Viewers are intrigued by Jeff Goldblum’s Wizard in Wicked: Part One and his apparent hatred of animals. While the film highlights Glinda and Elphaba’s bond, it also reveals Oz’s growing hostility toward animals, many of whom lose their ability to speak. This has sparked curiosity about the root of this prejudice.
Here’s a breakdown of key events and why Wizards hate animals in Wicked.
Why Wicked: Part One’s wizards hate animals
The Wizard fosters division in Oz by framing animals as enemies.
A critical scene in the movie exposes prejudice against animals. Dr. Dillamond, a talking goat and professor at Shiz University (played by Peter Dinklage), reads a chilling message on his classroom chalkboard: “ANIMALS SHOULD BE SEEN AND NOT HEARD.” Horrified, he dismisses the class, prompting viewers to wonder who wrote the hateful note.
This moment reveals how the Wizard manipulates perceptions in Oz. He spreads propaganda to portray animals as threats. While animals seek peaceful coexistence, the Wizard vilifies them. By exploiting fear, he uses animals as scapegoats for Oz’s troubles, such as the Great Drought that nearly destroyed the Emerald City.
Jeff Goldblum’s Wizard articulates this strategy in the trailers, stating, “The way to bring folks together is to give them a real good enemy.” By casting animals in this role, he consolidates power and unites the human residents of Oz through shared animosity. Over time, animals lose their ability to speak, symbolizing their growing marginalization and helplessness.
This dynamic serves as a poignant allegory for real-world prejudice. Silencing the animals symbolizes stripping away their rights and their ability to resist. The Wizard manipulates the population, ensuring they focus their anger on animals instead of questioning his authority.
The animals’ ultimate fate remains unclear. However, Wicked: Part One sets the stage for even greater conflict in the sequel, set for release in 2025.
