Did You Know That Almost the Entire Cast of the ‘Wicked’ Movie Is Gay?

The movie “Wicked” has a cast that’s turning heads. Many of its actors are openly gay. Released in November 2024, the film adapts the popular Broadway musical. It follows Elphaba and Glinda, two witches from “The Wizard of Oz.” Fans are talking about how the cast’s real-life identities tie into the story’s queer undertones.

Cynthia Erivo stars as Elphaba, the green-skinned witch. She’s openly queer and has shared her fluid sexuality in a 2021 British Vogue interview.

Ariana Grande plays Glinda, the bubbly blonde. She’s not gay but is a big supporter of the LGBTQ+ community.

Her brother, Frankie Grande, is gay and called the film a “gay Super Bowl” on social media.

Jonathan Bailey is Fiyero, the dashing prince. He’s openly gay and came out in 2018. He told The Times he wants to live true to himself.

Bowen Yang plays Pfannee, a Munchkin. He’s gay and known for “Saturday Night Live.” He’s been open about his life as a gay man.

Marissa Bode portrays Nessarose, Elphaba’s sister. She’s queer and has been with her partner, Lauren Brooks, since 2023.

Bronwyn James plays ShenShen, one of Glinda’s friends. She’s gay and married her wife, Katherine-Alice, in 2023.

Sharon D. Clarke voices Dulcibear, a bear nanny. She’s gay and married to director Susie McKenna.

Ethan Slater plays Boq, a Munchkin in love with Glinda. He’s private about his life but has been linked to Grande. His casting fits the film’s queer-friendly tone.

Director Jon M. Chu isn’t gay but has welcomed the story’s appeal to all kinds of viewers.

The movie doesn’t make Elphaba and Glinda a couple outright. Still, fans see a romantic vibe between them. In a January 2025 Variety interview, Erivo and Grande called their bond a deep love. They said it’s platonic but teased more for the sequel, “Wicked: For Good,” out in November 2025.

“Wicked” has long been big in gay culture. The Broadway show, launched in 2003, has a huge LGBTQ+ following. Songs like “Defying Gravity” are anthems for being yourself. The film’s cast seems to echo that vibe.

Some say it’s not “almost entirely gay.” Michelle Yeoh (Madame Morrible) and Jeff Goldblum (The Wizard) are straight. Even so, the number of queer actors is striking. It’s unusual for a major Hollywood movie to have so many.

The film’s a smash. It made $580 million by December 2024. It grabbed 10 Oscar nominations in January 2025, including for Erivo and Grande. It hit Peacock in March 2025 and kept people talking.

The cast’s mix is great for representation. It doesn’t alter the story but makes it feel real for a tale about outsiders. Hollywood’s still figuring out how to show the world as it is, and “Wicked” is progress.

What do you think? Does the cast’s identity add to the film’s charm? Share your thoughts in the comments below!