The magic of Wicked continues to captivate audiences, and now, fans of the beloved musical can get an exclusive look at a deleted scene from the recently released film adaptation.
In this charming moment, Prince Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey) is preparing to leave for Shiz University, setting the stage for a whirlwind of emotions and intrigue.
In the deleted scene, the news of Fiyero’s departure is announced in The Shiz Gazette, which quite literally flies into the face of Galinda (Ariana Grande), Shiz’s most popular student.
As the paper floats through the university, it captures the attention of everyone around, including rollerbladers and key figures like Boq (Ethan Slater), a beloved character from the story.
Directed by Jon M. Chu, this dazzling scene adds a magical flair to the already vibrant world of Shiz University, though it didn’t make the final cut of the film, which runs for 2 hours and 40 minutes. Fans can catch this moment and other deleted scenes when Wicked is released digitally on December 31.
The flying newspaper is an enchanting part of the scene, though it’s clear that the strings are still visible, giving it a charmingly unfinished quality.
This whimsical addition highlights the significance of Prince Fiyero’s role in the Wicked storyline. As the ultimate catch for the students, his eventual romantic involvement with Galinda’s frenemy, Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), becomes a pivotal plot point in the story’s journey from friendship to rivalry, all within the magical land of Oz.
Wicked continues to make waves in the entertainment world, having earned a staggering $571.3 million worldwide since its release on November 22.
The film has also garnered numerous accolades, including being named one of the 2024 Best Pictures by the National Board of Review and the American Film Institute.
With 11 Critics Choice Awards nominations and four Golden Globe nominations, Wicked is a strong contender for a 2025 Oscar nomination.
As the film’s cultural impact grows, this deleted scene provides an intriguing glimpse into what might have been, allowing fans to further immerse themselves in the enchanting world of Wicked.