In 1939—the classic film that will forever be loved by generations was released. After 83 years, The Wizard Of Oz has now found itself in the spotlight yet again. From the highly anticipated prequel, to the iconic memorabilia, the magic of the Oz is alive and well and it seems that there is no end in sight.
In November 2024, one of the most talked about films was released. Wicked starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, the story of friendship and rivalry was brought to life in a completely new way. The adaptation from a musical to a movie was put together better than anyone ever imagined. The film dives into the origin story of the Good Witch and the Bad Witch and where their story began. Wicked broke box office records in just the first couple days of the film being in theaters. It became a very quick cultural phenomenon giving fans both an old and new understanding of the characters. The film’s heartwarming moments and unforgettable songs left the Wicked fans eager to revisit the Oz universe once again.
But it is not just the new film that is keeping this franchise alive. The recent auction of the iconic Ruby Red Slippers, worn by Judy Garland’s Dorothy in the 1939 film, has made headlines around the world. In December of 2024, the dazzling slippers were sold for a staggering $28 million, a price far exceeding the expectations of many. The slippers’ remarkable journey include theft from the Judy Garland Museum in 2005, followed by the dramatic recovery in 2018 after a 13 year search. With their recent resale the magic of Oz has returned to the forefront, once again captivating the imagination of the public.
As the Wizard Of Oz continues to entice generations through prequels, unforgettable performances, and forever iconic memorabilia, it’s clear that the magic of the Oz will never go away. Whether it’s the stories of how Glinda and Elphaba met, the sparkly red slippers, or The Emerald City Of Oz where dreams come true the legacies will live on through the people of all generations. Who knows what is to come of this amazing franchise, but most know that Oz is far from going away.