Wicked: For Good director Jon M. Chu has hinted that the upcoming film will include an unprecedented flashback showing Glinda as a baby. This is a deviation from the Wicked stage musical, which does not feature such scenes. Both the initial film and the Broadway version include flashbacks of Elphaba when she was a child, and the film also depicts a crucial moment from the childhood of Elphaba and Nessarose.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Chu shared that he was adamant about including a scene showing baby Glinda, which had previously been removed during early stages of production. This flashback is intended to provide a deeper understanding of Glinda’s early years and how her past influenced her personality and decisions before she arrived at Shiz University, as well as in Wicked: For Good. Here’s what Chu said about it:
The scene was originally in the script, and I felt strongly that it should remain, but we ended up not filming it initially due to various other pressures.
Producer Marc Platt assured Chu that the scene could be reintegrated into the film later if it proved essential. Chu also hinted at another modification concerning Glinda, specifically that he needed to “refine” her concluding speech delivered to the Munchkins from her bubble.
Introducing a fresh glimpse into Glinda’s youth is a strategic narrative choice that builds upon the first movie’s success. The flashbacks of Elphaba’s childhood serve to clarify her identity and the crucial decisions she makes along her path. This culminates dramatically in the “Defying Gravity” scene, where Elphaba confronts an image of her younger self.
Similarly, For Good aims to mimic this storytelling technique with Glinda, providing more background on her motivations in the first film and influencing her actions in the sequel. This approach not only enhances the narrative depth for long-time fans of the musical but also enriches the experience for newcomers who will see the second part of the story for the first time.
The flashback to Glinda’s early life, her improved speech to the Munchkins, and a new song titled “The Girl in the Bubble” elevate Glinda’s presence in the sequel, especially following Ariana Grande-Butera’s celebrated and Academy Award-nominated portrayal. Consequently, For Good evolves to focus equally on both Elphaba and Glinda’s stories.
While some modifications in the first Wicked film received mixed reactions, particularly from ardent fans of the Broadway show, Chu’s commitment to including the baby Glinda flashback after its initial removal suggests it will be a meaningful addition to Wicked: For Good.
Wicked: For Good is set to hit theaters on November 21.
Ava Thornton is an entertainment journalist with a keen eye for the latest in Hollywood, indie films, and streaming trends.
Her work blends insider knowledge with a deep appreciation for storytelling.
