Wicked: For Good – Glinda’s Role in “Wonderful” Explained By Screenwriter

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Be aware: spoilers for the movie Wicked: For Good follow! The screenwriter, Dana Fox, explains why Glinda appears in the song “Wonderful.” The film version of Wicked differs from the Broadway musical by giving Glinda a significant part in the song, which originally only featured Elphaba and the Wizard of Oz.

In an interview with Deadline, Cynthia Erivo (who plays Elphaba) explained that having Glinda appear during the song “Wonderful” allowed her and Glinda actress Ariana Grande to share more scenes on screen. The movie’s version of the song “For Good” is based on the second act of the Broadway musical, where Glinda and Elphaba don’t interact much. Erivo believed it was important to give the characters more time together in the film adaptation.

I was really fascinated to learn that bringing Glinda into the film adaptation of “Wicked,” which they’re calling “Wonderful,” wasn’t immediately a given. But thankfully, Winnie Holzman, who co-wrote the story, and Stephen Schwartz, the brilliant songwriter, both really embraced the idea, along with other updates they made from the stage version. I’m so glad they were open to evolving the story! You can find more of what the director had to say down below.

I wasn’t attached to the original script at all. I actually suggested adding Glinda to the “Wonderful” scene, even though she wasn’t in it in the stage play. My thinking was, with a two-hour movie, the main stars weren’t sharing enough screen time. If we stuck to the play’s version, I was worried the movie wouldn’t work. When I made the suggestion, people were shocked – I could practically see jaws dropping on the Zoom call! Luckily, Stephen and Winnie were incredibly supportive and immediately agreed it was a good idea.

I’m so grateful for how well we all worked together. I could pitch even the wildest ideas, and the team was always enthusiastic and eager to explore them. What I’ll remember most from this project is collaborating with Winnie.

Being willing to let go of strict ideas about the show was key, especially since audiences have enjoyed it live for over twenty years. What makes a great stage performance doesn’t always translate well to a movie, particularly when each act of the musical becomes its own film.

Having Glinda appear in ‘Wonderful’ gives the two main characters more opportunities to connect, which benefits both their relationship and personal growth. Because Glinda wants to maintain relationships with both Elphaba and the Wizard, while also preserving her reputation as Glinda the Good, it’s logical she’d try to unite them.

Okay, so as a huge Wicked fan, I have to say the movie version’s take on “For Good” is brilliant. Having Glinda gush about the Wizard and a possible team-up with Elphaba being “wonderful” just works better than Elphaba saying it like in the stage show. It feels more impactful coming from Glinda, honestly.

The song “Wonderful” in For Good includes a dance mirroring a key moment from the first film—when Glinda and Elphaba’s friendship first blossoms. This echoes a more carefree past and emphasizes Elphaba’s struggle as she considers accepting Glinda and the Wizard’s offer.

While critics have given ‘Wicked: For Good’ a 70% rating – lower than the 88% given to the original – audiences overwhelmingly love it, giving it a 96% ‘Verified Hot’ score. The movie also had a record-breaking opening weekend, suggesting that the changes made to the beloved musical, including the song ‘Wonderful,’ are resonating with viewers.

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2025-11-22 20:58