Ariana Grande Champions Queer Twist on Glinda & Elphaba in ‘Wicked’ – Promises It’s Going to Be Discussed in Part Two!

by

As a seasoned moviegoer with over three decades of cinematic experiences under my belt, I must say that ‘Wicked’ has left an indelible mark on the silver screen. The film’s success and critical acclaim were well-deserved, and it undeniably set a new standard for Broadway adaptations. However, the controversy surrounding the movie was unfortunate but not entirely unexpected in today’s polarized society.

I find it intriguing that the conservative Christian group, One Million Moms, chose to boycott the film due to its alleged promotion of witchcraft and LGBTQ agenda. It’s as if they’ve forgotten that ‘Wicked’ is a work of fiction based on a beloved musical, not a manifesto for magical practices or sexual orientation.

The recent comments made by Ariana Grande about Glinda and Elphaba’s relationship being more than just platonic but short of romantic piqued my interest. As someone who has spent countless hours dissecting the nuances of on-screen relationships, I can appreciate the complexity of their bond and the subtext that Grande is hinting at.

The sequel, ‘Wicked: For Good,’ promises to delve deeper into this intriguing dynamic between Glinda and Elphaba, which has sparked much speculation among fans. I, for one, am eagerly awaiting November 2025 to unravel the mystery of their relationship further.

In a lighter vein, I can’t help but wonder if the creators will eventually call the sequels ‘Part Three’ or ‘Part Four.’ Given their recent reluctance to do so, perhaps they’ll come up with something more creative, like ‘The Wicked Chronicles: Act I’ and ‘Act II,’ or even ‘The Enchanted Saga: Book One’ and ‘Book Two.’ Only time will tell!

Oh, and just a quick joke for good measure: You know what they say, when life gives you witches, make a musical adaptation!

2024 saw high anticipation for the release of ‘Wicked’, which ultimately proved to be one of the most profitable movies in general. On its debut, it earned an impressive $112.5 million in North America and a staggering $162.9 million globally – setting a new record for the highest opening for any Broadway musical adaptation. By January 1, 2025, its worldwide gross had reached an astounding $648.5 million.

As a long-time movie enthusiast who grew up in a conservative Christian household, I can understand why some might be concerned about certain films that seem to push boundaries or promote content they find objectionable. However, when it comes to the recent release of this highly successful and critically acclaimed movie, I find myself on the opposite side of the argument.

While it’s true that the film does touch upon themes related to witchcraft and the LGBTQ community, I believe these elements are not only integral to its story but also serve to broaden our understanding and empathy for diverse perspectives and experiences. In my view, art should challenge us, make us think, and ultimately bring us closer together as a society, rather than dividing us based on our beliefs or backgrounds.

I’ve always found that movies have the power to change hearts and minds, and I believe this film is no exception. The call for a boycott by One Million Moms seems like an attempt to stifle creative expression and limit the conversations we should be having as a society. Instead of boycotting the movie, let’s engage in meaningful dialogue about its themes and use it as an opportunity to learn and grow together.

Things got even worse when a portion of viewers realized that a lot of the cast members are queer.

Currently, Ariana Grande has expressed her thoughts about the hints of romantic subtext in the movie. In a recent interview with Variety, she elaborated on her prior statements regarding Glinda’s possible queerness, stating that although their relationship is “friendly,” she asserts that the characters may be “deeply in love” with each other.

This further strengthens Grande’s conviction that there are hints of a non-traditional romantic connection between them, which aligns with her wider advocacy for love in every shape and form.

It seems to me that she deeply cherishes someone, and I believe this affection transcends gender norms, which is a recurring motif in Oz. Additionally, the intensity of her love for Elphaba, as well as their mutual forgiveness and unconditional devotion – I strongly suspect they are in love with one another.

I know, yes, it’s platonic. But we’ll talk about it more in depth in movie two.

Source

Back in 2025, I’ll have the pleasure of witnessing the continuation of the captivating tale from ‘Wicked,’ titled ‘Wicked: For Good.’ This second part of the musical promises to unfold on stage, offering us a glimpse into the untold stories that follow.

By November 2024, creators Schwartz and Holzman hinted at potential plans for additional films, preferring not to label them as Part 3 or Part 4.

Read More

2025-01-03 15:20