Summary:
- The cloaked rider in Wicked‘s opening scene sparks fan theories about their identity, with candidates including Elphaba, Glinda, or a new character.
- Fiyero is ruled out as the rider due to narrative inconsistencies and established events in the musical.
- Elphaba fleeing after faking her death emerges as a strong possibility, aligning with the Broadway musical’s storyline.
The opening scene of the Wicked movie has ignited intrigue with the appearance of a mysterious cloaked rider on horseback. This enigmatic figure, seen fleeing Kiamo Ko during the song No One Mourns the Wicked, has become the subject of fervent fan speculation. With multiple theories swirling online, the rider’s identity could redefine the narrative of the two-part cinematic adaptation.
Who Is the Mystery Rider in Wicked? Examining the Leading Theories
Elphaba: A Fateful Escape After Faking Her Death
The most compelling theory suggests that the cloaked rider is none other than Elphaba. In the Broadway musical, Elphaba and Fiyero devise a plan to fake her death during the climactic moment when Dorothy throws water on her. Using trapdoors in Kiamo Ko, Elphaba escapes, allowing everyone to believe she melted away.
In this context, the rider could symbolize her discreet retreat from the castle. The use of a white horse, instead of Fiyero‘s black horse, underscores the separation of their journeys at this juncture. While the specifics of their reunion may differ in the movie, this theory preserves the essence of their plan and sets up an emotional continuation in Wicked: For Good.
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Glinda: A Concealed Departure in Disguise
Another plausible candidate is Glinda. In the musical, Glinda is present at Kiamo Ko when Elphaba fakes her death. Leaving the castle incognito could align with her cautious nature, especially since using her signature bubble for transport would draw attention.
While this theory has merit, it faces challenges. In the musical, Glinda wears a ball gown during these events, which contrasts with the rider’s cloaked attire. However, minor costume adjustments or a wardrobe change could reconcile this inconsistency. Additionally, cuts between scenes in the movie may allow for a time lapse, giving Glinda ample opportunity to switch modes of transport before addressing the Munchkins about Elphaba’s demise.
Fiyero: Ruled Out by Established Timelines
Initially, fans speculated that Fiyero might be the rider, given his connection to horseback scenes in the musical. However, this theory doesn’t hold up under scrutiny. In Act 2, Fiyero is transformed into the Scarecrow to save his life during the song No Good Deed. The movie’s opening panoramic sequence directly links the rider’s escape with Fiyero appearing as the Scarecrow moments later on the Yellow Brick Road. This real-time transition eliminates the possibility of Fiyero being the cloaked figure.
Moreover, deviating from the musical’s storyline to fit this theory would demand substantial changes to Fiyero’s arc, contradicting the movie’s commitment to staying faithful to its Broadway roots.
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Additional Possibilities: A New Character or Twist?
While unlikely, some speculate that the rider could represent a completely new character introduced to expand the story. This approach could inject fresh narrative elements, but it risks alienating fans by diverging from the established musical and its iconic plot points.
The cloaked rider’s identity will undoubtedly be revealed in Wicked: For Good, slated for release in 2025.
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