The sister story to ‘Elphie’ is about to unravel in a clock tick.
Nobody can really say we’ve changed for the better after watching Wicked: For Good. But guess we can all agree that we’ve been changed for good. The film’s second chapter swept into theaters with everything we expected and so much more.
From the glitter-soaked spectacle of Glinda’s wedding (a moment so visually decadent it practically blinded viewers with tulle and emotional chaos) to that magically manipulative gaslighting sequence with Jeff Goldblum, Cynthia Erivo, and Ariana Grande (yes, that one, the convincingly questionable persuasion scene that had us rethinking our choices as well), the movie delivered iconic moment after another. And of course, who would forget the amount of tears shed during For Good?
The second film offered so much to unpack, especially after the first part taught everyone to embrace the many layers, contradictions, and beautifully messy nuances of both Glinda and Elphaba. And for many fans, that emotional roller coaster sparked a return to the world of Oz—some even cracking open The Wizard of Oz again, wondering if Hollywood might now be tempted to revisit it, especially after showcasing those spectacular transformations of the Tin Man, Scarecrow, Dorothy, Toto, and the Cowardly Lion.
Well, here’s a much grander treat for you: the creator of the original Wicked novel, Gregory Maguire, is returning with a brand-new prequel centered entirely on the Good Witch herself. Yes, the Glinda origin story that fans have been craving is officially happening. If the film’s limited flashbacks—those glimpses of young Glinda yearning for magic, approval, and a perfectly curated identity—felt too short, you can now prepare yourself to just see the pastel queen having the spotlight just for herself.
Here’s Everything You Need to Know About ‘Galinda: A Charmed Childhood’
The world of Oz has always been a place where imagination reigns, filled with complex characters who each deserve their moment in the light. Yet among them all, one figure consistently captivates the audience’s curiosity more than most: Glinda. Whether theater lovers adore her, question her choices, or defend her every sparkle-coated decision, she remains a character whose interior world begs to be explored.
Following the sweeping success of Wicked: For Good, Maguire expands his universe with Galinda: A Charmed Childhood, a novel that dives into the early life of Galinda Upland. The book serves as a companion to his recent prequel, Elphie, released earlier this year. Galinda is officially scheduled for publication by HarperCollins on September 29, 2026.
The novel promises a deep exploration into the making of the Glinda that we know—the toss-tossing, charm-charged, magically aspirational young woman whose bright exterior often hides a more complicated upbringing. Born the youngest of four in a once-prominent family now struggling to maintain status, Galinda grows up amid a blend of luxury, expectation, and instability. Early descriptions of the book suggest that while she is pampered, she is also overlooked, left to find validation through the one arena where she sparkles effortlessly: performance.
Her natural grace and talent soon begin elevating her in the district’s dance competitions, setting her on a path toward the dazzling future she dreams of. Meanwhile, her father faces growing resentment from local merchants who disapprove of his business practices. While he is entangled in political tension, young Galinda is busy charting her ascent, dancing her way toward a destiny she hopes will lift her far beyond her family’s influence.
Like Elphie: A Wicked Childhood, the new book is being labeled a sister volume, providing a complementary narrative that adds dimension to both characters. The first volume offered a raw, emotional exploration of Elphaba’s past, and now fans will be able to view the world through Glinda’s perspective, which is set to add contrast, connection, and even more complexity to the friendship at the heart of Wicked.
For collectors, a limited number of deluxe editions have already been announced for preorder. These editions will feature stenciled edges, designed endpapers, and additional embellishments that suit the Good Witch’s love of all things aesthetically magical. The standard hardcover edition will span 256 pages and be widely available wherever books are sold, with discounted preorders through the HarperCollins website.
This release marks the ninth novel set in the Oz universe by Maguire, narratively preceding his original four-book Wicked cycle as well as the Maracoor trilogy, which follows the life of Elphaba’s granddaughter, Rain.
The Wicked Spell Lives On: From Stage and Screen
Meanwhile, as Maguire’s Wicked universe continues to dominate both theater and film. The Broadway production remains a top-selling powerhouse, drawing crowds nightly with its soaring music and iconic storytelling. And of course, the two-part movie adaptation has only amplified the cultural obsession.
Wicked: For Good, the second installment of the film, is still showing in theaters and stars Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) and Ariana Grande (Glinda), alongside Jonathan Bailey (Fiyero), Jeff Goldblum (Wizard), and Michelle Yeoh (Madame Morrible). For anyone somehow still procrastinating on watching the film, this is the sign that you have been long waiting for.
With the movies giving audiences fresh glimmers into Glinda’s youth and the emotional complexity behind her polished exterior, the upcoming novel is poised to offer something deeper: a full portrait of the girl behind the bubble. The character who has long been labeled bubbly or shallow now steps into a new light, one that acknowledges her self-serving decisions, internal conflicts, and private heartbreaks as much as her charm and ambition.
Readers who have debated for years whether to love or hate Glinda may find new shades of empathy after discovering her origins. Her dreams, her limitations, the expectations she wrestles with, and the painful truths she must navigate all add richness to the character who has journeyed from novel to stage to film to global fandom.
Are you ready to discover more about the life of one of Oz’s most iconic figures? Well, mark your calendars because the book is set to arrive at your favorite bookstores in a clock tick.
Cover image credit: Universal Studios
