Cynthia Erivo on Glinda and Elphaba's Ending in Wicked: For Good

Dec 23

Wicked: For Good has finally brought the two-part live-action musical to a close, wrapping up Elphaba and Glinda's timeless story on the big screen. Though, even with such a definitive ending, fans are still debating what comes next for some of these characters and how much they actually know by the time the curtain falls, especially when it comes to Glinda and the truth about Elphaba's fate.

Now, Cynthia Erivo is weighing in on at least part of that mystery. Speaking to Variety about the topic, she notes, "I don't think she knows [she's still alive]. I don't think she knows at all. In fact, I would put my money on it that Glinda does not know that Elphaba is alive." She later notes, "Even with the book opening, I think the book opening for her at the end is more a sign that she's worthy of the magic that that book has, which is what Elphaba told her: you have it, you have to learn how to use it now. You have to be the good that changes things. It has to mean something, and you have to figure out how to work with this piece of magic. You haven't had magic until now. Now you have the opportunity to find a way to use it, to find a way to have it."

Story-wise, Wicked: For Good picks up after the events of the first film and follows the second act of the stage musical (with plenty of new original moments). Elphaba is branded the Wicked Witch of the West and goes underground to keep fighting for Animal rights, while Glinda becomes the Wizard's favored, public face in Emerald City. The film's cast includes Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, alongside Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Ethan Slater as Boq, Bowen Yang as Pfannee, Marissa Bode as Nessarose, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard, and a supporting ensemble that fills out the wider world of Oz.

Wicked: For Good hit theaters on November 21, 2025, and has already earned more than $480 million worldwide, continuing the strong theatrical run that began with the first film. Next, a digital release is expected in the coming weeks, with a streaming debut on Peacock likely to follow not long after. So, all things considered, do you think there's any chance that Glinda was aware of Elphaba's fate?