According to this fan theory, Dorothy and this major character from Oz are the same person
Can you imagine what Earth would be like if Buffy the Vampire Slayer was still churning out new episodes, if selfie sticks were never invented, and if Ed Hardy t-shirts had never been created? No, I’m not talking about Heaven — I’m talking about a parallel universe. A parallel universe or an alternate reality is a copy or variant of a current universe or reality that already exists in which different variables can take place. Physicists don’t all believe this is possible, and if they do, there are several theories as to how a parallel world could be created.
One Reddit user proposed a mind-blowing alternate reality theory in relation to The Wizard of Oz film. What if Dorothy’s time in Oz wasn’t a dream at all? What if it was real and she was transported to an alternate reality by Glinda by clicking her ruby reds together? The theory suggests that the people she meets in Oz are just alternate versions of people who she already knew in Kansas. The Scarecrow, Tin Man, Wicked Witch of the West, The Lion, and The Wizard could all be literal copies from her Kansas life — just appearing in a different form.
So far it’s not a bad theory. But there’s an obvious question that comes up regarding some of the people from Kansas who don’t have parallels in Oz. Uncle Henry and Aunt Em, for one, but more importantly Dorothy herself. Well, the theory actually does address who Dorothy’s Oz doppelganger was.
If you’re wondering where Dorothy’s copy was, hold on to your terrier and your wicker basket, folks. Are you ready for this theory?
When Dorothy gets to Oz, she finds the Wicked Witch of the East dead under her house. We never see the witches face, and her shoes magically fit Dorothy’s. What if the Wicked Witch of the East is in fact Dorothy’s alternate reality copy and she died as soon as Dorothy arrived to avoid a paradox?
But are there holes in this fan theory? If we’re dealing with a parallel universe, and not necessarily time travel (therefore not having to worry about cause and effect), would it really matter if two versions of Dorothy were present in Oz at the same time? No temporal paradox, no problem, right? Although, since a parallel universe has already experienced different variables than its original copy, perhaps creating a paradox would in fact be an issue. I’m not Stephen Hawking, so that’s about as far as I can delve into this for you … for which, I’m sure, you’re grateful.
I’m choosing to believe this fan theory because it’s more interesting, but also because parallel universes and alternate realities occur in Doctor Who, which obviously means it’s possible.
(Images via Warner Brothers, GIF via m.reeddit.com)