This is because the monkeys are the subjects ofElphaba’s first-ever spell from the Grimmerie.
The monkeys started out as regular apes, with them being the servants of the Wizard of Oz.
Soon after, this happens to the rest of the Flying Monkeys, turning them into powerful foes.

Act Two of the musical briefly touches on why the Flying Monkeys switch sides.
However, she is caught by the Wizard, foiling her plans.
ThroughoutWicked,it is made clear that Elphaba really cares about animals.

Custom Image by Yailin Chacon
Thus, it makes sense that Elphaba would befriend the Flying Monkeys.

Wicked adapts the Broadway musical into a two-part film, following the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, born with green skin, and Glinda, a popular aristocrat, in the Land of Oz. As they navigate their contrasting paths, they evolve into Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.




