Let’s Explore How Wicked Inspires Us to Create Impactful Content
Yesterday, I shared a piece about the concept of Spolia, I highlighted examples of content that we all know and love that use this concept as a frame work.
If you’re not familiar, it’s a concept from architecture where builders repurpose fragments of older structures—like columns, bricks, or statues—and incorporate them into something new. It’s about honoring what came before while creating something fresh and innovative. But Spolia isn’t just for cathedrals or Roman ruins. It’s a mindset that can transform how we approach storytelling and content creation.
If you’ve seen the movie Wicked—or caught the Broadway show—you’ve witnessed Spolia in action. It takes the iconic Wizard of Oz universe, flips it on its head, and gives us a story that’s both familiar and radically new. It’s not just a prequel or a rehash. It’s a masterclass in how to draw inspiration from an existing work while creating something with its own identity.
And here’s the thing: you can do the same with your content, and I want to inspire you to approach this concept intentionally and guilt-free.
The Art of Borrowing Without Copying
One of the best things about Wicked is how it reimagines a beloved classic. Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West) becomes a complex, misunderstood hero. The world of Oz isn’t all sparkly roads and happy endings—it’s political, messy, and layered. Gregory Maguire, who wrote the book the musical is based on, didn’t copy The Wizard of Oz. He built on it, exploring untold stories and asking “what if?”
Think about your favorite content creators, writers, or artists. Chances are, they’re not pulling ideas out of thin air. They’re drawing from what they love; things that inspired them, made them think, or moved them, and remixing those influences into something uniquely theirs.
This is Spolia in storytelling. And it’s not “cheating.” It’s resourceful. It’s smart. It’s how creative worlds expand.
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How to Find Your “Elphaba” Moment
Okay, so how does this translate to your content? How do you take inspiration from something that already exists and make it your own? Here’s what we can learn from Wicked:
Flip the Perspective
Wicked works because the story asks, “What if the villain wasn’t the villain?” That one shift changes everything. When you’re stuck on an idea, try looking at it from another angle. Can you tell the story through a different lens? Challenge assumptions? Highlight the “unsung hero” of the narrative? Sometimes, the most impactful stories come from perspectives we haven’t considered.Unearth the Backstory
What’s the origin story of an idea you admire? Dive deep into its “why.” For example, if you’re writing about a trending topic, explore its roots. What brought it to this moment? Connecting the past to the present adds depth—and your audience will appreciate that thoughtfulness.Remix, Don’t Rehash
Notice how Wicked doesn’t just retell The Wizard of Oz. It adds to it. It gives us new characters, fresh conflicts, and unexpected emotional stakes. If you’re inspired by something—a blog post, a video, even a meme—ask yourself: how can I take this further? What’s the next step in the conversation?
Content Creation Is a Mosaic
Here’s the magic of Spolia: it allows us to honor what came before while creating something undeniably ours. That’s what the creators of Wicked did. They didn’t just see The Wizard of Oz as a finished product. They saw it as an invitation.
When you approach content with that same mindset, the possibilities are endless. Maybe you’ll borrow the structure of a podcast episode you loved but fill it with your unique insights. Or you’ll take a viral trend and infuse it with your culture, your voice, your values. The key is to respect the source while letting your creativity lead the way.
The Courage to Build with What You’ve Got
You don’t need to reinvent the wheel to create something meaningful. In fact, some of the best content comes from remixing, reimagining, and repurposing. Spolia isn’t about being “unoriginal.” It’s about seeing the potential in what’s already out there and using it to craft something that resonates.
So, here’s my challenge to you: find your Wicked. Look at the content that’s shaped you and ask how you can build on it. What can you bring to the table that no one else can? Inspiration is everywhere—you just need the courage to pick up the pieces and start creating.
Now go out there and make your own magical…
share it with us so we can feature it.