Why a ‘Passionate’ Glinda–Fiyero Scene Was Cut From Wicked: For Good

A key romantic moment between Glinda and Fiyero was removed from Wicked: For Good. The cut involved a “passionate” kiss scene that co-writer Dana Fox confirmed was too intense for the film’s storyline. The decision shaped how viewers would interpret the love triangle at the center of the movie.

The scene featured Ariana Grande as Glinda and Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero. According to Fox, keeping it would have changed how audiences felt about Fiyero’s choice to be with Elphaba, played by Cynthia Erivo. The moment was filmed but ultimately removed to protect the emotional balance of the story.

Inside Why the Glinda–Fiyero Scene Was Removed

Dana Fox explained the decision while speaking to Deadline. She said the kiss was beautiful, romantic, and “too adorable,” but its intensity reshaped the dynamic between the characters. The team feared audiences would struggle to accept Fiyero choosing Elphaba if they saw him share a deeply emotional moment with Glinda.

Fox said the energy between the characters in that scene felt very real. It suggested Fiyero had stronger feelings for Glinda than the final cut of the movie shows. That raised concerns about how viewers would react during the film’s emotional turning point.

The goal was to maintain the established arc of the love triangle. The film shows Glinda and Fiyero caring about each other, but not in a way that overshadows his ultimate connection to Elphaba. A passionate kiss risked shifting the story’s balance. Fox said the team wanted to avoid viewers feeling confused or frustrated about Fiyero’s final decision.

Trusted outlets such as AP and BBC News often highlight how editing choices affect storytelling in major releases. Film teams frequently remove scenes that shift tone or undermine character motivations. In this case, the creative team agreed that the emotional weight of the cut scene was too strong for the narrative.

Fox added that she expects the scene to appear someday in a deleted-scenes collection. She emphasized that nothing was cut without purpose. Every removal served the final pacing and emotional clarity of the film.

The discussion also led to questions about the future of the franchise. Wicked: For Good closes with a moment that hints at the possibility of revisiting the characters. Fox said she would gladly return for a third film, though no such project is in development.

What the Change Means for the Story

Removing the scene keeps viewers aligned with the intended emotional journey. The love triangle remains complex but clear. Fiyero’s affection for Glinda stays meaningful without overshadowing his deeper bond with Elphaba.

It also helps keep the audience from feeling resentment toward any character. Fox said showing a passionate kiss risked viewers blaming Fiyero, Glinda, or Elphaba for choices that are central to the story. The edit protects the emotional integrity of all three characters.

The cut also highlights how carefully the film balances tone. Fans of the stage musical know how important the relationships are to the plot. The movie needed to honor that while staying accessible to new audiences. The removed scene ensured the narrative stayed focused on the arc that defines the franchise.

In the end, the decision to cut the Glinda–Fiyero moment shaped the emotional clarity of Wicked: For Good. It ensured the love triangle remained grounded, balanced, and faithful to the story’s intent.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Why was the Glinda–Fiyero kiss scene cut?

The kiss was too passionate. It shifted emotional focus away from the intended love triangle arc. The team felt it made Fiyero’s final choice harder to accept.

Q2: Did the cut scene affect Ariana Grande’s Glinda arc?

No. Her emotional storyline stays clear. The edit helps maintain the intended balance between the characters.

Q3: Will fans ever see the deleted scene?

Dana Fox suggested it may appear in a future deleted-scenes release. Nothing is confirmed.

Q4: Does the cut hint at deeper Glinda–Fiyero feelings?

Fox said they cared for each other. But the passionate version was too strong for the story. The edit keeps their relationship aligned with the final plot.

Q5: Is Wicked 3 happening?

Fox is open to returning. There are no official plans yet. Fans continue to speculate about a third installment.