As a seasoned movie critic with a penchant for delving into the subtleties of a film’s narrative, I must say that the recent revelations about Ariana Grande‘s character Glinda in Jon M. Chu’s Wicked have piqued my interest.
Last week, after Jon M. Chu’s movie “Wicked” was released, Ariana Grande, one of the stars, hinted at more surprises for fans. Characters like the Wicked Witch, Munchkins, and Glinda the Good have been a part of our culture for over a century. With the upcoming release of “Wicked” in 2024, Ariana shared some intriguing news that has sparked curiosity among viewers. In an interview with Gay Times, she suggested that her character in “Wicked” might be gay, or a “Friend of Dorothy.” Here is what she said, and some possible clues from the plot of “Wicked” that could support this theory.
Some Brief ‘Wicked’ Context for the Uninitiated
The musical “Wicked” acts as a precursor to L. Frank Baum’s beloved story, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. It is derived from the novel written by Gregory Maguire. This intricate tapestry of inspiration includes a movie musical based on a musical, which in turn was inspired by a book and a movie. The narrative centers around Elphaba (played by Cynthia Erivo), who eventually transforms into the infamous “Wicked Witch of the West.” Her journey unfolds as she attends Shiz University, a prestigious institution for wizardry studies in Oz.
In the heart of a magical land, I cross paths with an unexpected ally, Galinda Upland – soon to be known as Glinda the Good Witch (portrayed by Ariana Grande). Our friendship blossoms amidst the intricate web of social and political challenges that shape Oz. Love stories intertwine, and our bond is tested, all leading up to the arrival of Dorothy. Known for her house that fell upon my sister, the Wicked Witch of the East at the opening of The Wizard of Oz, she enters our lives, altering the course of our friendship forever.
The much-awaited movie version of “Wicked” has long been shrouded in mystery and excitement. With its second-highest grossing Broadway run and third-highest global musical earnings, the anticipation was immense, not just artistically, but especially regarding who would step into those iconic pink and green shoes. For two decades, names like Lea Michelle, Dove Cameron, Amanda Seyfried, and Lady Gaga have been mentioned. However, it was Grande and Erivo who eventually secured the roles. Grande, in particular, expressed her enthusiasm publicly, shedding tears over her role as Glinda.
Somewhere “On” the Rainbow
In a series of notable interviews, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo have become internet sensations, with their emotional moments and the “sharing space with the lyrics of defying gravity” conversation with Tracy Gilchrist being particularly popular. Of particular importance for the Wicked franchise, a recent interview with Gay Times sheds light on crucial insights about Grande and Erivo’s portrayals of the cherished characters. Intriguingly, they discussed the musical and source material’s subtle gay undertones, as Ariana Grande remarked that “the most frequently used word in the books is queer,” referring to L. Frank Baum’s original Oz series.
During the interview, the actors delved into how the storyline of “Wicked” often symbolizes discrimination and exclusion, suggesting a connection to the LGBTQ+ community. Erivo described the world of “Oz” as a place embracing diversity and “celebration.” When asked about a pride parade in Oz, Grande and Erivo humorously suggested it would resemble the musical number “One Short Day,” which is featured in the film. The actresses acknowledge that the realm of musical theater and the story of “The Wizard of Oz” have strong connections to queer culture.
Gay-Linda
As the interview progressed, Grande made a remark that sparked widespread discussion. The interviewer inquired whether Erivo and Grande were aware that some fans paired Elphaba and Glinda as a romantic couple. The celebrities responded that they weren’t taken aback by this, as the characters shared such a profound friendship and strong “affection” for each other. Erivo hinted at Elphaba’s sexuality, stating she moves with the flow. In response, Grande suggested that Glinda might be hiding her feelings and implied that given different circumstances and more time, she may have revealed her identity.
Initially, numerous media outlets started reporting that Glinda was gay, a claim which should be noted is only the actress portraying the role in the movie’s perspective. Interestingly enough, the original Glinda from Broadway also concurred with this statement. Chenoweth, who played Glinda on Broadway, expressed her agreement by commenting “I thought so too way back when…” on an Instagram post discussing Grande’s comment.
In the movie, Glinda is widely admired as the school’s most prominent girl. However, she doesn’t truly have close companions; instead, she has followers. It isn’t until her fateful encounter with Elphaba that she forms a genuine friendship. Glinda leads a life of privilege, and when she encounters the captivating Fiyero (portrayed by Jonathan Bailey), she perceives him as the most advantageous social equal, so she endeavors to win his affections. She often obtains what she desires through cleverness, deceit, and bravado.
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2024-12-01 00:34