Musical theater has always been queer. Since its invention, queer people have been at the forefront of writing, creating and performing elaborate musical spectacles. Universal Pictures’ latest movie musical phenomenon, “Wicked,” is no exception to this rule. Since its release, “Wicked” has been at the forefront of major pop culture discussions across the internet and the queer themes of the musical have not been lost to audiences.
A plethora of LGBTQ+ actors and creators worked on the revolutionary picture crafting a product that reflects its history and influence. Additionally, throughout the film, canonically straight characters are given a queer spin, exciting LGBTQ+ audiences worldwide.
It is important to explore both the queer voices behind the screen of this recent hit as well as the queer subtext throughout the musical. From Ariana Grande’s bubbly performance as Glinda the Good Witch to Johnathan Bailey’s charming performance as the charismatic Fiyero, numerous characters throughout the film help to create a queer atmosphere despite taking part in heterosexual relationships throughout.
Jon M. Chu, the director of the film, knew what he was doing when hiring a largely LGBTQ+ ensemble. Cynthia Erivo, Johnathan Bailey, Marissa Bode, Bowan Yang and Bronwyn James are just a few of the openly LGBTQ+ actors who dominate the screen in the thrilling new musical. Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldbloom and Ariana Grande are all heterosexual but have all been openly supportive of the LGBTQ+ community for years.
Following her performance in the Oscar-winning and record-breaking film “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” Michelle Yeoh has gained the status of a “gay icon.” Jeff Goldbloom played one of Rachel Berry’s gay dads on Glee, a revolutionary role in the early 2000s musical series. Ariana Grande has been a proud supporter of her openly gay brother, Frankie Grande, for years. Jon Chu configured a star-studded cast filled with openly gay and supportive actors who would be able to fully capture the queer subtext of “Wicked” and bring it to life for audiences everywhere.
The land of Oz is a flamboyantly gay place. Many have identified and connected to the poignant trans and queer undertones of the original book, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” published by L. Frank Baum in 1900. The 1934 movie of the same name, which widely popularized the story, is a vital piece of queer cinema history.
Throughout the Lavender Scare, a period of widespread moral panic about homosexuals in the mid-20th century, the phrase “friend of Dorothy,” was used to determine if an acquaintance was a member or ally of the community to safeguard individuals’ identities. This was due to the actress who plays Dorothy, Judy Garland, being a staple in the LGBTQ+ community and the queer undertones of her character wishing to go “somewhere over the rainbow.”
The author of “Wicked,” on which the Broadway musical and movie are based, Gregory Macguire has been outspoken about his gay identity for years, even before publishing the novel in 1995. Due to this, queer themes are present throughout the novel, even containing a brief kiss between Glinda and Elphaba, a moment which sadly was not adapted into the stage musical.
The queer history and influence of “Wicked” is apparent in the new musical movie. Bowen Yang, the hilarious and openly gay Saturday Night Live star, plays the only confirmedly queer character, Pfannee. Donning a uniform skirt and a stylish pair of Oz-ian glasses, Yang dominates the screen in each scene he is in. The most explicitly gay moment in the film is wonderfully executed as Pfannee hyperventilates over Fiyero’s intoxicating charisma. Upon Fiyero’s arrival, he tells him he will do anything he wants, a moment which audiences everywhere can relate to due to Johnathan Bailey’s characterization of the strapping prince.
The most blatant instance of queer subtext in the new musical movie are seen through Glinda’s affection for Elphaba which seems to go beyond regular friendship. The queer aspects of this character are unsurprising considering Billie Burke, who played the role in the original film, was a queer icon herself. In a widely circulated interview, Ariana Grande confessed, “Glinda might be a little in the closet.”
Glinda’s explicit romance in the film is between her and Fiyero, who she immediately latches onto upon his arrival. Both beautiful, confident and charismatic individuals, Fiyero and Glinda’s “romance” is one of convenience rather than affection. Their being together is a logical conclusion as they are the richest and most popular students, but their chemistry is unapparent. They agree they are both perfect, so they must be “perfect together,” a reality neither really seems to believe. Glinda sees her relationship as a status symbol rather than a real connection, as she focuses her attention on Elphaba and leads Fiyero around as a sort of prop to glean popularity.
While Glinda’s attraction to and affection for Fiyero is unconvincing, her adoration for Elphaba is apparent throughout the runtime. In the iconic song “Popular,” Glinda offers Elphaba a makeover while announcing she will “make her popular.” In light of her emphasis on being in a relationship beneficial to her social standing, it can be seen by any introspective viewer that her assistance to Elphaba is not selfless; Glinda wants to increase Elphaba’s social standing so they can have a chance to be together. Grande masterfully captures the queer aspects of the character. At the end of the song, she announces, “Miss Elphaba, you’re beautiful,” with more than just friendly admiration apparent in her eyes.
Another instance where the budding connection between the leads surpasses a mere friendship is when Elphaba leaves on a train to The Emerald City. Realizing that she cannot be without Glinda in this next stage in her life, Elphaba asks Glinda to join her at the last second. As she gets onto the train, they fall on top of one another, a meaningful scene that could make any queer woman swoon.
In addition to Glinda’s undeniable attraction to women, Fiyero’s bisexual energy is intoxicating as he dances through life, non-discriminatory in his flirtation. While he sings and dances, he flirts with every man and woman in his proximity, delighting audiences everywhere. Johnathan Bailey confidently carried his gay identity into the canonically straight character, adding a thrilling spin.
Ultimately, the queer history of “Wicked” shaped the film’s overflowing aura of queer joy and community. Between the casting of phenomenal LGBTQ+ actors and the influence of the gay history of Oz, “Wicked” was not only the best film of 2024 but also the gayest.