/indigomusic/media/media_files/2025/11/26/gregory-maguire-2025-11-26-11-15-22.png)
Fans of the 'Wicked universe have exciting news to look forward to. 'Wicked' author Gregory Maguire is returning to Oz with a brand-new novel focused on Galinda Upland, the character who later becomes Glinda the Good Witch.
Titled 'Galinda: A Charmed Childhood,' the upcoming book will explore the early life of the iconic character made famous by Ariana Grande in the recent 'Wicked' films, where she stars alongside Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba.
The novel is scheduled for release on 29th September 2026 and is already available for pre-order worldwide.
A Deeper Look Into Galinda's Childhood
The story will focus on Galinda's upbringing as the youngest of four children in a once-wealthy family struggling with financial decline. Though she is pampered, she is also overlooked, living a life filled with privilege and emotional distance.
/filters:format(webp)/indigomusic/media/media_files/2025/06/05/TSeJqKJBJLFEm42kWBVX.png)
Image Courtesy: NewsBytes
Her natural charm and elegance help her shine during district dance competitions, but this attention also blinds her to the rising resentment of local merchants who oppose her family's business strategies. Surrounded by the comforts and insecurities of childhood, Galinda initially lacks the awareness and ambition that will later define her.
As her father skillfully navigates the dangers posed by business rivals, Galinda begins to find her own path, slowly moving toward a future that could lift her beyond the limits of her proud yet difficult upbringing.
Expanding the 'Wicked' Universe
This new novel arrives roughly 30 years after the release of 'Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West' in 1995. Maguire's original book was inspired by L. Frank Baum's classic 1900 tale, 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,' which later became the legendary 1939 film 'The Wizard of Oz.'
/filters:format(webp)/indigomusic/media/media_files/2025/05/31/Ufn3UolFBT6maeNoPVoK.jpg)
Image Courtesy: Entertainment Weekly
Since the success of the musical, Maguire has continued expanding his Oz universe with several novels, including 'Son of a Witch,' 'A Lion Among Men,' and 'Out of Oz.
The story of 'Wicked' also evolved into the award-winning Broadway musical in 2003, followed by blockbuster film adaptations released in 2024 and 2025.
'Galinda: A Charmed Childhood' Release Details
'Galinda: A Charmed Childhood' will officially launch on 29th September 2026 and will be available through major bookstores and online retailers. Pre-orders are currently open.
For fans of 'Wicked,' Gregory Maguire, and the magical world of Oz, this novel promises a heartfelt and deeper look into the origins of one of fantasy's most beloved characters.
