Wicked Movie Adds Glinda to 'Wonderful' Song

Universal's film adaptation of "Wicked" has achieved significant box office success, with "Wicked: For Good" rapidly becoming a major hit of 2025. To adapt the beloved stage musical for the screen and ensure the second chapter stood alone, substantial changes were implemented, including alterations to musical numbers. Screenwriter Dana Fox revealed that she suggested adding Glinda, played by Ariana Grande, to the song "Wonderful," a change from the original Broadway show where the Wizard of Oz performed it.

This alteration aimed to increase interaction between Glinda and Cynthia Erivo's Elphaba, a central element of the story. While initially met with some apprehension, the collaborative spirit of the production team allowed these creative risks to be taken. The decision to split "Wicked" into two films required expanding the second act of the stage production to fill over two hours of screen time, inevitably necessitating major narrative and musical adjustments.

"Wicked: For Good" is currently in theaters, captivating audiences with its expanded narrative and revised musical moments. The success of these changes highlights the challenges and creative opportunities in adapting a long-running stage musical for a global film audience. The film's reception suggests these bold creative choices have resonated with viewers.