Why Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey's "Too Passionate" Love Scene Was Cut From 'Wicked: For Good'

In the much-anticipated sequel 'Wicked: For Good,' a tender kiss between Ariana Grande's Glinda and Jonathan Bailey's Fiyero was shot—but never made it to the final cut. Dana Fox, the co-writer of the film, later disclosed that the scene was cut because it was "a bit too passionate" and could have risked the film's carefully balanced emotional journey and the character arcs. Although controversial, the choice was taken in order to maintain the narrative's clarity: Fiyero eventually leaves Glinda for someone else, and too-real chemistry would have made that change much more difficult for viewers to accept. 

A Kiss Too Powerful: Why the Scene Got Removed?

The original purpose of filming Grande and Bailey's love encounter was to strengthen the bond between their characters, but even the creative team was taken aback by how strong and real their chemistry was on screen. Dana Fox revealed that the scene was "romantic and beautiful," yet the passion between the two actors unintentionally shifted the emotional balance of the story.

Image Courtesy: Entertainment Weekly

Fiyero's eventual choice to leave Glinda and side with Elphaba is a major turning point, and if the kiss had stayed, audiences might have interpreted Glinda and Fiyero as being genuinely in love—making his departure feel like a harsh betrayal. The filmmakers agreed that while the scene itself worked, it worked too well, and ran the risk of creating confusion in the central dynamic. 

They claimed that by cutting it, the story's integrity was maintained and the audiences were still able to support Fiyero and Elphaba without having to wonder about his intentions or feel deceived about his affections for Glinda.

Also Read: https://indigomusic.com/pop-cultures/whats-up-pop-news/sadie-sink-says-shell-never-dye-her-red-hairand-why-shes-keeping-it-forever-10816229

Image Courtesy: ELLE

Grande & Bailey's Growth in the Franchise and Their On-Screen Chemistry

Critics have lauded Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey's performances in both 'Wicked' movies, pointing out their innate chemistry and the depth of emotion they bring to their parts. In 'Wicked: For Good,' Grande's Glinda undergoes a significant metamorphosis from an intelligent, enthusiastic young witch to a more vulnerable, reflective leader whose heartbreak determines her ultimate destiny. In contrast, Bailey's Fiyero transforms from the endearing, carefree prince-type into a man motivated by loyalty and conviction, finally putting his life in danger by choosing Elphaba.

Image Courtesy: People

One of the reasons the kiss sequence was so spectacular and presented such an artistic problem was their ability to play off each other so well. The actors' growth, along with years of preparation for the roles, helped build a relationship that felt effortless and organic, even in moments that were never meant to overshadow the central romance between Fiyero and Elphaba. Even without the forbidden kiss making it onscreen, their relationship and chemistry is still one of the franchise's most powerful emotional themes.  

Image Courtesy: The Hollywood Reporter

The Film's Success, The Characters' Endings, and the Scene Fans Still Want to See

Audiences have praised Wicked: For Good's emotional payoff and the gratifying resolution it provides to Glinda and Elphaba's entwined destinies as it continues its successful theatrical run. Fiyero’s ultimate voyage with Elphaba, in which he chooses love and sacrifice over duty and prestige, contrasts painfully with Glinda's finale, which is lonely but wiser. 

The decision to cut the passionate Glinda–Fiyero kiss ultimately strengthened these arcs, allowing the focus to remain on the story's core message about courage, choice, and the people we become through love. And as Fox explained, every cut was made for "exactly the right reasons."

Image Courtesy: People

Still, fans are eager to see the chemistry that the filmmakers themselves acknowledged was almost too convincing, and many have been vociferous in their hopes that the deleted sequence will show up one day in some future extra features or a home release.

With Grande and Bailey both celebrating the film's success and hinting at unreleased behind-the-scenes moments, it's possible that the now-infamous kiss may one day make its way to audiences—but for now, its mystique only adds to the film's growing legacy. 

Also Read: https://indigomusic.com/pop-cultures/whats-up-pop-news/north-west-takes-over-soho-in-head-to-toe-balenciaga-and-statement-designer-crocs-10816278