Excitement is brewing in the world of Oz as author Gregory Maguire has officially announced a new prequel to his celebrated novel, Wicked. The upcoming book, titled Galinda: A Charmed Childhood, is scheduled to arrive in bookshops on September 29, 2026.
What We Know About The New Wicked Story
The 256-page tome will delve into the backstory of the beloved Glinda, exploring her life before she became the iconic roommate of Elphaba at Shiz University. Maguire, the New York Times bestselling writer behind the original Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, confirmed the publication for autumn 2026. While specific plot details remain under wraps, the focus on Glinda's formative years promises to add a new layer to the rich mythology of Oz.
Fans Rally For Ariana Grande's Involvement
Following the announcement, a unified demand has emerged from the Wicked fandom. On social media platform X, formerly Twitter, fans have launched a campaign for Ariana Grande, who portrayed Glinda in the recent blockbuster film adaptations, to narrate the audiobook edition.
This would mark the pop superstar's debut in the audiobook arena. Enthusiastic comments flooded the announcement post, with one supporter writing, "Can we have Ariana narrating the audiobook please?" Another exclaimed, "I WOULD JUST DIE WTF YEEESSSSSS," while a third confidently stated, "Ariana narrating the audiobook wbk [we been knew]."
A Divided Fandom: Excitement Meets Skepticism
However, the reception to the prequel news is not universally positive. Some dedicated fans expressed scepticism, pointing to their disappointment with Maguire's previous novel that focused on Elphaba's life, titled Elphie.
On Reddit, one critic shared, "I love Wicked but I just do not care about Glinda's childhood. Sorry, Gregory Maguire." Another user agreed, commenting, "Considering how disappointing Elphie's book was I'm not all that excited for it." Further criticism described Maguire's books as "unbelievably dull," while another user wryly noted the commercial aspect, quipping, "You've gotta hand it to our man, he's not gonna turn down that bag."
Despite the mixed reactions, the announcement has undoubtedly stirred conversation. The book's release in 2026 gives fans plenty of time to speculate on Glinda's early life and to continue their campaign for Ariana Grande's vocal talents. For now, the Wicked universe continues to expand, proving its enduring appeal.
