Wicked film sparks renewed fan interest in Elphaba and Glinda's relationship

The release of Jon M. Chu's film "Wicked: Part I" has reignited interest in the relationship between Elphaba and Glinda, leading fans to embrace the ship name "Gelphie." This enthusiasm has grown since the musical's debut in 2003. Original author Gregory Maguire has acknowledged the romantic undertones in their relationship, emphasizing themes of sexual diversity. He left the nature of their bond open to interpretation, suggesting both love and unrequited feelings. Stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande have expressed that their characters share a deep connection, describing the story as "beautifully queer." This alignment between the cast and fans has fueled a vibrant online community celebrating their relationship through memes and fan art.