Wicked: For Good Director on if Glinda Knows Who the Tin Man Is

Wicked: For Good raises several emotional questions towards the end.

But one moment in particular has led to ongoing debate: Does Glinda realize the Tin Man is actually Boq? Director Jon M. Chu has now offered clarity on the scene and what it means for the film’s characters.

Jon M. Chu on whether Glinda recognized the Tin Man on Wicked: For Good

As Wicked: For Good moves toward its climax, Glinda (Ariana Grande) watches a crowd of Ozians cheer on four “Witch Hunters,” one of whom is a Tin Man who vows he will be “heartless” while hunting Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo). Glinda’s reaction suggests shock, and fans have wondered whether the moment carries a second layer of recognition.

The question stems from Boq’s earlier transformation, when Elphaba turns him into the Tin Man in order to save his life after Nessarose (Marissa Bode) misreads the Grimmerie during a spell gone wrong. In the aftermath, Boq awakens in a confused, angry state, ultimately blaming Elphaba for his new form. His resentment fuels his willingness to take part in the witch hunt.

Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Jon M. Chu acknowledged the ambiguity but shared his own interpretation. “I don’t necessarily like to say exactly what it is… but yeah, in my mind, she knows it’s Boq,” he said. “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?'” the director added.

Chu also explained that Boq has his own defining moment during “March of the Witch Hunters.” After briefly meeting Glinda’s gaze, he turns away. According to the director, “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. That, to me, was a big moment.”

Based on Gregory Maguire’s bestselling novel, Wicked: For Good picks up after Elphaba is declared the Wicked Witch of the West. It’s currently playing in theaters.

Source: Comingsoon.net