Just like Wicked’s message, Mish’s journey to the Jozi premiere came together with kindness, community, and celebrating the differences that make you shine.
Johannesburg, South Africa (24 November 2025) – We’ve got a soft spot for Wicked. A stage musical for over two decades, it was finally adapted for the big screen last year with Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda.
It became one of the biggest movies of 2024.
Beyond the wonder of witches, wizards and flying monkeys, it carried a message worth holding onto, that kindness, friendship and being ‘different’ are all strengths.
Now, the sequel, the final chapter in the story, has arrived. Wicked: For Good. Universal hosted a red carpet premiere at Eastgate in Jozi last week, and it was everything.
SA’s Elphabas and Glindas arrived in hats and brooms, tiaras and dresses. The Good Things Guy went full pink. Brent rocked a showstopper look, but one cosplayer truly stole the show…
Her name is Mish Roodman.
When Mish heard Universal would be hosting a red carpet premiere for a film that meant so much to her, she dreamed of being there. But she was in Cape Town, and finances were tight. Instead of giving up, she turned to her people.
Mish is part of South Africa’s anime and cosplay community; it’s a tight-knit group known for its kindness and creativity. When she launched a giveaway to raise funds for the trip, her online community responded immediately.
Not only because they cared, but because Mish is a legend in the scene. She’s brought characters like Yubaba from Spirited Away, Totoro, Princess Peach, Oogie Boogie and many more to life. Helping her get to Wicked felt obvious.
“I worked hard on TikTok to share my journey and held a giveaway to help raise the funds. Some people donated. Others said give me 1 ticket and I will pay for 3, for example, just to help!” shares Mish.
@theengraveslave 💚✨ Help me get to the WICKED premiere! ✨💚 Yup, THE Wicked premiere in Johannesburg! 🧙♀️💫 I’m doing a R100 giveaway to make the magic happen, and YOU could win an Engrave Slave hoodie + exclusive hamper taylored to you! 🔥 Every entry helps me get one broomstick closer to that green carpet (and you know I’m going to make it WICKED 😉). 🎟️ To enter or book your spot, email me at: theengraveslave@gmail.com Let’s show Jozi just how spellbinding the anime fam can be! 🖤✨ #WickedPremiere #WickedSA #TheEngraveSlave #GiveawaySA #SupportLocal ♬ original sound – The Engrave Slave 🦖🇿🇦
Bit by bit, things fell into place.
She raised enough to cover her flights.
A friend in Johannesburg offered her a place to stay.
Suddenly, the trip was real. Mish was so excited, she took her followers along for every step.
@theengraveslave It’s finally happening… I FLY TOMORROW! 💚🧹✨ Bag packed. Outfit chosen. Hat ready. The Wicked premier is calling and your girl is SOOOO EXCITED I could defy gravity right now! Countdown starts… and now… WE FLY! 💚✨👑 See you on the other side of the emerald curtain! @Universal Pictures ZA #WickedMovie #DefyGravity #WickedPremier #EmeraldCityVibes #SoExcited ♬ Defying Gravity – Cynthia Erivo
Her Elphaba-inspired look slowly came together. It was a massive undertaking that involved glue guns, power banks and fairy lights. Her community stepped in too.
“I found an evening gown I could alter and glue-gunned fairy lights onto it, while wearing it, trying not to burn myself, and hid the power bank in my undies on the side. My gloves and hat were handmade by fellow artist P3 Alliance, who created four hats and matching gloves out of pure love for the journey, and my accessories were inspired by Fiyero — I had a straw bag, my broomstick, and the firefly lights from the movie that you will understand after you watch it,” shares Mish.
And she dazzled on the red carpet.
@theengraveslave ✨ Still speechless from the Wicked For Good premiere ✨ What an absolutely magical experience, from the music to the atmosphere, every moment felt like stepping straight into Oz. 💚 It was such an honour and a pleasure to be part of this unforgettable day. Thank you, @Universal Pictures ZA , for the invitation and for making this dream come true. 🌟 My heart is still soaring… and yes, I’m totally not crying, you are! 😭💚✨ #wickedforgood #wickedpremiere #southafricaevents #magicalmoments #cinema ♬ original sound – The Engrave Slave 🦖🇿🇦
The most powerful moment came when she was asked why the story means so much? Why she’d travelled across the country to be there?
“I’ve been bullied for many years, even as an adult, and the story reflects that struggle. It also reminds me that no matter how tough things get, there will always be that one friend or small group, who sees you for who you truly are and not what they want you to be.”
That’s why stories like Wicked matter. And stories like this one.
They remind us to celebrate our differences. To take up space. To lean into the communities that make us feel seen. And if you haven’t found yours yet, to believe that your people are out there, in princess dresses and witch hats, waiting to welcome you in song.
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