Why This Fan Wishes Wicked: For Good Had a Secret Happy Ending for Glinda and Elphaba

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Warning: This article contains spoilers for the Wicked stage musical.

In November, Jon M. Chu’s film adaptation of the Broadway musical “Wicked” will carry on as “Wicked: For Good”. However, one aspect from the musical that the movie could modify is worth considering. The story revolves around Elphaba Thropp, a green-skinned young woman who faces exclusion due to her appearance and magical powers. In the initial film installment, Elphaba enrolls at Shiz University and eventually forges a friendship with Glinda. The bond between Elphaba and Glinda is central to “Wicked” and crucial in interpreting the movie’s messages.

As “Wicked” unfolds, it becomes evident that Elphaba possesses a benevolent nature and strives to improve Oz, yet by the end of “Wicked,” she is compelled to escape following Madame Morrible’s accusation of her as the Wicked Witch of the West. The impending gloom is further emphasized in the poster for “Wicked: For Good,” which depicts Elphaba and Glinda standing on opposite sides of a vast divide, suggesting the distinct paths they have taken. This implies challenges ahead for the women, but there remains one potentially alterable dark aspect that the film might yet change.

Wicked: For Good Could End With Glinda Knowing Elphaba & Fiyero Are Alive

The Movie Could End On A Slightly Happier Note Without Changing Too Much Else

In the enchanting Broadway adaptation of “Wicked,” it’s their heartfelt ballad, “For Good,” that resonates profoundly. As I, an ardent fan, have come to understand, these two remarkable women, Glinda and Elphaba, had been estranged for quite a while, yet the bond they shared remained etched in their hearts.

Throughout the latter half of this captivating musical, the women find themselves on separate paths – Elphaba relentlessly pursuing the liberation of Oz’s enslaved creatures, while Glinda aligns with Madame Morrible and the Wizard. Yet, despite their geographical distance, their past relationship lingered like a melody in the air.

However, when sweet Dorothy steps onto the magical landscape of Oz and ultimately vanquishes the Wicked Witch of the West, my heart swelled as I watched Glinda’s eyes well with tears. The sorrow etched across her face was a testament to their unbreakable connection, even in the face of adversity.

In the first part of “Wicked”, the exceptional performances by Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba beautifully set up their relationship. Initially, they appear to be quite dissimilar, but as time passes, they discover that they share more commonalities than differences. The strength of their friendship is one of the film’s most compelling aspects, yet it will face its toughest challenges in “Wicked: For Good”. The bond between Elphaba and Glinda is what gives “Wicked” its power, which makes it all the more heartbreaking that Glinda concludes the musical on such a melancholy note.

In the final scene of the Broadway musical, it’s shown that Elphaba managed to escape through a hidden trap door, which allowed her to meet up with Fiyero once more. This results in a somewhat joyful conclusion for them, but it leaves Glinda out of the loop. Since the primary relationship in this story is between Elphaba and Glinda, it might be beneficial to provide Glinda with some resolution. Although they may not rekindle their friendship as before, Wicked: For Good could conclude with Glinda learning that Elphaba is still alive.

Ariana Grande’s “No One Mourns The Wicked” Performance Still Suggests Glinda Is Mourning

Glinda Is Clearly Upset Over The Loss Of Her Friend

The musical Wicked starts with a song by Glinda titled “No One Mourns the Wicked,” sung alongside the Munchkins, which reveals the death of the Wicked Witch of the West. While those around her rejoice instantly, Ariana Grande delivers a deeply nuanced performance in this scene, portraying that Glinda is genuinely saddened by her friend’s demise. Despite presenting grace and joy in front of the people of Oz, it becomes clear through her actions that she harbors doubts about Elphaba’s survival, suggesting she believes her friend did not escape their encounter.

For Good” would alter Glinda’s knowledge about Elphaba’s end. However, should the sequel provide a happier ending for Glinda, it could occur after the scene where her current understanding of events takes place.

How Glinda Could Find Out That Elphaba Survived Later

Without The Wizard, Elphaba Might Be Safe To See Glinda Again

The conclusion of “Wicked” carries a mix of sweetness and sadness, as several characters obtain their desired outcomes in ways that are deeply unfortunate. Elphaba unites with Fiyero, yet he turns into a scarecrow, while she faces hatred from the entire land of Oz. Similarly, Glinda acquires the power and affection she yearned for, but it rings hollow without her companion. However, one silver lining in “Wicked” is that Oz becomes safer following the Wizard’s departure and Glinda’s arrest of Madame Morrible, which could potentially allow Elphaba to convey to her friend that she is still alive.

As a die-hard fan of “Wicked,” I’ve been pondering over an engaging way for the story to reveal that Elphaba is alive. A captivating solution could be by introducing either a forward-leaping scene or a clandestine encounter that would grant them a safe opportunity to interact. Despite the slim chance of Elphaba being fully accepted back into Oz now that the Wizard is gone, this secret rendezvous might just allow her a long-awaited reunion with her cherished friend, Glinda.

The film adaptation has subtly deviated or expanded upon certain aspects from the original musical, and closing this narrative loop by bringing Elphaba and Glinda together once more could lend “Wicked” a somewhat happier denouement.

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2025-04-21 00:55