EvilThe film’s main stars address rumors that Elphaba and Glinda are romantically linked. Evil adapts the first half of the Tony-winning musical of the same name, while also taking inspiration from Gregory Maguire’s book. The film is directed by Crazy rich Asians director Jon M. Chu, with a script written by Dana Fox and Winnie Holzman. The film opens in theaters today, November 22, facing Ridley Scott’s film at the box office Gladiator II. Evil features a main cast that includes Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Peter Dinklage and Jonathan Bailey.
Talking to The gay times, Evil stars Erivo and Grande discuss the romantic ship rumors between Glinda and Elphaba. None of the actors completely denied the deep connection between the two main characters. Erivo noted that the duo has “a real relationship“, which she sees as the reason behind”why are people sending this.” Grande added that the duo provides “such a safe space for each other.” She also joked about it “Glinda might be a little in the closet“but that’s it”just one true love“what”transcends sexuality.” Check out the full quotes below:
Erivo: I don’t think there’s anything wrong with celebrating the deep connection the two have. I think they have a real relationship, it’s real love, and that’s probably why people are shipping this, because what they build with each other is an unbreakable bond.
Big: [Glinda and Elphaba provide] such a safe space for each other, which is what all relationships should be. So, you know, whether it’s romantic or platonic – Glinda can be a little reserved – but if there was a time, you never know. Give it a little more time. It’s just true love and I think it transcends sexuality.
What the actors’ response means for Wicked
The original Glinda actor echoed this sentiment
Canonically, Glinda and Elphaba are not lovers, but roommates. As totally different people, Evil the stars start out as enemies before eventually becoming closer and having a deeper connection. According to Grande and Erivo, it seems that it is this deep connection that makes some audiences see beyond the platonic when they look at the Evil clues. However, both Glinda and Elphaba have a romantic interest in Fiyero at some point in the story, making it unlikely that the Evil universe would someday make a romantic relationship between Glinda and Elphaba official.
Grande is not the only person, however, who suspects that Glinda may not be the heterosexual woman she is traditionally presented as in Evil. Although Grande referred to her as a “gay icon“, original Glinda actress Kristin Chenoweth also commented online that she”I thought that way too a long time ago.” The combination of Chenoweth and Grande, two people who worked closely on the Good Witch character, thinking that Glinda might be gay, makes this element of her character much more plausible.
Our take on Glinda and Elphaba’s relationship
A romance between them makes some thematic sense
Even though EvilThe Elphaba-Glinda romance will probably never be canonized, it makes sense why there is a resurgence of this idea as people see it Evil. After all, Elphaba is portrayed as a social outcast because of a difference she cannot control, which can be read as an analogy to the type of ostracism historically faced by the gay community. The Emerald City is also filled with people from all walks of life, fostering an open and welcoming environment that Grande herself likened to a “pride parade.” As more people see EvilIt will be interesting to see if more comparisons emerge.
Source: The gay times