Why Wicked Was Right To Cut The Scene That Best Explained Why Glinda Can't Do Magic

Although the hit movie musical, Wicked, seemed jam-packed with big moments, the movie had several scenes that ended up on the cutting room floor, and one such scene with Glinda would have made her story way worse. At the end of 2024, Wicked took critics and audiences by storm on Rotten Tomatoes, garnering a Certified Fresh 88% critics score and a whopping 95% audience score. Unsurprisingly, this Wicked craze has increased interest in every aspect of the movie, including the deleted scenes showcased in the movie's digital release.

The Wicked deleted scenes vary in importance and content, ranging from Glinda teaching Elphaba another version of the "toss toss" hair method to Elphaba reminiscing on her childhood dreams in the Emerald City. Although these scenes are exciting for Wicked lovers, and add some more depth to the story, most of them were cut for a reason. These moments simply did not do enough to merit extending the film's runtime. In fact, some scenes were justifiably cut because, as brief as they are, they could have changed the entire trajectory of the story.

A Wicked Deleted Scene Gave A Good Explanation For Why Glinda Can't Do Magic

Why Elphaba's Argument Makes Sense

Among the many deleted scenes from Wicked, there is one moment that takes place between Glinda and Elphaba following Elphaba and Fiyero's saving of the lion cub. The pair cover quite a few subjects during their conversation, including the fact that Glinda believes she would have saved the lion cub too if given the chance. However, more importantly, Elphaba and Glinda talk about how Glinda is struggling to use magic, and Elphaba offers a wise explanation. She explains that perhaps Glinda can't do magic because she's never needed it before.

Glinda already had everything she wanted, so there was no reason for her to have magic.

Despite seeming overly simple, Elphaba's point is actually genius. In Wicked,Elphaba's magic manifests when her feelings are at a boiling point or when she finds herself in danger. Because of the prejudice she has faced all her life, these moments occurred often. She needed magic to protect herself. The same cannot be said for Glinda, who has long lived a life of luxury. Glinda already had everything she wanted, so there was no reason for her to have magic. Although this scene sheds light on a big Wicked question, it's ultimately a good thing that the scene was cut.

Explaining Why Glinda Can't Do Magic Actually Weakens Her Arc

Glinda Needs To Figure Out The Truth Herself

Glinda looking at Elphaba at the Ozdust in Wicked

Deleting this scene between Elphaba and Glinda was a good thing because it strengthened Glinda' character arc. As much as Elphaba is on a journey of self-discovery in Wicked, Glinda is also going through countless changes and becoming a new and improved version of herself. Part of this is looking past her own ego and seeing who and what she really is. If Elphaba had simply told Glinda why she didn't have magic, then this would prevent Glinda from finding this out herself. In reality, it is vital for Glinda to come to this conclusion herself.

Furthermore, the scene messes with the actual logistics of Glinda's Wicked story. One of Glinda's biggest motivators is trying to hone her magic, and that is ultimately what brings her and Elphaba together. When Elphaba convinces Madame Morrible to give Glinda a wand, Glinda gives Elphaba a chance at the Ozdust Ballroom. In this way, if Glinda had taken Elphaba's explanation at face value, she might not have had any reason to team up with Morribleat the end of Wicked.Glinda's magic story needs to continue into Wicked: For Good, and the deleted scene would have complicated that.

Will Glinda Learn Magic In Wicked: For Good?

The Genius Of Glinda's Magic Explained

Ariana Grande wearing the pink bubble dress as Glinda in Wicked

Warning: Spoilers for the Wicked musical and Wicked: For Good ahead

Based on the second half of theWicked musical, Glinda's magic journey will be integral inWicked: For Good. As it turns out, the magic that Glinda seems to be doing at the very start ofWicked is actually a complex performance of technology and visual effects. Glinda has no real magic, but uses the Wizard's machines to make the people of Oz believe she has magic. In this way, Elphaba is completely right. Glinda has no real need for magic, so she must fabricate it if she wants any sliver of power within the world of Oz.

Although Glinda's deception may cast a negative light on her, it is more than just smoke and mirrors. Glinda technically lies about her magic, but she has just as much talent as Elphaba does. Elphaba may be able to fly on a broom and make monkeys grow wings, but Glinda is incredibly charismatic and lovable. She knows exactly what to say to make people like her, and this makes her influential. Therefore, to get this all across in Wicked: For Good, it is a good thing that Wickedcut this particular deleted scene.