Jon M. Chu Explains the Decision to Cut Broadway Show’s Most Iconic Line

Wicked has recently garnered acclaim for catering to its extensive fanbase, yet avid Broadway enthusiasts have noticed that one of Glinda’s most iconic lines is notably absent from the film adaptation.

With its box office performance positioning it among the highest-grossing openings for a Broadway adaptation, it is evident that the Wicked movie is off to a spectacular start.

Nevertheless, some quintessential moments from the original stage production did not make it into the final cut. Director Jon M. Chu addressed the challenges of translating live theater to film, emphasizing the necessity of certain omissions.

“When you don’t have a live audience to play off, some of the comedy doesn’t quite work,” Chu explained, as reported by Variety. He mentioned a pivotal moment, stating, “I remember when Ari read that we didn’t have the line ‘the Wizard will see you now!’ There was a reason for it; they were more progressed in the geography of the story.”

Chu further described the rehearsals where Glinda’s line was absent, revealing, “Every time that moment would occur, they would sing it anyway. Ari was adamant: ‘I promise you, we have to have it.’ So I was like, ‘OK, let me figure it out.’ We restructured it so that there are two entrances now, and ultimately, it paid off.”

Glinda’s Iconic Line Was Cut from the Film

One of the most significant omissions from the film occurs in the opening sequence, where Glinda makes a grand entrance in a bubble to the citizens of Munchkinland.

In the stage version, Glinda famously quips, “It’s good to see me, isn’t it? …No need to answer. That’s rhetorical.” Regrettably, the film adaptation doesn’t feature this full exchange, which is celebrated as one of her most memorable lines.

As Chu clarified, “In the movie, her line didn’t make an impact. This was not due to the performance, but rather the absence of an audience for feedback. We attempted to incorporate simulated reactions from the characters, but it felt overly contrived and premature. Cutting that line was particularly challenging since it holds significant value in the lore of Wicked.”

Currently, Wicked is available in theaters worldwide, inviting both new audiences and longtime fans to experience the magic.

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