Did “Glinda the Good” make an objectively good decision in Wicked (2024)?

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The release of Wicked (2024)  has the entire online community talking about this flawless adaptation of the broadway musical.

*Spoilers Ahead*

Ever since the release of Wicked (2024), a movie adaption of the best-selling novel and Broadway musical, it is apparent that no one can suppress their inner theater nerd. Influencers are replicating the choreography on TikTok, popular clothing brands like Aerie are selling merchandise, and my roommate can not stop singing the high note of Act One’s finale, “Defying Gravity,” in the shower. 

I could dedicate an entire article to why this movie is everything an adaptation should be. Still, there are already many critics and enthusiasts online covering the details of why this film succeeded in being everything it strived to be. To add my insights frankly, it was clear that the leads, ensemble, set designers, choreographers, customer designers, and others who contributed to the movie put passion and heart into every second.

So, instead, I would like to talk about Glinda, one of the main leads in the movie, played by Ariana Grande, and her decision at the end of Wicked (2024). For those unaware, this is a two-part film adaptation, and the second movie is set to release in Nov. 2025. While I will be talking about the first movie, there will be no spoilers for Wicked: Part Two (2025). 

Many audience members seemed disappointed in Glinda’s choice to deny running away with Elphaba as a fugitive and supporting her journey in rebelling against the Wizard of Oz. The fraudulent wizard, revered by all citizens in Oz, was revealed to Elphaba and Glinda to have no magical abilities nor empathy for the cruelty against the animals, who are being taken away and losing their status in society.

When Elphaba, a woman with powers the wizard needs to execute his corrupt plans, denies joining him and promises to use her abilities to fight against his oppressive regime, it is natural for fans to be upset when Glinda, her best friend. The reasoning being that she chooses to stay loyal to the wizard and Madame Morrible, the powerful headmistress, in cahoots with the wizard. 

This appears to be, undoubtedly, an act of betrayal on Glinda’s part. Although Glinda wishes Elphaba the best on her journey and hopes for her happiness, many view this action as a result of Glinda’s cowardness and overwhelming desire to fit in with society; it does not need to be spelled out that joining Elphaba would officially make her a scorned outcast. 

That said, I would like to mention how I left the theater understanding Glinda’s decision. Before the pitchforks come out, let me clarify that it is not because I agree with the wizard (or his tendency for animal abuse)— I think Glinda’s decision to stay was much more strategic than we all think. 

Glinda and Elphaba were powerful in different ways during their time at boarding school. Elphaba possessed the magic powers that Glinda hoped to gain one day, and Glinda’s popularity and social skills triumphed over Elphaba’s, giving her influence over her peers. With Elphaba’s magic and Glinda’s social influence, the two would have been an unstoppable duo— so why did Glinda stay behind?

The answer is easy: Glinda would not be an asset as a fugitive. Elphaba will always have magic, but if Glinda were to run away and join her side, she would lose the only power she ever had: her social standing. In the final song, “Defying Gravity,” Glinda begs Elphaba to stay, singing that if they work in tandem, there is a greater possibility for Elphaba to help the animals. Unfortunately, they could only use their strengths and work in true tandem if Elphaba stayed. 

Clearly, Elphaba is making a rash and half-baked decision by flying away with her broomstick; Elphaba wants to stick to her morals— a good quality to have —but Glinda knows this plan is not thought out and will likely fail. Perhaps Glinda is right. Maybe Elphaba has a better chance of helping the animals by playing nice with the wizard and having Glinda by her side. 

As of right now, the audience does not know what the “right choice” is— though I would still argue that the situation is not as black and white as it seems. At the very least, if Glinda wants to utilize her status to help her friend in any way she can, her best option —unfortunately— is to leave her friend behind.