Inside ‘Wicked’: Writer Reveals Why Glinda’s Final Moment is Her Most Powerful

The emotional ending of the new ‘Wicked’ film has sparked deep conversation. Co-screenwriter Dana Fox recently explained the pivotal final scene. The moment involves Ariana Grande’s Glinda and the magical Grimmerie book. This revelation provides new insight into the character’s journey.

Fox shared her thoughts in an interview with Deadline. She highlighted a key emotional beat not in the original stage play. The scene centers on Glinda’s greatest vulnerability becoming her strength.

The Weight of the Grimmerie’s Final Revelation

In the film’s conclusion, Glinda believes her friend Elphaba has died. She is left holding the powerful Grimmerie, a book of spells she cannot read. Elphaba’s final wish is for Glinda to learn from it.

The movie’s last shot shows the book opening on its own in Glinda’s hands. According to Fox, this moment is earned through raw honesty. It represents Glinda finally confronting her deepest shame.

The film adds a new flashback scene to establish this wound. It shows a young Glinda struggling and feeling inadequate with magic. This context makes her admission to Elphaba profoundly powerful.

A New Layer to a Beloved Character’s Arc

Fox explained that admitting her inability is Glinda’s hardest task. This vulnerability is what allows the magic to respond to her. The ending suggests Glinda may now access the book’s power, or that Elphaba has passed the gift on.

This change from the stage play offers a more concrete hopeful note. It provides closure to Glinda’s personal struggle with self-worth. The moment is left intentionally open for individual interpretation.

For fans, it adds a significant layer to Glinda’s transformation. It ties her evolution from a shallow socialite to a true leader directly to her overcoming personal doubt. The scene underscores the film’s theme that real power comes from authenticity.

The ‘Wicked’ ending provides a poignant conclusion to Glinda’s story. Dana Fox’s insight reveals the careful character work behind the magic. This final moment ensures the film’s emotional impact lingers well after the credits.

A quick knowledge drop for you

What does the Grimmerie opening mean at the end of ‘Wicked’?

It symbolizes Glinda earning access to true magic through honesty. By admitting her deepest shame, she proves herself worthy. The moment suggests she can now lead Oz with both heart and power.

Is the ending different from the Broadway musical?

Yes, the film adds the visual of the Grimmerie opening for Glinda. This specific moment does not occur in the original stage production. It provides a more hopeful and conclusive visual for her character arc.

How did Ariana Grande perform in the final scene?

According to the screenwriter, Grande’s performance was deeply moving. Her delivery of the line “You know I can’t read that” captured Glinda’s core shame. This performance sells the emotional weight of the entire moment.

What was Glinda’s “original wound” mentioned by the writer?

The film includes a new flashback of young Glinda struggling with magic. This scene establishes a childhood feeling of inadequacy. That early failure became her secret shame as an adult.

Why is this moment so important for Glinda’s character?

It represents her full journey from vanity to authenticity. Overcoming this shame is her final step to becoming a genuine leader. The magic responds not to perfection, but to her true self.