A new revelation has surfaced from Jon M. Chu‘s Wicked: For Good, adding depth to the film’s climactic sequence and offering fans of the musical something to debate. During a recent Jon M. Chu Wicked interview, the director discussed how Glinda’s reaction to the Tin Man is layered with more meaning than previously thought.
Revelations as Wicked: For Good Approaches Its Climax
As the highly anticipated Wicked: For Good approaches its emotional finale, a crowd of Ozians gathers to witness the rise of the Witch Hunters, among them a figure strikingly familiar—a man made entirely of tin. Glinda, portrayed by Ariana Grande, is visibly disturbed as this Tin Man sings of being “heartless” about killing Elphaba, the character played by Cynthia Erivo. The moment takes an emotional turn as Glinda appears shocked not only by his intent but by a possible recognition of his true identity.
A key twist is whether Glinda sees through the Tin Man’s transformation and realizes he is actually Boq, played by Ethan Slater. During the Jon M. Chu Wicked interview,
“I don’t necessarily like to say exactly what it is… but yeah, in my mind, she knows it’s Boq,”
Jon M. Chu, Director, commented to Entertainment Weekly.
“I think she recognizes, she sees it in his eyes. I think there’s also something she knows inherently and it makes her ask herself, ‘What has become of this world that I knew?’”
Jon M. Chu, Director.
The Transformation: How Boq Became the Tin Man
The origin of the Tin Man traces back to a tragic incident involving Elphaba and Nessarose—known as Nessa—played by Marissa Bode. When Nessa attempts a spell from the Grimmerie to make Boq love her, the spell backfires, and Elphaba is forced to save Boq’s life by transforming him into the Tin Man. This act, while saving his life, leaves him altered, fueling resentment and a sense of betrayal, especially as Nessa blames Elphaba for her sister’s fate.
Understanding the Emotional Break: Boq’s Shift in Loyalty
Although Glinda’s recognition is kept ambiguous during the “March of the Witch Hunters,” Chu clarifies that Boq is aware that he is looking at Glinda, his long-time unrequited love from Shiz. The emotional distance is palpable as Boq joins a mob driven by hatred, marking a dramatic turn from his earlier affections.
“That moment he looks back up to her and then turns away, that is him saying he doesn’t need her anymore — because he has a new family of hate that’s stronger than love for him,”
Jon M. Chu, Director, explains about Boq’s turn toward darkness in the film.
“That, to me, was a big moment.”
Jon M. Chu, Director.
Emotional Fallout and What Lies Ahead for Wicked: For Good
This revelation adds a layer of intensity to the narrative and amplifies the emotional stakes as Wicked: For Good draws to its close. The complicated relationships between Glinda, Boq, Elphaba, and Nessarose now take center stage, challenging the characters’ ideals and loyalties. With Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, and Ethan Slater leading a talented cast, fans of the musical can expect profound themes of loss, transformation, and the formation of new allegiances to play out in the final act. As Jon M. Chu’s insights illuminate, the consequences of these shifts will resonate long after the curtain falls.
