Director Jon M. Chu’s approach to Wicked: For Good has prompted questions about whether Glinda identifies the Tin Man as her old acquaintance, Boq. This Jon M. Chu Wicked analysis explores a pivotal emotional moment in the film’s closing chapter, featuring Ariana Grande’s Glinda and Ethan Slater’s Boq.
Glinda’s Encounter with the Tin Man Raises Questions
Towards the end of Wicked: For Good, as tensions in Oz reach their peak, a large group of Ozians assembles to congratulate the Witch Hunters, which includes a man now made entirely of tin. Glinda, portrayed by Ariana Grande, notices the Tin Man among the crowd as he prepares to attack Elphaba, played by Cynthia Erivo. The Tin Man, who chillingly states that he will be “heartless” in killing Elphaba, deeply unsettles Glinda.
Glinda’s visible shock while watching the Tin Man sing has led audiences to wonder if she also realizes the Tin Man’s true identity — Boq, played by Ethan Slater. Jon M. Chu, speaking to Entertainment Weekly, confirmed the depth of this moment:
“I don’t necessarily like to say exactly what it is… but yeah, in my mind, she knows it’s Boq,”
Jon M. Chu, Director
“I think she recognizes, she sees it in his eyes. I think there’s also something she knows inherently and it makes her ask herself, ‘What has become of this world that I knew?’”
Jon M. Chu, Director
The Tragic Origin of the Tin Man
The emotional weight behind Glinda’s realization is tied to Boq’s transformation. Earlier in the story, Elphaba uses magic to save Boq after Nessarose, played by Marissa Bode, mistakenly casts a spell from the Grimmerie in an attempt to make Boq love her. The spell goes wrong, and Boq is left in a vulnerable state. In response, Elphaba turns him into the Tin Man, fundamentally changing his existence. Nessarose, however, holds her sister accountable for Boq’s fate, intensifying Boq’s resentment toward Elphaba – the so-called Wicked Witch.
Context and Director’s Perspective on Boq’s Turning Point
The critical scene remains ambiguous regarding Glinda’s awareness of Boq’s identity during the “March of the Witch Hunters.” While the film doesn’t make Glinda’s realization explicit, Chu confirms one thing: Boq, even in his Tin Man form, recognizes Glinda and confronts his unresolved feelings from their time at Shiz.
“That moment he looks back up to her and then turns away, that is him saying he doesn’t need her anymore — because he has a new family of hate that’s stronger than love for him,”
Jon M. Chu, Director
“That, to me, was a big moment.”
Jon M. Chu, Director
The Impact of Recognition and Transformation
Wicked: For Good’s climactic moments highlight the emotional consequences of transformation and loss in Oz. Jon M. Chu’s handling of Glinda’s encounter with the Tin Man adds deeper conflict and emotion, raising questions about loyalty and personal change. The story’s resolution leaves audiences pondering the internal struggles of Glinda and Boq as old bonds are replaced by new, darker allegiances. As the film concludes, Chu’s candid insights ensure fans will continue to speculate about the lasting effects on these beloved characters and the world they inhabit.
