Gregory Maguire, author of ELPHIE, the new prequel to WICKED

ABOUT GREGORY MAGUIRE, WICKED and ELPHIE

As of February 20, 2025, the film adaptation of Wicked (2024) has grossed over $727 million worldwide. The movie is projected to earn over $1 billion at the box office and the advance ticket sales for film were the second best for Fandango in 2024. The film was nominated for ten Oscars, including Best Picture, and won two. 

Gregory Maguire, the acclaimed author behind the best-selling novel Wicked, is set to enchant readers once again with a prequel to this beloved story. Maguire's new novel, ELPHIE (Morrow, on sale 3/25/25) chronicles the formative years of Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West, unveiling her intriguing past and setting the stage for the global phenomenon that is Wicked.

Nearly 30 years after the original novel captivated readers, ELPHIE promises to be a riveting coming-of-age story that explores Elphaba's early life. The novel reveals how young Elphaba, marked from birth by her green skin, navigates a world shaped by her mother's promiscuity and her father's piety. It touches upon her early encounters with the marginalized Animal populations of Oz, her struggles with familial jealousy, and her educational adventures leading to Shiz University where she meets the charismatic Galinda.

Elphaba and the themes that Maguire presented in his groundbreaking work of fiction have only become more relevant in today's divided world. Acclaimed by critics and readers alike, Wicked has sold over 6 million copies and inspired the Tony Award-winning musical that has become one of Broadway's most successful shows. In response to readers' longstanding curiosity, Maguire's ELPHIE will explore the complexities of Elphaba's character, offering a profound insight into her transformation into one of literature's most iconic witches.

Maguire's ability to re-imagine the familiar world of Oz has been praised by prominent voices in literature and theatre. Stephen Schwartz, the composer and lyricist of "Wicked: The Musical," notes, "I knew that Gregory Maguire had come up with a genius idea the moment I heard about Wicked. It's a book that has changed a lot of lives, including mine."

ABOUT GREGORY MAGUIRE

Gregory Maguire is a New York Times bestselling author known for his inventive retellings of classic tales. His works have sold millions of copies worldwide, with "Wicked" alone spending 35 weeks on the bestseller list. Maguire continues to captivate audiences with his richly detailed narratives and profound insights into human nature.