it appears to be a neutral haven. It is revealed to be a trap orchestrated by Vader.
The Fiery Furnace of Doom	The Wizard’s Inner Chamber → Dark, smoky, mechanical, where Elphaba realizes the Wizard’s deception.	Cloud City’s Carbon Freezing Chamber → A hellish, red-lit industrial nightmare, where Han is frozen in agony.
Climactic “Gut Punch” Revelation	Elphaba’s worldview is shattered when she realizes the Wizard, whom she idolized, is corrupt.	Luke’s worldview is shattered by the "I am your father" moment, learning his enemy is his blood.
The Ultimate Rejection of Power	Elphaba: "I’m not afraid. Oz should be afraid of me!" – Defying the Wizard.	Luke: "I'll never join you!" – And then he lets go and falls into the abyss.
Dramatic Plunge / Moment of Rebirth	Elphaba falls before rising into the sky during "Defying Gravity," embracing her power and defiance.	Luke chooses to fall into the abyss after rejecting Vader’s offer, symbolizing his refusal to join the Dark Side.
Villain’s Plan to Exploit the Hero’s Power	The Wizard lures Elphaba under the pretense of working together but intends to exploit her unique magical abilities to access the Grimmerie.	Vader and the Emperor see Luke’s potential and scheme to turn him to the Dark Side to exploit his power.
Betrayal by Trusted Figures who Justify their Actions	Madame Morrible → Elphaba and Glinda trust her as a mentor, but she is aligned with the Wizard’s oppressive rule. She sends Glinda to convince Elphaba to comply, framing it as the only option.	Lando Calrissian → Han and Leia trust him because of his past with Han. He betrays them to Vader but tries to justify it as necessary to protect Cloud City.
Protected Haven Turns to Chaos	Shiz University and the Emerald City were places of stability, but Elphaba’s defiance sparks panic and authoritarian control.	Cloud City is a neutral, safe haven until the Empire arrives, leading to an evacuation and disorder.
A Moment of Powerlessness & Forced Choices	Glinda is left behind, unable to stop Elphaba from choosing rebellion; she is forced to align with the Wizard’s system.	Leia is left behind, unable to stop the bounty hunter and Vader from taking Han; she is forced to flee.