As Wicked takes the box office by storm, Ariana Grande and Kristin Chenoweth are reminding audiences who was the original “friend of Dorothy.”
While discussing her portrayal of Glinda in the Jon M. Chu-helmed feature adaptation of the Broadway musical, Grande responded to fans who think the Good Witch is queer-coded, as well as those who “ship” her and Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo).
“Whether it’s romantic or platonic, Glinda might be a little in the closet,” Grande told Gay Times. “You never know. Give it a little time. I mean, it is just a true love, and I think that transcends sexuality. It’s just kind of a deep safety within each other. And that’s why they probably ship it.”
Chenoweth, who originated the role in the 2003 Tony-winning stage musical, shared her successor’s view on Glinda. “I thought so too way back when….” she commented on an Instagram post featuring Grande’s quote.
Erivo also commented on the “true love” her character shares with Glinda. “I think Elphie is… She goes wherever the wind goes,” she explained to Gay Times. “I think she loves Glinda, I think she loves love. And I don’t think there’s anything wrong with celebrating the deep connection the both of them have. They do have a real relationship. It is true love.”
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo in Wicked.
Universal Pictures/Everett Collection
While Erivo is openly bisexual, and Grande has long been an outspoken LGBTQ ally, the latter has received some online flack accusing her of queerbaiting.
After premiering Friday in theaters, Wicked is projected for a $165 million global opening, with the second installment following on Nov. 21, 2025. Chu was tapped to direct the Universal movie musical adaptation back in 2021.
Wicked follows Elphaba and Glinda as they first meet at Shiz University and share a life-changing encounter with the Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum).