A surprising secret emerged from the making of the blockbuster film, *Wicked*: a passionate scene between Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey was deemed too intense for the final cut. The filmmakers feared the chemistry was *too* convincing, potentially altering the audience’s emotional investment in the story’s central love triangle.
The film portrays a complex dynamic where Prince Fiyero finds himself torn between the dazzling Glinda, played by Grande, and the misunderstood Elphaba. While Fiyero ultimately chooses Elphaba, a deleted scene showed a deeper romantic connection with Glinda – a connection so believable it threatened to derail the narrative.
According to co-writer Dana Fox, the scene featured a kiss that was “romantic and beautiful, but a little too passionate.” It risked making Fiyero’s eventual decision to be with Elphaba feel less justifiable, and even potentially turning audiences against the characters. The filmmakers realized the scene was simply “too adorable to handle.”
The decision wasn’t made lightly. The writers understood Fiyero genuinely cared for Glinda, but in a fundamentally different way than his connection with Elphaba. The cut scene, they feared, would create a level of realism that undermined the story’s emotional core.
However, the film hasn’t shied away from mature themes entirely. A separate scene depicting intimacy between Elphaba and Fiyero sparked conversation among parents, with some noting the film pushed the boundaries of its PG rating. The scene, while not explicit, implied a night of passion, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.
This scene, coupled with Elphaba’s daring wardrobe choice – a now-iconic “sex cardigan” – quickly became a viral sensation. Fans flooded social media with reactions, praising the boldness and humor of the moment. The cardigan itself has been hailed as a “holy grail” fashion item, cementing its place in pop culture history.
The unexpected buzz surrounding these moments highlights the film’s ability to spark conversation and engage audiences on multiple levels. Even deleted scenes and wardrobe choices have become integral parts of the *Wicked* experience, demonstrating the film’s lasting impact.
