Less than a week after ‘Wicked: For Good’ soared into theaters with spellbinding success, fans of Oz have yet another reason to rejoice. The popular Good Witch, Glinda, played by Ariana Grande in ‘Wicked’ and its sequel, is officially stepping into the spotlight with her very own origin story.
As the franchise keeps shattering records, with ‘Wicked: For Good’ grossing an unbelievable $150 million in the US and $226 million worldwide, publisher Harper Collins has already announced the next big addition to the universe, ‘Galinda: A Charmed Childhood’.
Glinda Gets Her Own Origin Story In Upcoming Novel
The new novel, which will be published on September 29, 2026, goes back to the early years of Glinda, when she was floating in her bubble to meet Dorothy or glittering across the stage as the magnetic Glinda that we know. The book, written by the ‘Wicked’ creator Gregory Maguire himself, serves as a sort of sister book to his 2025 novel ‘Elphie: A Wicked Childhood.’
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One thing is certain: Oz is growing again, and this time, it is through the prism of one of its most iconic and complex heroines. While viewers might think of Glinda as charming, poised, and bubbly, the latest novel by Maguire is sure to strip away that glamour. It will show the girl behind the glamour. Galinda is the youngest of four children in a family that was formerly highborn but financially challenged. This makes her childhood a combination of privilege and neglect.
She is very graceful and has a burning interest in dancing, traits she hopes will lift her family’s status and spotlight her own talents. However, these activities continue to keep her oblivious to the smoldering relationships within her society. Local traders are jealous of the business transactions of her family. So, they set traps for her father in an escalating struggle for survival and dignity.
This is the first time that fans will see Galinda as a child who has to walk the fine line between naivety and expectation. Based on the synopsis, Galinda starts to learn about strategy, resilience, and ambition as she watches her father navigate through her dangerous opposition. These early moments will plant the seeds for the young woman who later becomes Shiz University’s shimmering star.
The ‘Wicked’ Universe Is Growing More Than Ever
One crucial detail to note: ‘Galinda: A Charmed Childhood’ is a part of the continuity of the novels, not the Broadway musical or the film versions. The movies and stage productions based on his characters take different tonal and narrative turns. This implies that the Glinda portrayed by Maguire might not exactly resemble the one portrayed by Ariana Grande. However, that distinction offers fans a fresh, deeply literary angle to the character’s backstory.
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There is also exciting news for collectors in the announcement. There is already a small print of deluxe editions. A limited run of deluxe editions is already available for preorder. These companion books will probably be treasured items on the shelves of fans with the release of ‘Elphie: A Wicked Childhood’ in 2025. As a new film version of the Wicked universe is reportedly in early development, there is more to anticipate on the big screen, too. However, until those plans are verified, ‘Galinda: A Charmed Childhood’ is the next step.
