Cynthia Erivo, the Oscar-nominated actress, expressed her feelings on the emotional ending of the ‘Wicked: For Good’ film. After a poignant moment between Glinda (played by Ariana Grande) and Elphaba, the 38-year-old shared that the feelings are much deeper and layered from a single line.
Cynthia Erivo explains the deeper meaning
At the end of the film, Fiyero (played by Jonathan Bailey) leaves Glinda at the wedding for Elphaba, and turns into straw due to a protective spell. Meanwhile, Elphaba fakes her death by disguising herself under the trap door, and Fiyero helps her to come out of it after Dorothy takes the broom. Respecting the friendship, Elphaba and Glinda reconcile for the last time before the former leaves. While sharing a heartfelt moment, the two start singing the reprise of ‘For Good.’ Mentioning a specific line, “Just look at me / Not with your eyes, with theirs,” Erivo said that two things are happening at once in the line, during a conversation at Elphaba’s Wicked Retreat Airbnb Original Experience event, as per People. “It’s both trying to help Glinda see what’s actually happening, but it’s also a comfort. I think she sees that her friend sees her one way,” Erivo said, adding that she loves a line when it’s just a phrase but also contains a deeper meaning to it. Explaining the meaning, the actress continued on how Glinda will look different at her, unlike others. It is important to consider how others look at the perspective, as it’s the only way to move forward in the situation. “I think it’s the first time that she settles into what has to come next,” she added.
About ‘Wicked: For Good’
Directed by Jon M. Chu, ‘Wicked: For Good’ was released in the theatres on November 21, 2025. Other than Erivo, Grande, and Bailey, the film cast includes Jeff Goldblum. Ethan Slater, Michelle Yeoh, Marissa Bode, Bowen Yang, and many more.
