Warning: This article contains spoilers for Wicked, the movie and the Broadway musical.Wickedhas proven to be a spectacular musical and emotional journey, with plenty of beautiful moments betweenCynthia Erivo’s ElphabaandAriana Grande-Butera’s Glinda— but one recognizable moment from the promotional materials seems to be missing from the movie. The friendship between the future Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch is at the center of the story, and the two-part movie structure gives Jon M. Chu even more time with the pair. The first movie sees Elphaba and Glinda go from initially frosty roommates to proclaimed best friends.
Wicked’s endingalso sees Elphaba and Glinda parting ways when Elphaba decides to go on the run rather than cooperate with Oz’s corrupt government, leaving Glinda behind to recoup and return to her comfortable life. The second half of the story will see more political and personal conflict, further dividing Elphaba and Glinda as they come to be known by their famous titles. However,another heartfelt moment that is only hinted at inWickedcould benefit the second movie,reminding audiences of their good days and an affectionate relationship.
Part Of This Scene Is Briefly Shown In Glinda’s Flashback, But This Day In Their Lives Remains An Enigma
An extremely recognizable image that circulated withWicked’s marketing is of Elphaba and Glinda, apparently sitting together in a field while the sun sets, with Glinda resting her head on Elphaba’s shoulder. This event never happens in the main timeline of events inWicked Part 1. The only time a piece of the scene shows up is right after “No One Mourns the Wicked.” When a Munchkinlander asks Glinda if it’s true she was once Elphaba’s friend, Glinda briefly reminisces. A flash ofElphaba and Glinda’s dancetogether is seen, as well as them sitting in the field.
Wicked’s References To “Over The Rainbow” Explained
Several rainbows appear in Wicked, alluding to “Over the Rainbow” and demonstrating how the movie engages with the themes of The Wizard of Oz.
The other scene hinted at here is a key moment in the movie, happening in the middle of “Dancing Through Life.” When Glinda steps up to dance with Elphaba at the Ozdust Ballroom, it is when they reconcile and become friends.The flashback in Munchkinland is well executed, showing how Glinda’s deeply emotional memories contrast with the façade she puts on for Ozand the established narrative ofThe Wizard of Oz. However, it is strange that the field scene never comes up again when it is something important enough to remember alongside the dance.
How This Moment Can Happen In Wicked Part 2
A Flashback Of Elphaba & Glinda Could Break Up The Darkness Of The Second Half Of Wicked
It is technically possible for this scene to take place during the main timeline ofWicked Part 2if Elphaba and Glinda once or occasionally make arrangements to see each other while Elphaba is a fugitive. However, the clothes they are wearing in this image appear to be more like what they typically wear during their school days rather than later as well-known Ozian witches. Additionally, the Broadway musical indicates that Elphaba remains out of touch with Glinda and Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey in the movie) during this time, as the latter two both go on to work for the government.
As the second act only shows things getting more volatile, a sweet moment between the two of them could break up the darkest hour.
When it would be risky for Elphaba to causally meet Glinda in person,this scene could be a flashback inWicked Part 2of a lost school day.As the second act only shows things getting more volatile, a sweet moment between the two of them could break up the darkest hour. Furthermore, it’s not entirely clear how much time Elphaba and Glinda spent together at Shiz as friends; showing one moment happening at an indeterminate time in this era would help imply that there are many more memories between the two of them, suggesting a more developed relationship.
The Wicked Movies May Intentionally Withhold This Elphaba & Glinda Scene For A Certain Effect
It is possible that this brief flash after “No One Mourns the Wicked” is the only time Jon M. Chu ever intends to use this scene in his two-part movie. Even without context or dialogue,it’s a very tender moment that illustrates a lot of comfort and affection between Elphaba and Glinda.The moment only ever happening for the characters and not the audience gives them a certain depth and interiority. However, the benefits of including the full scene in the second half may outweigh the potential strengths of leaving it out.
As Elphaba and Glinda’s relationship grows more tense, they might also be prompted to remember a time when things were better.
It could help with the pacing of the second part when the present-day events are things spiraling out of control for Elphaba, Glinda, and Fiyero, with their situations all getting regularly more dangerous. Giving the audience a break to remind them that’s not all this story is about may provide some much-needed levity. As Elphaba and Glinda’s relationship grows more tense, they might also be prompted to remember a time when things were better.
Where Fiyero Is Going In Wicked’s Ending
Fiyero leaves Shiz on horseback to help Elphaba at the end of Wicked: Part 1, setting up his storyline in Part 2 concerning both of the lead witches.
Additionally, Glinda’s flashback in the movie shows Elphaba putting on her hat while Glinda watches her. The scene might actually include a never-before-seen follow-up to the hat incident; Glinda gifted it to Elphaba as a cruel prank, but Elphaba ended up adopting it as her signature look. Aside from whatever else happens during this vignette, it could be even more heartwarming by showing Elphaba admitting she ironically likes the hat and Glinda only complementing her. This missing moment fromWickedis doubtlessly one fans are curious about, which we will possibly be seeing soon.
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.
