FollowingWicked’s release on digital, the film’s deleted scenes have been released, and one Elphaba and Glinda scene in particular is such a difficult cut to see.Set inThe Wizard of Ozuniverse,Wickedfollows Elphabaduring her time at Shiz University and beyond, as she befriends Glinda and learns how to accept and love herself. Though her green skin sets her apart from her peers, Elphaba is kind and caring towards the people around her and works to make positive changes in the world, though this ultimately backfires on her inWicked’s stunning ending.
Wickedhas received acclaim since its release in November 2024 and garnered a massive fanbase, in large part due to the performances and chemistry between Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who portray Elphaba and Glinda respectively. The film currently holds an 89% rating onRotten Tomatoes, and it is one of thetop-grossing movies of the year. It is no surprise, then, that the release ofWicked’s deleted scenes has drawn attention online, with the “Elphaba’s Promise” scene gaining attention for the heartfelt connection it created between the two leads.
Wicked’s “Elphaba’s Promise” Deleted Scene Explained (& Why Was It Cut?)
The “Elphaba’s Promise” Scene Takes Place After Rescuing The Lion Cub
Wicked’s “Elphaba’s Promise” scene takes place after Elphaba and Fiyero have returned from rescuing the lion cub, and Glinda questions why Elphaba did not choose to include her in that moment. As the two are practicing their spells, Glinda turns to Elphaba and remarks,“I would’ve helped you. If you needed someone, you could have picked me.“After hearing this confession from Glinda, Elphaba apologizes to her and says,“I won’t leave you behind again,“showing how far the two have come in their friendship.
ThisWickedscene provides depth to thefriendship between Elphaba and Glinda, and it gives insight into Glinda and her feelings for Elphaba. Understandably, after this clip was shared to X, manyWickedfans remarked thatit should have been kept in the film because of the strong friendship that it depicts and the foreshadowing of later events. However, in an interview withBustle,Wicked’s director, Jon M. Chu, stated that he chose to cut the scene because it made it too obvious that Glinda would later join Elphaba in the Emerald City and, more practically, because of time constraints.
Why This Deleted Glinda & Elphaba Scene Should’ve Been Kept In Wicked
The Scene Helps Explain The Friends' Feelings And Actions
While Jon M. Chu had understandable reasons for cutting the scene, “Elphaba’s Promise” ultimately could have benefitedWickedif it had been left in. Though the scene is only two minutes long,it adds clarity about how deeply Elphaba and Glinda care about each other. Glinda’s earnest admission that she would have helped Elphaba shows that, despite her outward appearance of being popular and happy, she had never had a close friend like Elphaba before, and she wanted to be loyal to that friendship. The same is also true for Elphaba, as she realizes how much Glinda truly cares.
8 Ways Wicked 2 Will Be Different From The First Movie
Wicked: Part Two’s story means that it will be a very different movie from its predecessor in terms of tone, characterizations, and structure.
Additionally, beyond what the scene reveals about the characters' feelings up to that point, it also provides context for things that happen later in the film. “Elphaba’s Promise” helps explain the duo’s connection as they explore the Emerald City and meet The Wizard of Oz. The scene could also have helped deepen the film’s final scenes and “Defying Gravity”, sinceit would have helped clarify that despite the two being separated, they still care deeply and are happy for each other. However, with or without the deleted scenes,Wickeddoes a great job of displaying a friendship that is unlike any other.
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.
