A lot has been made about Glinda not being able to do magic inWicked, but that doesn’t mean you should underestimate her power inWicked: For Good. Although Glinda the Good is portrayed as a real witch inThe Wizard of Oz, her reinterpretation in theWickedbook, musical, and now movie included a different take. In each instance, Glinda is not a real witch, as she has limited magical powers if any at all. She instead mostly uses The Wizard’s technological advancements to mimic sorcery and trick everyone in Oz into believing that she can do magic.
Thereason why Glinda can’t do magic inWickedboils down to how the movie switches up who can have these abilities. Whereas Elphaba was born with magical powers and Madame Morrible learned to use magic,Glinda is not gifted these abilities at birth and lacks the potential to become a true witch, at least in Morrible’s mind.Wickedcut a scene that explained Glinda’s lack of magicby exploring how she doesn’t really need these powers. Despite her lack of magical powers, Glinda not having magic is vital forWicked: For Goodand for uncovering her true power.
Glinda Not Being Able To Do Magic Is Key To Her Wicked 2 Arc
She’s Still On A Journey For Power
Glinda’s desire to do magic is one of the earliest character details given to her inWicked’s main story. Her interest in training under Madame Morrible, getting a wand through Elphaba’s help, and siding with Morrible points to her continuing that pursuit. However,Glinda will not learn magic inWicked: For Good. Althoughthere is some precedent for Glinda doing magic in the original book, the Broadway musical that more directly inspired the movie changed a key component. This is due to Elphaba, not Glinda, enchanting the magic slippers Dorothy eventually gets.Wicked 2is expected to do the same.
Why Wicked Was Right To Cut The Scene That Best Explained Why Glinda Can’t Do Magic
2024’s hit movie musical, Wicked, had several scenes deleted from the final product, and one such scene definitely would have made Glinda’s arc worse.
Without the ability to actually do magic, Glinda is left in a difficult position for the next part of the story. She’ll work alongside The Wizard and Madame Morrible as they attempt to defeat Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West. This is how she gets the technological tricks to convince Ozians she is magical. She’s ultimatelyused by The Wizard and Morrible to push their agenda against Elphaba since Glinda is so popularwith the natives. Instead of achieving magic powers, she gains power through her influence and popularity.
Wicked 2 Will Show Why Glinda Is Still Powerful Without Real Magic Powers
Her Popularity Gives Her A Chance To Stand Up For What’s Right
Glinda might not be able to beat Elphaba or Morrible in a magic duel, butWicked 2is going to show that she’s still just as powerful as them.Her popularity within Oz makes her one of the most influential voicesin all the land. That gives her an opportunity to sway public opinion with anything she says. It also means that it’s difficult to challenge Glinda or attempt to villainize her, as was done to Elphaba, because everyone in Oz will not turn on her. She’s ultimately the beloved hero and voice of truth.
That’s how Glinda’s power will come into play inWicked: For Good. Her journey will lead to a moment where she must stand up for what she feels is right. This results in challenging The Wizard and Morrible. Arguably, she’s the only person who could do this. The Wizard is the most popular and “powerful” figure in Oz inWicked, but that will not be the case by the timeWicked: For Goodends. Glinda ultimately will usurp him andposition herself to be the next leader of Ozafter The Wizard’s"unexpected departure."
Glinda’s True Power Is Much Better Than Her Having Actual Magic Abilities
Glinda’s Power Also Comes From Within
While there is still a chance that Glinda gains true magic powers inWicked: For Good, the idea of the sequel cementing that her real power is her popularity is a better decision.These twoWickedmovies are about self-discovery for both Elphaba and Glinda, as they are both on journeys of understanding their place in the world and how powerful they are, individually and together.Wickedis already taking on literal magic powers through Elphaba’s story, so doubling down on that with Glinda could make their stories too similar.
it can also give her a chance to realize that she doesn’t need magic to make a difference
It’s better for Glinda andWicked: For Goodif her power is ultimately the influence and popularity she has. Not only is a direct payoff for the “Popular” song and Glinda’s view of what makes important people powerful, but it can also give her a chance to realize that she doesn’t need magic to make a difference. Her popularity is her true power, and she can do a lot more good with it than if she had magic powers. This could even help put parts ofWickedin a new context depending on how wellWicked: For Goodpulls off Glinda’s arc.
