Ariana Grande, the star of the Wicked film adaptation, has opened up about the surprising amount of risqué fan art featuring her character Glinda the Good and Elphaba, which she has encountered since taking on the iconic role.
The film, directed by Jon M. Chu, has been a massive success, drawing in new audiences to the whimsical world of Oz and reigniting the fervor of Gelphie shippers. The term 'Gelphie' refers to the pairing of Glinda and Elphaba, whose relationship has intrigued fans with its layered dynamics.
The themes of otherness and self-acceptance in Wicked have long resonated with LGBTQ+ audiences. Many fans see the connection between Glinda, played by Grande, and Elphaba as exceeding mere friendship. Over the past two decades, this interpretation has inspired countless fanfictions and fan art that explore the potential romantic undertones between the two characters.
Ariana Grande's Take on Fan Art
In a recent interview with a prominent entertainment magazine, Grande expressed her mixed feelings about the "Gelphie" phenomenon. She candidly shared, "I wish I could unsee some things," referring to the more graphic fan artworks. "I had an inkling, but I didn’t anticipate the scope or the intensity," she added with a smile.
The fascination with Gelphie isn’t entirely unwarranted. Gregory Maguire, who penned the original novel on which the musical and film are based, subtly infused a lesbian subplot involving Glinda and Elphaba. This nuance has not gone unnoticed by fans, who have embraced the potential romantic narrative.
During a press tour for the film, Maguire discussed his intentions with a leading LGBTQ+ publication. He revealed, "I wanted to imbue Oz with a level of complexity that felt authentic, and that included exploring themes of sexual orientation and diversity."
Author's Intentions
When pressed about the sapphic tension between the witches and whether it was a deliberate choice, Maguire acknowledged, "Yes, that was purposeful. It was modest and understated, crafted in such a way that one could imagine one character harbored deeper feelings than the other without overt declaration."
He further mused, "There are scenes a novelist cannot write. Perhaps while I was out for a walk or during a smoke break, Glinda and Elphaba explored their intimacy on the journey to the Emerald City. I wanted to suggest this possibility without defining it explicitly."
Grande herself has entertained the notion of Glinda’s queerness. In an interview with a prominent LGBTQ+ magazine, she remarked, "Whether romantic or platonic, there’s a hint of Glinda being in the closet. It’s all about true love, which transcends labels, and that’s why fans are drawn to it."
Legacy of the Characters
Kristin Chenoweth, who originated the role of Glinda on Broadway in 2003, agrees with Grande's interpretation. "I sensed it too, way back when," Chenoweth admitted, acknowledging the chemistry between the characters that has captured imaginations for years.
The depth and complexity of the relationship between Glinda and Elphaba continue to inspire discussions among fans, highlighting the timeless appeal of Wicked and its characters. The story's impact within the LGBTQ+ community underscores its importance as a narrative that embraces diversity and challenges conventional norms.
We invite you to share your thoughts on this engaging subject in the comments below. Let's keep the dialogue respectful and inclusive!
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