Pop superstar Ariana Grande is stirring up excitement with her fresh take on Glinda’s character in the highly anticipated Wicked adaptation. During a candid conversation with U.K.’s Gay Times, Grande and her co-star Cynthia Erivo delved into fan theories about their characters’ deep connection.
“I think Elphie, she goes wherever the wind blows,” said Erivo, 37, of her green witch. “I think she loves Glinda. I think she loves love. And I don’t think there’s anything wrong with celebrating the deep connection that both of them have.”
“They do have a real relationship. It is true love, which is probably why people are shipping it, you know?” added Erivo. “Because what they build with each other is an unbreakable bond and love.”
Added Grande, 31, “And trust and truth. Just such a safe space for one another, which is what all relationships should be, whether it’s romantic or platonic… Glinda might be a little in the closet. You never know! Give it a little more time.”
“I mean, it is just a true love, and I think that transcends sexuality,” shared the chart-topping singer, whose character starts as a popular Shiz University student reluctantly rooming with Elphaba before their friendship blossoms. “It’s just kind of a deep safety within each other. And that’s why [fans] probably why they ship it.”
The story weaves through various romantic threads: Glinda’s pursuit of Prince Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey), who secretly harbors feelings for Elphaba, while Boq (portrayed by Grande’s real-life partner Ethan Slater) yearns for Glinda’s affection without success.
In a heartfelt GLAAD interview, both actresses shared their hopes for what LGBTQ viewers might take away from this reimagining of the Wizard of Oz universe.
Erivo spoke from the heart, saying, “That you deserve all the good things. That your difference is what makes you special. That your queerness is beautiful. That I love you. Elphaba is just like you, and she understands what it feels like to be alone and to feel different, but that doesn’t make you any less special than you were born to be.”
Grande added her perspective, noting, “Oz is a very queer place and has always been, even from the L. Frank Baum books. It’s always been queer.”
Mark your calendars – Wicked arrives in theaters Nov. 22.
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