Judy Garland’s Daughter Lorna Luft Says Mom ‘Would’ve Loved’ “Wicked” Movie (Exclusive)

Judy Garland’s Daughter Lorna Luft Believes Her Mum would Embrace ‘Wicked’ Movie

In a heartwarming revelation, Lorna Luft, the daughter of the legendary Judy Garland, has expressed that her late mother would have adored the movie ‘Wicked’. The 72-year-old Luft shared her sentiments with PEOPLE during the opening night of Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends on Broadway, stating that her mother “would’ve loved it [Wicked]”. When asked about the songs her mother might have favoured in the film, Luft confessed she had no idea but was confident that Garland would have adored the production.

Luft further expressed her admiration for Stephen Sondheim’s extensive body of work and deemed it an honour to be present at such an event. Judy Garland, who passed away in 1969, captured hearts with her portrayal of Dorothy Gale in the timeless classic ‘The Wizard of Oz’. An iconic figure in American entertainment, Garland received accolades such as a Golden Globe for her role in ‘A Star Is Born’ and a Tony Award.

The film ‘Wicked’ delves into the backstory of the two witches from ‘The Wizard of Oz’, Elphaba portrayed by Cynthia Erivo and Glinda portrayed by Ariana Grande, showcasing the essence of friendship and the complexities of politics. Based on Stephen Schwartz’s award-winning musical adapted from Gregory Maguire’s novel, the movie’s sequel, ‘Wicked: For Good’, sheds light on the second act of the story.

With 10 Oscar nominations under its belt, ‘Wicked’ secured victories in categories like Best Costume Design and Best Production Design. The movie is set to hit theatres on Nov. 21, 2025, much to the anticipation of fans. Luft, along with her siblings Joey Luft, 70, and Liza Minnelli, 79, have continued to cherish their mother’s legacy and the impact she has left on the world of entertainment.

A poignant moment occurred in December 2024 when Ariana Grande, who plays Glinda, received the original wand used by Glinda in the 1939 film during an episode of The Drew Barrymore Show. Grande, who has openly shared her emotional journey embodying the role of Glinda, described it as a dream come true. Speaking on the Broadway Podcast Network’s ‘Sentimental Men’ podcast, Grande revealed that the experience of working on the film evoked tears daily.

Luft’s recognition of her mother’s hypothetical enthusiasm for ‘Wicked’ adds a personal touch to the anticipation surrounding the movie. The all-star cast of ‘Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends’ at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, featuring luminaries like Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga, provides a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Broadway’s history. As the release date of ‘Wicked: For Good’ approaches, the resonance of Judy Garland’s influence in the entertainment industry continues to endure, shaping the narrative of her enduring legacy.