Wicked’s main stars address the rumors that Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) have a romantic connection. The Tony-winning musical is the latest Broadway production to get the movie treatment, which is also inspired by the book by Gregory Maguire. Directed byCrazy Rich AsiansJon M. Chu, the new musical focuses on the evolving friendship and fallout between two witches, Glinda and Elphaba.The original musical has a large fanbase, which has contributed to the high anticipation and record-breaking ticket sales ahead of its release. TheWickedcastincludes Erivo, Grande, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Peter Dinklage, and Jonathan Bailey.
Speaking withThe Gay Times, Erivo and Grande discussed the romantic ship rumors between Glinda and Elphaba, with neither denying the deep connection between the two lead characters. Erivo noted that the pair has “a real relationship,” which she sees as the reason behind “why people are shipping it.” Grande added that the pair provide “such a safe space for one another” and teased that “Glinda might be a little in the closet” but that it is “just a true love” that “transcends sexuality.” Check out the full quotes below:
Erivo:I don’t think there’s anything wrong with celebrating the deep connection that both of them have. I think they do have a real relationship, it is true love, which is probably why people are shipping it because what they build with each other is an unbreakable bond.
Grande:[Glinda and Elphaba provide] such a safe space for one another, which is what all relationships should be. So, you know, whether it’s romantic or platonic — Glinda might be a little in the closet — but if there were a time, you never know. Give it a little more time. It is just a true love and I think that transcends sexuality.
What Their Response Means For Wicked
The Original Glinda Actor Has Echoed This Sentiment
Canonically, Glinda and Elphaba are not lovers but roommates. As starkly different people, theWickedcharacters start as nemeses before eventually warming up to each other and having a deeper connection. As shared by Erivo and Grande, it seems that this deep connection makes some audiences see beyond the platonic relationship. However,Glinda and Elphaba have a romantic interest in Fiyeroat some point in the story, making it unlikely that theWickeduniversewould ever make a romantic relationship between Glinda and Elphaba official.
Wicked Soundtrack Guide: Every Song & When They Play
As a Broadway musical adaptation, Wicked: Part 1’s soundtrack, featuring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, is integral to the film’s success.
However, Grande is not the only person who suspects that Glinda may be queer. While Grande referred to her as a “gay icon,” original Glinda actorKristin Chenoweth has also commented online that she “thought so too way back when.” With Chenoweth and Grande having similar thoughts about Glinda being the closest gay, this could be one of the ways that the movie adaptation could differentiate itself from the original stage play. However, that won’t be known untilWicked Part 2’s releasein November next year.
Our Take On Glinda And Elphaba’s Relationship
A Romance Between Them Makes Some Thematic Sense
Even ifWicked’s Elphaba-Glinda romance will likely never be canonized, it makes sense why there is a resurgence in this idea. After all, Elphaba is portrayed as a social outcast because of a difference that she cannot control, which can be read as an analogy for the kind of ostracization historically faced by the gay community. Emerald City is also full of people from all walks of life, promoting an open and accepting environment that Grande herself compared to a “Pride parade.” As more people seeWicked, it will be interesting to see if further comparisons arise.
Wicked
Cast
Wicked adapts the Broadway musical into a two-part film, following the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, born with green skin, and Glinda, a popular aristocrat, in the Land of Oz. As they navigate their contrasting paths, they evolve into Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
