What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedElphie
Gregory Maguire · Book
If you loved Elphie, start with Wicked (Jon M. Chu, 2024) — a film on the same thread. Below: 2 films, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Elphie across media.
If you loved Elphie, you will find yourself drawn to these stories that navigate the painful, transformative journey of an outsider coming into their own power.
Films on the same thread
Wicked
Jon M. Chu · Film · 2024
Shares a thread with Elphie: Outsider Perspective.
Just as Elphie explores the roots of a misunderstood villain, this film delves into the complex origins of the Wicked Witch, highlighting the prejudice and social alienation she endures.
Wicked: For Good
Jon M. Chu · Film · 2025
Explores: Female Friendship, Good vs Evil, Social Justice.
This continuation mirrors the emotional depth found in Elphie, focusing on how a singular friendship serves as the ultimate catalyst for redemption and defining one's true destiny.
Series on the same thread
Smallville
Alfred Gough · Series · 2001
Shares a thread with Elphie: Coming-of-Age.
Much like Elphie, this series examines the burden of destiny, tracing the tumultuous path of a young person struggling to balance their identity with the expectations of the world.
The Good Place
Michael Schur · Series · 2016
Explores: Redemption, Moral Improvement, Existentialism.
If you appreciated the moral ambiguity of Elphie, you will enjoy this journey of self-discovery, where an outsider seeks to redefine their character through personal growth and redemption.
The Magicians
Sera Gamble · Series · 2015
Explores: Coming of Age, Existential Crisis, The Burden of Power.
This show captures the same existential tension present in Elphie, deconstructing fantasy tropes as a group of outsiders grapples with the heavy, often isolating burden of magical power.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Joss Whedon · Series · 1997
Explores: Coming of Age, Good vs Evil, Female Empowerment.
Sharing the coming-of-age intensity of Elphie, this story centers on a young woman who must navigate the isolating pressures of her unique role while fighting against darkness.
Podcasts on the same thread
WICKED: The Official Podcast
Podcast
Explores: movie making, musical adaptation, theatrical production.
For those fascinated by the world-building of Elphie, this podcast offers a deeper look into the creative process and character dynamics that bring this iconic mythic story to life.
A New Untold Story
Podcast
Explores: Small-town life, Overcoming adversity, Single motherhood.
This podcast echoes the themes of social alienation found in Elphie, telling the story of an individual who overcomes early adversity to claim their own sense of purpose.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Elphie a direct prequel to Wicked?
Elphie serves as a foundational text that explores the childhood of the character who eventually becomes the protagonist in Wicked. It provides the necessary background and character development to understand the origins of the figure central to the later narrative.
What does Elphie reveal about the character?
Elphie focuses on the early life and formative years of the protagonist. By detailing her childhood experiences, the book establishes the essential psychological and social groundwork that shapes the complex character who appears in the novel Wicked.
Should I read Elphie before starting Wicked?
Reading Elphie first is recommended because it establishes the character history that informs the events of Wicked. The narrative focuses on the childhood of the main character, providing context that defines the trajectory of her life and the person she becomes.
Does Elphie cover the entire life of the character?
Elphie is specifically centered on the childhood of the main character. It does not cover her entire life, but instead focuses on the early experiences that lay the groundwork for her development and the events that follow in the story of Wicked.