Fans are enchanted by the first glimpse of Scarlett Spears as Young Glinda in Wicked: For Good, with her striking resemblance to Ariana Grande’s portrayal and a touching endorsement from Grande herself, promising a deeper dive into the beloved character’s origins.
The highly anticipated release of Wicked: For Good is drawing near, and excitement for the final installment of the beloved musical-turned-blockbuster is reaching a fever pitch. As the release date creeps closer, fans have been treated to a steady stream of exciting tidbits, including the reveal that Colman Domingo voices the Cowardly Lion. However, no reveal has sparked quite as much emotion and conversation as the first official look at Young Glinda.
In a newly released teaser, audiences were given their first glimpse of Scarlett Spears, the talented young actress portraying a younger version of Glinda. This initial peek has resonated deeply with the fan community, not only for the enchanting portrayal but for Spears’ uncanny resemblance to the adult Glinda, played by superstar Ariana Grande.
The Uncanny Resemblance Ignites Fan Frenzy
The teaser, which dropped on October 22, showcased Scarlett Spears gazing into a bubble wand, only for her younger self to appear inside it. Audiences then cut to the mini-witch herself, adorned with blonde curls and a pink, sparkly outfit. Her line, “I want to be magical. For real,” immediately endeared her to viewers.
Fans were quick to point out the striking visual similarities between Spears and Ariana Grande, describing Spears as a “miniature version” of the pop star. The casting choice garnered widespread applause for its perfection, with one fan commenting, “Baby Ariana!!! 😭💗Oh my heart will break while watching the movie😭😭,” as reported by Us Weekly. The emotional reaction was a recurring theme across social media, with many expressing tears of joy and obsession over the adorable young Glinda.
Ariana Grande’s Heartfelt Endorsement
The excitement surrounding Young Glinda was further amplified by Ariana Grande’s heartfelt praise for Scarlett Spears. Grande took to her Instagram to share a sweet black-and-white photo of herself hugging Spears, both in full Glinda glam. Her caption was a touching tribute to her young counterpart:
- “My tiny girl in the bubble, played by the wonderful and talented @miss.scarlett.brielle 🫧”
- “Thank you for your beautiful work and for allowing the world to understand our Galinda more deeply than ever before.. ♡ I adore you so.”
Spears’ family, managing her social media, responded to Grande’s post with equally emotional gratitude, highlighting how Grande helped make “this little girl’s dream come true,” according to AOL. This exchange underscored the supportive atmosphere on set and the genuine connection between the two actresses portraying different stages of Glinda’s life.
Scarlett Spears: A Rising Star’s Journey
At just eight years old, Scarlett Spears is no stranger to the screen. She is widely recognized for her role as Donna Corinthos on the ABC soap opera General Hospital, where she has captivated audiences since 2021. Her portrayal of the funny, witty, and entertaining daughter of Sonny and Carly has already established her as a talented young actress in the soap world.
Beyond daytime television, Spears also appeared as Young Dora in the 2025 live-action Dora the Explorer movie, Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado. Her casting as Young Glinda in Wicked: For Good marks another significant milestone in her burgeoning career, solidifying her reputation as a young talent to watch.
Diving Deeper into Glinda’s Story
The introduction of Young Glinda is more than just a nostalgic touch; it signals a deeper exploration of Glinda’s character arc, a prospect that fans have eagerly embraced. Director Jon M. Chu emphasized the importance of this particular scene, even revealing that it was added during additional filming after the initial production wrapped.
In an interview with Deadline, Chu explained, “We had that scene in the script and I knew we should have kept it, but we didn’t shoot it at the time because we had a lot of other pressures. We always said ‘If we need it, we’ll go get it.'” This dedication to fleshing out Glinda’s backstory from childhood to her iconic bubble showcases the filmmaking team’s commitment to delivering a comprehensive and emotionally resonant narrative.
Wicked: For Good: What to Expect
Wicked: For Good picks up immediately where the first installment concluded. The narrative follows Elphaba, now demonized as the Wicked Witch of the West and hiding in the Ozian forest, while Glinda revels in the perks of fame and power at the Emerald City palace. The film’s climax will see an angry mob rising against Elphaba, forcing her to reunite with Glinda to transform herself and all of Oz for good.
The film, set to hit theaters on November 21, will not only complete the beloved story but also introduce two new original songs. Ariana Grande’s Glinda will debut a new number titled “Girl in the Bubble,” and Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba will perform “No Place Like Home.” These additions promise to deepen the emotional impact and expand the musical landscape of the Wicked universe, as detailed by Yahoo Entertainment.
The Legacy Continues
The anticipation surrounding Wicked: For Good is palpable, fueled by compelling casting choices like Scarlett Spears as Young Glinda and the promise of a rich, character-driven story. This second installment is poised to be a definitive cinematic event, offering fans a deeper understanding of the magical world of Oz and the iconic witches who inhabit it. The emotional connection cultivated through such thoughtful casting and storytelling ensures that Wicked: For Good will not only conclude the epic tale but also solidify its enduring legacy in cinematic history.
