The original Glinda depicter in the Broadway play agrees with Grande that the iconic character of Glinda the Good Witch from the musical 'Wicked' could be queer.
- November 23, 2024
AceShowbiz - Ariana Grande, who plays Glinda in the recent film adaptation of "Wicked", has expressed her belief that the character might be "a little in the closet." In an interview with Gay Times, Grande elaborated, stating that Glinda and Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, share a "true love that transcends sexuality." She suggested that Glinda's feelings for Elphaba could be deeper than the platonic bond they initially present.
Kristin Chenoweth, who originated the role of Glinda on Broadway, echoed Grande's sentiments. When asked about Grande's comments, she replied, "I thought so too way back when...."
Grande's interpretation has resonated with fans who have long connected with the themes of embracing one's true identity in "Wicked". Ariana Grande attributes the inherent queerness of the story to its roots in L. Frank Baum's original "The Wizard of Oz" books, where "the most commonly used word is 'queer.' "
Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba in the film, believes that both Glinda and Elphaba feel "different" within the Oz community and share a deep connection. She characterizes their relationship as "true love" and acknowledges the possibility of romantic subtext.
Although the characters' sexualities are never explicitly confirmed within the story, many fans have embraced the idea of a romantic relationship between Glinda and Elphaba. The ambiguous nature of their bond has allowed for a wide range of interpretations, fueling endless speculation and passionate shipping.
Additionally, Grande and Erivo emphasized the overall queerness of the land of Oz. Grande noted that "even the chickens are gay" and singled out the character of Dr. Dillamond as a "gay icon."
The revelation of Grande's and Chenoweth's perspectives has reignited excitement for the "Wicked" movie adaptation and ignited a new wave of discussion surrounding queer representation in popular culture. It remains to be seen if the film will delve into the characters' sexualities more explicitly, but the seeds sown by Grande's and Erivo's interpretations have already captured the imagination of countless fans.