Wicked has officially hit the big screen. The Jon M. Chu film, which is an adaptation of the popular stage musical, premiered in theaters on Friday, Nov. 22. So far, fans and critics alike haven’t been able to stop raving about Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande‘s performances. The pair play best friends Elphaba and Glinda. Since they have so much chemistry throughout the movie, many viewers can’t help but ship their characters. As it turns out, Erivo and Grande totally get it.
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande Discuss Elphaba and Glinda’s Relationship in ‘Wicked’
While the idea of Elphaba and Glinda being shipped as a couple has existed for decades among fans of the Wicked stage musical and book, it has only grown more popular with the release of the film adaptation.
In the movie, the pair get assigned as each other’s roommates at Shiz University. Since they couldn’t be any more different, their relationship gets off to a rocky start. They never see eye to eye and constantly butt heads in class. However, after learning to understand each other, Elphaba and Glinda eventually become best friends.
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande opened up about their characters’ unique bond in an interview with GAY TIMES. The British actress agreed that Elphaba “loves Glinda.” Due to the pair’s “deep connection,” Erivo admitted she understands why fans love to root for Elphaba and Glinda romantically. “It is true love, which is probably why people are shipping it, you know?” she said. “Because what they build with each other is an unbreakable bond and love.”
Grande had a similar reaction as Erivo. She said their characters are each other’s “safe space.” While she thinks that “every relationship” should feel like that “whether it’s romantic or platonic,” Grande hinted that Glinda may love Elphaba as more than a friend. “Glinda might be a little in the closet. You never know! Give it a little more time,” she teased.
Naturally, fans online went wild over the actressess’ comments. “A truly transcendent love story,” one person wrote. “Elphaba is probably Pan Glinda is probably Bi,” another fan said.
Watch Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande discuss “Gelphie” below.
The second part of the Wicked film adaptation will hit theaters a year from now on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025. Erivo and Grande will return as Elphaba and Glinda respectively. They’ll also be joined by returning cast members Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, Jeff Goldblum as The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Ethan Slater as Boq, and Marissa Bode as Nessarose.
