“The Wizard of Oz” was released in 1939 and with it came controversy of its poorly thought out set. Filming started in October of 1938, along with the beginning of a curse.
One of the first concerning aspects of filming was for Judy Garland who played Dorothy. According to Cineatomy on Instagram, her diet for filming only consisted of smoking cigarettes, drinking coffee, and taking pills so she could keep her weight down and energy up. She was only sixteen years old while she was filming. This diet affected her health for the rest of her life.
The set went through five directors which made the unstable, and the environment poor for the cast members.
You might remember the famous scene in the poppy field where the Wicked Witch, played by Margaret Hamilton, puts a spell on Dorothy and her friends. It makes them fall asleep in the field, then Glinda, the Good Witch, brings a snowfall to wake them up. The snow was pure asbestos which, according to the Department of Health, causes lung cancer, asbestosis, and various cancers.
Margaret Hamilton suffered third degree burns after the escape door malfunctioned in Munchkinland. The diversion smoke got hot too fast and gave her burns on her hands and face.
Judy Garland suffered from addiction after filming, and it caused her to die at the age of forty-seven. Many other cast members suffered illnesses which affected them for the rest of their lives.
“It is hard to watch such a childhood classic after I learned about everything that happened on the set,” said Sophie Best, ’26.
Broadway adapted the story of “The Wizard of Oz” into a musical which focused on Glinda and Elphaba, the Good and Wicked Witches, before Dorothy. Then a movie was announced to adapt the broadway musical onto the big screen.
“Wicked” comes out on Nov. 22, 2024, and “The Wizard of Oz” controversies began to stir back up. Ariana Grande was cast as Glinda, and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba. Fans worry that the curse has followed them.
Fans of the actors pointed out that both Grande and Erivo have lost weight significantly, during their “Wicked” press tour. Fans worry that Grande may have Lupus and prayers are sent through comments, some saying that ozempic is the culprit. These claims are just rumors which have spread over social media in the past week.
Even though body shaming is a major issue in the twenty-first century, fans tie their observations back to the curse of “The Wizard of Oz.” Despite controversy, the film is predicted to make over $100 million in its opening weekend, with theater kids all over the world, waiting to fly to the theaters on their broomsticks.
“I am so excited to see “Wicked” because of Ariana Grande. I know the music is going to be amazing,” says Tess Nowosad, ’26.
Even though both movies might feel nostalgic and iconic, it might be hard for audiences to watch them with the same point of view as before, now knowing how bad conditions were. It might be hard to look at the classic the same as before.
While you are watching, remember to not talk, silence your phone, and enjoy your snacks respectfully. Other individuals have paid to see the movie just like you, so make sure to be aware of your surroundings and to be respectful since you are in a public setting. If you are one to continuously talk, then going to the movie theater is not for you. If you don’t follow these guidelines, you might inherit the curse of “The Wizard of Oz.”
