Warning: This article contains spoilers for Wicked, the movie, the Broadway show, and the novel. The intricate relationship between Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), Glinda (Ariana Grande-Butera), and Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey) is a central theme in Wicked. While the narrative presents a captivating love triangle, its complexities deepen when one examines Gregory Maguire’s original novel. This story, adapted into a highly acclaimed Broadway musical in 2003 and now a much-discussed film of 2024, reimagines the lives of Elphaba Thropp and Galinda Upland before they were known as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch, respectively. Currently celebrated as one of the best films of 2024, Wicked has also garnered the Golden Globe Award for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement.
Through dazzling performances, the cast of Wicked transports audiences to the vibrant world of Oz, exploring the friendship between Elphaba and Glinda during their formative years at Shiz University. Their bond faces challenges with the charming and handsome Fiyero, whose dashing persona captures everyone’s attention, complicating their relationship further. Fiyero’s impact on both women is expected to play a significant role in the upcoming sequel, Wicked: For Good, set for release in 2025. Nevertheless, the original narrative offers a far richer tapestry of emotional stakes in their love triangle.
Fiyero’s Marriage and Family in the Book
Elphaba & Fiyero’s Affair in the Novel
During his tenure at Shiz University in the story, Fiyero Tigelaar garners the admiration of his peers due to his carefree and rebellious nature. This is notably evident in the song “Dancing Through Life,”which highlights his charisma and initially frustrates Elphaba, contrasting sharply with Glinda’s admiration. However, when Fiyero assists Elphaba in rescuing a lion cub from captivity, he reveals a compassionate aspect of his character, prompting Elphaba to acknowledge her developing feelings for him. Despite this emotional connection, Fiyero’s commitment ultimately lies with another in the original book.
In a significant twist, Fiyero is arranged to marry a girl named Sarima at just seven years old, and together they have three children: Irji, Manek, and Nor. Despite his familial responsibilities, Fiyero exhibits a degree of emotional detachment towards Sarima throughout the novel and engages in an affair with Elphaba, resulting in the birth of their son, Liir. The tragic murder of Fiyero deeply impacts both women, and even amidst this betrayal, Sarima takes Elphaba and her child in, reflecting her own tragic fate at the hands of the Wizard.
Changes in the Musical Adaptation
Focus on Elphaba and Glinda’s Friendship
Upon its Broadway debut, the musical adaptation of Wicked concentrated on the origin of the Wicked Witch of the West while making significant alterations to Maguire’s narrative. Notably, the characters of Sarima and the complexities of her marriage to Fiyero were entirely omitted. Instead, the musical showcases Fiyero’s initial engagement to Glinda and his evolving romance with Elphaba, culminating in their escape from Oz after Elphaba feigns her death.
Maguire’s original Wicked delves into darker, more mature themes such as racism, sexual relationships, and murder, necessitating adjustments for the musical format. The change aimed to maintain a clearer focus on the friendship between Elphaba and Glinda. Stephen Schwartz, the musical’s creator, highlighted these necessary storytelling modifications to enhance audience engagement (via MusicalSchwartz).
Prospects for Sarima in Wicked 2
Absence of Sarima in Wicked: Part 1
In alignment with the musical, Sarima does not appear in the first part of the movie adaptation, nor is there any mention of her arranged marriage to Fiyero. At Shiz University, Fiyero’s background remains unaddressed, and the film concludes with Elphaba departing to the West after declaring war on the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) and Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh), while Fiyero heads off on horseback towards an uncertain future. As for the anticipated sequel, Wicked: For Good, early promotional material suggests it will primarily follow Fiyero’s quest for Elphaba and his public relationship with Glinda.
Current images from the sequel indicate that Fiyero has taken on a role as Captain of the Wizard’s Guard, while Glinda serves as the Wizard’s spokesperson (via JustJared). Given the narrative focus, it appears highly improbable that Sarima will be incorporated into the sequel’s storyline, with a stronger emphasis on adapting the musical’s plot than incorporating any additional complexities from the original novel.
For further details, visit:
MusicalSchwartz,
JustJared