Ariana Grande debunks Glinda farewell theory as ‘Wicked: For Good’ premieres

Ariana Grande debunks Glinda farewell theory as 'Wicked: For Good' premieres

Ariana Grande has dismissed speculation that her new brunette hairstyle signals a farewell to her Wicked character Glinda, calling it simply "a way of doing something different" for the franchise's upcoming sequel. The 32-year-old singer and actress, known for her signature blonde locks as the Good Witch of the North, unveiled the darker look ahead of Wicked: For Good's 21 November release, sparking fan theories online.

The London premiere on Monday transformed Leicester Square into a vibrant Oz-inspired spectacle, complete with pink and green lighting, a yellow brick road, and fans dressed as witches and glittering Glinda lookalikes. Grande and co-star Cynthia Erivo-who plays Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West-attended alongside returning cast members Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, and Jeff Goldblum.

'Overwhelming' end of an era

Erivo, a recent two-time Grammy nominee, described the film's release as "overwhelming" while Grande reflected on the project's lasting impact. "This will always be part of our lives," she told BBC News, emphasizing the emotional weight of closing the chapter. The sequel resumes after Elphaba and Glinda's split, with Elphaba now a fugitive and Glinda a public figure manipulated by the Wizard (Goldblum).

The films adapt the Broadway musical-itself based on Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel-into a two-part cinematic saga. Shot back-to-back between December 2022 and January 2024, production faced delays during the Hollywood actors' strike. The first installment became the UK's highest-grossing film of 2024, earning 10 Oscar nominations and wins for costume and production design.

Bailey makes 'Sexiest Man Alive' history

Jonathan Bailey, 37, who reprises his role as Prince Fiyero, recently made headlines as People magazine's first openly gay "Sexiest Man Alive." When asked by BBC News to name his own pick, he jokingly credited Wicked director Jon M. Chu: "His genius and compassion know no end-and he cast me in this film, so that is entirely sexy."

Bailey also addressed rumors about channeling his Bridgerton character Anthony for the sequel's romantic plotline. "I'm sure I'm mining something that's in my bones somewhere," he said, adding ambiguity about a potential Celebrity Traitors appearance: "We'll have to find out. I feel like I'm already exposing my gameplay."

New songs, shorter runtime

With most of the musical's iconic numbers-including Defying Gravity and Popular-featured in the first film, the sequel introduces two original songs. Chu revealed to BBC News that Grande and Erivo were moved to tears upon first hearing them. "It means a lot to now, however many years later, we're here," he said. The second film also trims its runtime to 2 hours and 18 minutes, down from the first's 2 hours and 40 minutes.

Grande and Erivo's off-screen friendship, which went viral during last year's promotions, remains a highlight. The duo opened the 2025 Academy Awards with a Wicked medley, further cementing their chemistry as the franchise's emotional core.

"It's fun," Grande said of her new look, with Erivo smiling in agreement. "It was just a way of playing into the darker tones-clothing, beauty-something different for the second movie."

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, BBC News interview